Bank Fight

Being poor has one advantage that I have discovered. We have an automatic transfer to two savings accounts left over from the days when we thought "saving" was a good and possible idea. Most paycheck cycles someone goes to the on-line bank and transfers this money back into the checking account. We forgot about it on Tuesday.

On Wednesday we had $170.00 of overdraft fees on top of our negative balance. We were roughly $130 in the hole without the fees. Leaving our $800 deposit down into the low $500's. I called the bank.

I talked to 3 different levels. I quoted policies. I pointed out that any human looking at this situation would see that we had the money in the bank, just not in a single spot. I explained that $170 was my water & electric for a month. I pointed out my family's need for water and electricity. I taunted that overdraft fees are pure profit for the bank. I pointed out JP Morgan Chase's 3.5 billion third quarter profits.

Finally, after an hour 'Michelle' at the executive office rescinded the fees. All of this is under the condition the I need to double check my overdraft protection and change it to a different account and that Chase does not try to profit off of ordinary customers.

I know there is someone, in fact I am sure one of my neighbors, that would be convinced that I am entirely at fault. I should know my bank account rules and pay attention! Fees exist to make sure I am responsible!

Funny thing, when you actually need the $170 to keep your lights on you feel like fighting to get it back is responsible. That is what I have learned.