Firth Third Bank Fees, fees, and interest on the fees! Then, long wait on phone line...and they can't take payment! Infuriating! Cincinnati Ohio

This (true) story starts with a credit card statement that was delivered by the mail - late -this past January. A late charge was applied to my account, and the late charge caused an overlimit fee, the two totaling $78. Several attempts to reach Fifth Third by phone resulted in unsatisfactory wait times to make payment. Several attempts were made. Finally, I sent a payment to pay off the entire balance, fees included.

Because I have not savings or checking services with Fifth Third Bank, I am not allowed to make an on-line payment. WOW.

The next month I got another bill from Fifth Third with another overlimit fee - with interest on the overlimit charge. Again, I attempted to call to resolve the bill. The customer service reps were unavailable and then time ran out - they close at 8pm - incredibly. Finally, on my day off, during the mid afternoon I am able to call and wait on the line until a CSR becomes available. They "understand" but can't remove the charges. Neither could the manager of the first CSR....my account was less than 6 months old. Hmmm....no matter that they received the payment for the full balance due plus $78 in fees....no, that was not enough...they needed to gouge me again for another $47.50.

It's not the amount so much as the principle of the matter. Fifth Third Bank was so unyeilding and unpleasant to deal with (not the people so much as the "policy") that I will never, EVER, use this bank again for any financial purpose - business or personal - so long as they operate in the manner that they have with me recently.

I caution everyone to be careful to avoid financial dealings with Firth Third Bank. If they will treat one customer the way they treated me, they will treat anyone that way. It is a bitter experience you'll want to avoid!

Pam
Portage, Michigan
U.S.A.