Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Account status incorrect
Consumer Complaint: Subject : Request for Investigation and Resolution of Predatory Credit Card Practices Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue related to the credit card practices of Bank of America ( BAC ), a matter that not only affected me personally but also raises questions about potentially predatory practices within BAC. I have been a Bank of America credit card holder since 2005 and have consistently maintained an excellent credit history, with a credit score well above XXXX for over two decades. However, a recent incident involving my Bank of America credit card has had a detrimental impact on my credit score, and I believe it is indicative of practices that warrant further investigation. The issue I encountered revolves around Bank of America 's lack of autopay services for the outstanding monthly balance for credit card payments. While this service was available in previous years ( or at least I remember it was in the past ), it has since been discontinued or purposely shut off or difficult to turn on ( i.e have to call customer service and they are unable to do it over the phone ). As a result, I was required to manually input each month 's payment, leaving room for inadvertent errors and omissions. The AutoPay of monthly balance is a common feature offered by virtually every business and bank in the country and is not a new technology or sophisticated technology. Additionally, I found that Bank of America is quick to charge late fees. In my case, a {$35.00} late fee was assessed on my credit card, solely due to the absence of an autopay, and I made payment in full for my purchases and interest that had been charged. Although I promptly made payment for the late fee once notified of my closed account, the derogatory mark remains on my credit report, resulting in a significant drop in my credit score. This practice raises several concerns : Predatory Behavior : Bank of America 's decision to discontinue or make it extremely difficult to use autopay services, a feature offered by most banks across the country, appears to be a predatory practice designed to generate late fee income. Unfair Impact : Customers who have long-standing, positive relationships with the bank, like myself, may be disproportionately affected by this policy change, which can have severe consequences for their credit scores. Lack of Warning : Bank of America 's failure to provide adequate notice or alternatives before closing credit card accounts can be seen as an unfair business practice. At a minimum they should look at the history of the account, pattern of payment/non payment, and if they are closing an account due to THEIR FEES and not due to payments made for purchases. I am not alone in facing this issue, as I have come across numerous individuals via reddit and other thread groups who have experienced similar hardships due to Bank of America 's policies. Given the widespread nature of this problem, I believe it is imperative that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigates Bank of America 's credit card practices thoroughly. I kindly request the following actions be taken : An immediate investigation into Bank of America 's decision to discontinue autopay services for credit card accounts and why it is so difficult to establish/not available at all. A review of the derogatory mark on my credit report resulting from the late fee, with the goal of its removal. My credit score needs to be returned back to good standing and not destroyed for a {$35.00} late fee BAC charged and was paid. An assessment of whether Bank of America 's actions are consistent with fair and transparent business practices within the credit card industry. I believe that addressing these concerns will not only benefit me but also serve to protect countless consumers from experiencing similar financial hardships. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution and the restoration of my credit score. If you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NY
Zip: 108XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Problem using a debit or ATM card
Consumer Complaint: On XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Colorado, I started an ATM withdrawal of {$200.00} from my phone in the Bank of America app. I sent my spouse, who is also on this joint account, into the Bank of America branch ( which required card entry ) at XXXX XXXX XXXX between XXXX to complete the withdrawal at a BOA ATM from our joint account. He went inside and saw two ATMs. First, he went to the ATM on the right to attempt the withdrawal. The ATM proceeded all the way through the process to the point of attempting to dispense the {$200.00}, however it started making noises and then a screen popped up saying that the ATM could not dispense the money, quickly followed by another screen claiming that the transaction would be reversed. It then asked if he would like to make another transaction but it failed to dispense the {$200.00}. He hit no and went to the ATM to left of it. At this ATM, he was able to continue the withdrawal that was originally initiated in the app and was able to fully receive the {$200.00} withdrawal. While XXXX was getting back into the car, I received the app notifications that two {$200.00} withdrawals had just occurred and was processing. XXXX told me what had happened and we figured since the ATM said it would auto reverse the transaction and since it was past XXXX on a day before a holiday, that we would wait until it was done processing to see if the bank auto took care of it, as was claimed it would. It had finalized processing on Wednesday, XXXX XXXX XXXX and there was no reversal of this withdrawal. We called Bank of America, routed by the automated system to to the Dispute and Claims department the morning of XX/XX/XXXX. We can not remember the name of the specialist we spoke with who heard our situation and said he filed a claim for the first failed {$200.00} withdrawal and a complaint against the malfunctioning ATM. He stated this problem