Some customers angry about new BofA credit card
Some customers angry about new BofA credit card 8:30 AM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-021507-krg-bofa_backlash.3b6871c.html
08:30 AM EST on Friday, February 16, 2007
By TONY BURBECK / WCNC
E-mail Tony: TBurbeck@WCNC.com
Related Stories
New BofA credit cards target immigrants
There's a Bank of America backlash underway due to a new pilot program that allows customers without Social Security cards to get credit cards.
Some customers say they are now taking their banking elsewhere.
When it was time for Debbie Walker to pay for her haircut, this is what stylist Rob Yow told her:
"I don't take checks from Bank of America customers."
He'd had enough and asked Walker to pay cash.
"When do I finally stand up for what I believe in?" Yow said.
Walker said she can understand where Yow is coming from.
The bottom line is BofA's new pilot program in California ticked off Yow.
It offers credit cards to people with no credit history and no Social Security number -- a group that can include illegal immigrants.
Yow says it sends the wrong message.
"We're welcoming you, even if you're not here legally," Yow said.
Customers must have a federal identification number and three months in good standing with BofA
Bank of America says the credit card is not specifically designed or marketed for illegal immigrants.
Internet posts have people promising to close accounts and questioning BofA's "higher standards" ad campaign.
It's the butt of jokes on The Tonight Show.
Comedian Dennis Miller referred to BofA as "B of S."
Yow says this was that moment to take a stand.
"It seems like it's land of the free only if you're not from here," he said.
And Walker might be closing her BofA account as well.
"I don't know yet -- that's something I'll really have to think about," she said.
BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts.
Wachovia says there is a smattering of people who have been with BofA who have contacted Wachovia lately, but nothing worth tracking
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-021507-krg-bofa_backlash.3b6871c.html
08:30 AM EST on Friday, February 16, 2007
By TONY BURBECK / WCNC
E-mail Tony: TBurbeck@WCNC.com
Related Stories
New BofA credit cards target immigrants
There's a Bank of America backlash underway due to a new pilot program that allows customers without Social Security cards to get credit cards.
Some customers say they are now taking their banking elsewhere.
When it was time for Debbie Walker to pay for her haircut, this is what stylist Rob Yow told her:
"I don't take checks from Bank of America customers."
He'd had enough and asked Walker to pay cash.
"When do I finally stand up for what I believe in?" Yow said.
Walker said she can understand where Yow is coming from.
The bottom line is BofA's new pilot program in California ticked off Yow.
It offers credit cards to people with no credit history and no Social Security number -- a group that can include illegal immigrants.
Yow says it sends the wrong message.
"We're welcoming you, even if you're not here legally," Yow said.
Customers must have a federal identification number and three months in good standing with BofA
Bank of America says the credit card is not specifically designed or marketed for illegal immigrants.
Internet posts have people promising to close accounts and questioning BofA's "higher standards" ad campaign.
It's the butt of jokes on The Tonight Show.
Comedian Dennis Miller referred to BofA as "B of S."
Yow says this was that moment to take a stand.
"It seems like it's land of the free only if you're not from here," he said.
And Walker might be closing her BofA account as well.
"I don't know yet -- that's something I'll really have to think about," she said.
BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts.
Wachovia says there is a smattering of people who have been with BofA who have contacted Wachovia lately, but nothing worth tracking
0
-
When I start getting my school money, I'm going to dump 2 of my 3 accounts at my current bank and do most of my banking with USAA.
BTW, for all you vets out there, check out USAA for your vehicle and homeowners insurance. When I switched over to USAA for my vehicle insurance, my monthly bills went from about $90 a month to about $65 a month, and my coverage went from liability only to full coverage. It's an awesome deal...check it out.
If you have problems setting up an account online, then call their customer service number...you'll actually get to talk to a real person who'll do all the work for you.
www.usaa.com0 -
I have already notified them I will not do any business with them in the furture. No response from them. ahha must be keeping them busy.[:D][:p][8D] 0 -
California Senator Diane Feinstein will be unhappy to hear that she is losing customers. 0 -
Right out of the story..Quote: BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts. 0 -
Don't dump the BofA credit card.
OK to dump debit, savings, checking, money mkt, certs of deposit, IRAs.
But, keep the credit card.
Then use it for one purchase under $10 a month.
BofA gets their 50 cents fee; but here's what it costs them:
.....BofA PAYS overhead to maintain your account.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to prepare your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to mail you your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to process your payment.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to send you junk mail.
then PAYS return postage when you stuff the paid return envelope
and send it back to them.