happens frequently and would be an easy resolve in two business days. He also claimed he put a note on our account for the bank to take care of any overdraft charges that may occur while we wait for the claim to be investigated and resolved. Today, Friday, XXXX XXXX XXXX has now been the two business days and there is no resolution to our claim, of the Bank of America ATM stealing our money essentially. We called back and spoke to another agent who then said it could take up to 10 business day. We pushed back and stated that this is not what we were originally told, that it should only take two business days and we need our money back. She stated she escalated us to a hardship department, but will take two business days for them to review the escalation to then start looking into our claim. Considering the ATMs were inside a Bank of America branch, which is by law required to have cameras everywhere money is exchanged, in addition to the cameras on both ATMs, I am not quite sure why the bank is not able to easily watch what happened during those two encounters with their ATMs and validate the failed withdrawal that resulted in the theft of our money. This is technically considered a duplicate charge for one transaction, since the withdrawal was completed off the one, singular, withdrawal that was initiated via the app. There is sufficient proof existing that should allow the bank to quickly return our money. Update as of XXXX XXXX Yesterday their social media team reached out and connected me to an agent named XXXX. He claims he can't do anything, but did submit complaints internally within BOA for agents giving me incorrect time-frame as well as not ever offering me the ability to submit a hardship statement, especially due to BOA DECLINING my first hardship escalation. I faxed one in yesterday, including the police report I filed for XXXX Police Department. I find it interesting how BOA doesn't care it is stealing from customers, trying to gaslight us into believing their XXXX up is pur fault, and then on top of that, dismissing the fact that if you as a consumer don't even have the amount of money in your account that was stolen by your bank, how can they not see that as an automatic hardship?! I'm very close to my utilities being turned off and going very hungry now, the only thing saving me is the winter storm and expired rice and XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: MO
Zip: 64081
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Other problem
Consumer Complaint: Despite a stellar credit history and credit worthiness, Bank of America has decreased my credit limit significantly, causing my card to be over it's limit. This in turn has significantly negatively impacted my credit score due to the over-limit and skewed utilization from the decrease. I was not contacted about this or notified until after it was done and it has caused my rates on my other cards to go up and is 100 % a malicious business practice.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 94402
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Privacy issues
Consumer Complaint: Bank of America disclosed my credit card information to XXXX without authorization. I do have a relationship with XXXX but I am not contractually obligated to XXXX. As a result of an unrelated fraud event, my credit card was replaced. XXXX attempted a charge and the charge was declined. Subsequently, Bank of America provided the correct credit card information to XXXX and they charged my account. Bank of America is pointing to the terms and conditions as reason for the unauthorized disclosure. However, I am not contractually obligated to XXXX and there is no agreement for continued services.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NC
Zip: 284XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Problem with a purchase or transfer
Subissue: Card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase or transfer
Consumer Complaint: I am writing to bring to your attention an issue I have encountered with Bank of America regarding unauthorized charges made during my period of XXXX from XX/XX/XXXX, to XX/XX/XXXX. Despite my efforts, the bank has refused to reimburse these unauthorized charges. I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter and ensuring that I am fairly reimbursed for the charges incurred during the aforementioned period. Your attention to this issue is greatly appreciated. Dispute claim # XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 902XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Fraud or scam
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: I am outside USA it took me about 3 hours to talk to my Bank of America in XXXX, NY. I told the lady that contact me about my email because phone contact is very difficult. but I have not received email yet
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NY
Zip: 11746
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Banking errors
Consumer Complaint: I opened a CD at Bank of America on XXXX and deposited {$30000.00}. Annual percentage yield : 3.20 %, deposit period 13 months. Maturity Date : XX/XX/XXXX. I opened a CD on XX/XX/XXXX /Withdraw this amount in XXXX and find that the interest is only {$820.00}. It is easy to calculate {$30000.00} x 3.2 % = {$960.00} annual interest, and it should be more in 13 months. I asked the bank staff about this matter, but the staff didn't understand either. After asking my superiors, they replied : This matter is not under their control. I was asked to contact the CD department of Bank of America myself. I called the CD department and the staff said that they saw my response. The interest amount was {$950.00}, but he didnt know why it was {$820.00}. He couldnt make up for it for me. He could only report it to his superiors, and it might take two months to get back to me. This was clearly an act of fraud or corruption, so I reported the matter to the CFPB
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 91006
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Other problem