Yoi pay 39 cents for a stamp and 11 cents for a check.
But you get tons of satisfaction knowing you are screwing them.
I do it, and love it .[}:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by select-fire
Right out of the story..Quote: BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts.
And your point?
Just because you're following the "rules" doesn't make it right.
BTW - I've had an account and credit card with BofA for 20+ years because of the convenience ...
... but then PayPal is convenient too.0 -
quote:Originally posted by kimberkid
quote:Originally posted by select-fire
Right out of the story..Quote: BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts.
And your point?
Just because you're following the "rules" doesn't make it right.
BTW - I've had an account and credit card with BofA for 20+ years because of the convenience ...
... but then PayPal is convenient too.
Also thousands of economic experts do say that this move DOES benifit the illegals!
They all say that a tax number is easy to aquire. I would have to agree as years ago I was trying to start a small buisness and went and got one. No ID of any sort was required for me to get it. I filled out a simple form and was given the number on the spot.
I say BofA is right on the same level as home depot as far as helping illegals!0 -
select-fire
Advanced Member
Egypt
16566 Posts
Posted - 02/14/2007 : 1:01:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RunForest
quote:
Originally posted by jimbowby
- This may not be Gospel, but I just talked to my local BOA rep and he tells me that -this credit card issue- program is centered in Los Angelous and is available ONLY TO EXISTING BOA CUSTOMERS--
--For What it's worth--JIMBO
Thats like a drug dealer saying he only sells drugs to exisiting customers. So what if hey are "exisiting customers", that just means B of A started the program earlier and gave credit cards to illegal without SS# earlier and just now is telling people about it.
Obviously you do not know the requirements to become a Bank of America customer.
GW.. the Bank of America guy.0 -
Seens this story answers it's own question
Some customers angry about new BofA credit card 8:30 AM
08:30 AM EST on Friday, February 16, 2007
By TONY BURBECK / WCNC
E-mail Tony: TBurbeck@WCNC.com
Related Stories
New BofA credit cards target immigrants
There's a Bank of America backlash underway due to a new pilot program that allows customers without Social Security cards to get credit cards.
Some customers say they are now taking their banking elsewhere.
When it was time for Debbie Walker to pay for her haircut, this is what stylist Rob Yow told her:
"I don't take checks from Bank of America customers."
He'd had enough and asked Walker to pay cash.
"When do I finally stand up for what I believe in?" Yow said.
Walker said she can understand where Yow is coming from.
The bottom line is BofA's new pilot program in California ticked off Yow.
It offers credit cards to people with no credit history and no Social Security number -- a group that can include illegal immigrants.
Yow says it sends the wrong message.
"We're welcoming you, even if you're not here legally," Yow said.
Customers must have a federal identification number and three months in good standing with BofA
Bank of America says the credit card is not specifically designed or marketed for illegal immigrants.
Internet posts have people promising to close accounts and questioning BofA's "higher standards" ad campaign.
It's the butt of jokes on The Tonight Show.
Comedian Dennis Miller referred to BofA as "B of S."
Yow says this was that moment to take a stand.
"It seems like it's land of the free only if you're not from here," he said.
And Walker might be closing her BofA account as well.
"I don't know yet -- that's something I'll really have to think about," she said.
BofA also says it follows all required government rules and regulations for opening accounts. Wachovia says there is a smattering of people who have been with BofA who have contacted Wachovia lately, but nothing worth tracking.0 -
quote:Originally posted by awinds
Don't dump the BofA credit card.
OK to dump debit, savings, checking, money mkt, certs of deposit, IRAs.
But, keep the credit card.
Then use it for one purchase under $10 a month.
BofA gets their 50 cents fee; but here's what it costs them:
.....BofA PAYS overhead to maintain your account.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to prepare your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to mail you your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to process your payment.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to send you junk mail.
then PAYS return postage when you stuff the paid return envelope
and send it back to them.
Yoi pay 39 cents for a stamp and 11 cents for a check.
But you get tons of satisfaction knowing you are screwing them.
I do it, and love it .[}:)]
Why in the world do you pay for a check & postage? I haven't paid a bill that way in years.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Zulu7
When I start getting my school money, I'm going to dump 2 of my 3 accounts at my current bank and do most of my banking with USAA.
BTW, for all you vets out there, check out USAA for your vehicle and homeowners insurance. When I switched over to USAA for my vehicle insurance, my monthly bills went from about $90 a month to about $65 a month, and my coverage went from liability only to full coverage. It's an awesome deal...check it out.