Consumer Complaint: XX/XX/2023 Bank of America XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC XXXX To Whom it May Concern : Dear Bank of America , I am writing this letter to request my account and Bank of America Credit card get re-opened and remain opened and my great relationship with Bank of America to be re-opened and remain opened. Credit cards needing to be re-opened and remain opened : XXXX. Bank of America XXXX XXXX Credit Card XXXX With gratitude, as a loyal Bank of America active member with multiple years of great business with Bank of America, I need my Bank of America credit card account and great relationship with Bank of America to be opened. I have never missed a payment, have always paid in full or even extra than the statement amount, and have been exemplary in this. This is evident by the continuous negative balance as I have always paid my card in full. In the past 3 years or so, I have talked to many representatives who misheard me or gave me wrong information regarding my accounts when I was simply trying to get a new account number as someone was gaining access to my account and me misplacing my wallet. I was told it was an error but still have not gotten my card re-opened yet due to this error. Additionally, I never reported any fraudulent charges or activity at all and have always reported that my charges are valid. Someone in your department possibly misheard me and made a mistake that affected me negatively but I am willing to move forward from this as you re-open my credit card and avoid closing it or revoking it. I have contacted Bank of America several times through phone and sent multiple letters but no one has responded to me. Customer service, fraud department, and other departments just bounce me around. In the midst of all of the confusion, which was also my fault because of miscommunication, it triggered activity on my account leading to someone closing my account in error. I am also not very technologically savvy and have a XXXX. It was a simple request to get new numbers due to someone gaining access to my account and me misplacing my wallet. I had not even gotten the chance to use my card fully which is what I was excited about. Moreover, this is going to hurt my credit score ( as I have a {$17000.00} credit limit on my credit card ) and will overall hurt my credit really badly so I want to avoid this. Moreover, due to this, I am unable to apply for a new credit card which I need for my travel, subscriptions, and medications. I am also traveling soon and will need my credit card. I have talked to countless representatives and associates even going directly to the bank but I have had no luck so far and no one has been able to help me. I am confident that in writing to you, I will get this resolved quickly and smoothly and get my Bank of America credit card re-opened promptly and I am very appreciative of this matter. I have developed an action plan and I pledge to you that I will do my due diligence moving forward to have optimal security avoid any misplacements or even fraudulent activity. I can assure you, this miscommunication and instance will never happen again, as I have took the proper measures to secure my accounts and identity. I also placed extra security including security alerts on both my social security card and the credit bureaus, changed my passwords to make them more secured, placed 2-factor authentications, and removed any authorized users. I am also happy to oblige and comply with any further action plans that Bank of America may want to ensure my security for my Bank of America credit card account moving forward including but not limited to any additional security measures you can work with me to ensure my accounts are safe and secure. As I have been, I assure you my credit card accounts will remain secure, satisfactory, safe, and, I assure you, there will be no further miscommunication or misunderstandings as I have now placed all the necessary security measures to avoid this issue happening again. I pledge to put forth great effort to establish a clear relationship and maintain the security of my credit card accounts. I pledge continue to abide by all of the rules, regulations, and policies of Bank of America. I would like you to please consider all of this, please consider my lengthy great relationship with Bank of America, please consider my personal outreaches and efforts, to get issues resolved ahead of time, please consider my excellent history including payment history, and please consider the negative impact this errored closure has been making on me and will continue to make on me including my credit, my medications, my purchases, my travel, membership and purchases, and others all due to this error that could have been prevented and I feel this is unfair, and please re-open my Bank of America XXXX Rewards Credit Card and send it overnight to : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX, CA XXXX I am highly appreciative of your time and of you re-opening my credit card and sending me a new number. Please do not close any of my accounts again. Please re-open and keep open my great relationship with Bank of America. Thank you for your time, understanding, patience and thank you for re-opening my Bank of America credit card. I am highly looking forward to my credit card getting promptly re-opened and me resuming my loyal secure credit card relationship with Bank of America again. Warmly, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Cell Phone Number : XXXX Social Security Ending : XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 951XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Unexpected or other fees
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: On or about XX/XX/XXXX Bank of America allowed someone else using my Name, ( maiden name ), to collect all pandemic relief benefits awarded through my unemployment/XXXX accounts. I was asked to show identification verification to Bank of America in XXXX of XXXX and notified unemployment XXXX department as well. Bank of America verified that in fact they did do this as my identification number and name was never verified prior to this time at all. I am still awaiting reimbursement of these benefits to be given to me and don't know what else I can do to get my stimulus benefits refunded to me.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 922XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2024-01-10
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Other problem
Consumer Complaint: XX/XX/ Bank of America XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC XXXX To Whom it May Concern : Dear Bank of America , I am writing this letter to request my account and Bank of America Credit card get re-opened and remain opened and my great relationship with Bank of America to be re-opened and remain opened. Credit cards needing to be re-opened and remain opened : 1. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card XXXX With gratitude, as a loyal Bank of America active member with multiple years of great business with Bank of America, I need my Bank of America credit card account and great relationship with Bank of America to be opened. I have never missed a payment, have always paid in full or even extra than the statement amount, and have been exemplary in this. This is evident by the continuous negative balance as I have always paid my card in full. In the past 3 years or so, I have talked to many representatives who misheard me or gave me wrong information regarding my accounts when I was simply trying to get a new account number as someone was gaining access to my account and me misplacing my wallet. I was told it was an error but still have not gotten my card re-opened yet due to this error. Additionally, I never reported any fraudulent charges or activity at all and have always reported that my charges are valid. Someone in your department possibly misheard me and made a mistake that affected me negatively but I am willing to move forward from this as you re-open my credit card and avoid closing it or revoking it. I have contacted Bank of America several times through phone and sent multiple letters but no one has responded to me. Customer service, fraud department, and other departments just bounce me around. In the midst of all of the confusion, which was also my fault because of miscommunication, it triggered activity on my account leading to someone closing my account in error. I am also not very technologically savvy and have a XXXX. It was a simple request to get new numbers due to someone gaining access to my account and me misplacing my wallet. I had not even gotten the chance to use my card fully which is what I was excited about. Moreover, this is going to hurt my credit score ( as I have a {$17000.00} credit limit on my credit card ) and will overall hurt my credit really badly so I want to avoid this. Moreover, due to this, I am unable to apply for a new credit card which I need for my travel, subscriptions, and medications. I am also traveling soon and will need my credit card. I have talked to countless representatives and associates even going directly to the bank but I have had no luck so far and no one has been able to help me. I am confident that in writing to you, I will get this resolved quickly and smoothly and get my Bank of America credit card re-opened promptly and I am very appreciative of this matter. I have developed an action plan and I pledge to you that I will do my due diligence moving forward to have optimal security avoid any misplacements or even fraudulent activity. I can assure you, this miscommunication and instance will never happen again, as I have took the proper measures to secure my accounts and identity. I also placed extra security including security alerts on both my social security card and the credit bureaus, changed my passwords to make them more secured, placed 2-factor authentications, and removed any authorized users. I am also happy to oblige and comply with any further action plans that Bank of America may want to ensure my security for my Bank of America credit card account moving forward including but not limited to any additional security measures you can work with me to ensure my accounts are safe and secure. As I have been, I assure you my credit card accounts will remain secure, satisfactory, safe, and, I assure you, there will be no further miscommunication or misunderstandings as I have now placed all the necessary security measures to avoid this issue happening again. I pledge to put forth great effort to establish a clear relationship and maintain the security of my credit card accounts. I pledge continue to abide by all of the rules, regulations, and policies of Bank of America. I would like you to please consider all of this, please consider my lengthy great relationship with Bank of America, please consider my personal outreaches and efforts, to get issues resolved ahead of time, please consider my excellent history including payment history, and please consider the negative impact this errored closure has been making on me and will continue to make on me including my credit, my medications, my purchases, my travel, membership and purchases, and others all due to this error that could have been prevented and I feel this is unfair, and please re-open my Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card and send it overnight to : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX I am highly appreciative of your time and of you re-opening my credit card and sending me a new number. Please do not close any of my accounts again. Please re-open and keep open my great relationship with Bank of America. Thank you for your time, understanding, patience and thank you for re-opening my Bank of America credit card. I am highly looking forward to my credit card getting promptly re-opened and me resuming my loyal secure credit card relationship with Bank of America again. Warmly, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Cell Phone Number : XXXX Social Security Ending : XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 951XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2024-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A