If you have problems setting up an account online, then call their customer service number...you'll actually get to talk to a real person who'll do all the work for you.
www.usaa.com
The tip regarding USAA, Zulu, is one of the best readers here will ever get on the issues you note and saving big bucks. As for myself, and a "block" of others like me, "Retired Enlisted" USAA has us blocked out! After conversing with officials at USAA HQ about this, they are well aware of this fact, and due to their inaction to pick us up, they make it clear that they do not want to insure us either. This "block" against us has to do with a specific "time frame".0 -
quote:Originally posted by gruntled
quote:Originally posted by awinds
Don't dump the BofA credit card.
OK to dump debit, savings, checking, money mkt, certs of deposit, IRAs.
But, keep the credit card.
Then use it for one purchase under $10 a month.
BofA gets their 50 cents fee; but here's what it costs them:
.....BofA PAYS overhead to maintain your account.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to prepare your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to mail you your bill.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to process your payment.
.....BofA PAYS overhead to send you junk mail.
then PAYS return postage when you stuff the paid return envelope
and send it back to them.
Yoi pay 39 cents for a stamp and 11 cents for a check.
But you get tons of satisfaction knowing you are screwing them.
I do it, and love it .[}:)]
Why in the world do you pay for a check & postage? I haven't paid a bill that way in years.
That makes a real person do the opening, posting, etc instead of the computer - more overhead.0 -
My Visa is from BofA....and I'm not going to cancel it.
I've had it since 1992...it wasn't originally BofA...it got bought out numerous times...and BofA is the lstest "owner"...but they have a low interest rate, and my credit is excellent, and they gave me a generous line.
I don't think its right, but WTH...I put gas in my truck knowing that 1/2 the profits go back to the Arab towelhead states, and are probably used to fund terrorists...but I need gas, just like I need a Visa0 -
quote:When I start getting my school money, I'm going to dump 2 of my 3 accounts at my current bank and do most of my banking with USAA.
BTW, for all you vets out there, check out USAA for your vehicle and homeowners insurance. When I switched over to USAA for my vehicle insurance, my monthly bills went from about $90 a month to about $65 a month, and my coverage went from liability only to full coverage. It's an awesome deal...check it out.
If you have problems setting up an account online, then call their customer service number...you'll actually get to talk to a real person who'll do all the work for you.
www.usaa.com
Zulu7
Add a "+1" to Zulu and Kimi's comments here. Slowly switching over to USAA for insurance, credit card and banking needs. They even let you scan your paycheck to them for a deposit! Don't even need to go to a bank anymore! (However, you do need a high speed internet connection and, of course, a scanner.)
I have to ask though, Kimi, what the heck are you referring to? Blocking out a group of "retired enlisted" from a specific time frame? What's that about? PM me if you don't feel comfortable replying here. Thanks.
Big Al (we're talking about financial institutions here, so be sure to read all the fine print and count all your fingers and toes, after you leave the building! [;)] )0 -
quote:Originally posted by bigal125
quote:When I start getting my school money, I'm going to dump 2 of my 3 accounts at my current bank and do most of my banking with USAA.
BTW, for all you vets out there, check out USAA for your vehicle and homeowners insurance. When I switched over to USAA for my vehicle insurance, my monthly bills went from about $90 a month to about $65 a month, and my coverage went from liability only to full coverage. It's an awesome deal...check it out.
If you have problems setting up an account online, then call their customer service number...you'll actually get to talk to a real person who'll do all the work for you.
www.usaa.com
Zulu7
Add a "+1" to Zulu and Kimi's comments here. Slowly switching over to USAA for insurance, credit card and banking needs. They even let you scan your paycheck to them for a deposit! Don't even need to go to a bank anymore! (However, you do need a high speed internet connection and, of course, a scanner.)
I have to ask though, Kimi, what the heck are you referring to? Blocking out a group of "retired enlisted" from a specific time frame? What's that about? PM me if you don't feel comfortable replying here. Thanks.
Big Al (we're talking about financial institutions here, so be sure to read all the fine print and count all your fingers and toes, after you leave the building! [;)] )
Initially, USAA was intended for officers only. I retired from the Corps when this was the case. Years passed and eventually USAA allowed active duty enlisteds to join. More years passed and they finally allowed to extend benefits to enlisted retirees. When this happened they did not include retirees who had retired prior to that date. Some of the info I have provided here might not be exactly correct, but there are tens of thousands of enlisted retirees who were cut out of these benefits years ago when USAA allowed to take on retirees who were enlisted. I was just one of the many. no biggie, though, I do okay without them.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
15 comments