BB&T

I personally keep my money with credit unions, because over the past few years banks have done little to persuade the average american that they're institutions worth keeping around and not insatiable greed-monsters with vacuum maws. I write this review, however, to paint a picture of the kind of business practices employed by BB&T. First, a little backstory. My grandfather kept a minimum of $200 at this branch, a branch that used to be Susquehanna Bank. It's not his local bank, but when him and/or my grandmother come to visit, it's convenient for them as they're the kind of people that enjoy giving gifts to their family on a constant basis. He passed away recently. A couple of weeks after his funeral, my grandmother wrote a check out from this account. The check was for $10. That tiny check actually overdrew the account by a few dollars. They called her the next week to inform her that the account was overdrawn and would therefore be assessed a fee of $36. She explained that the account holder had passed away, though had incorrectly assumed there was at least the minimum balance left to keep the account open. While they gave their "sincere condolences," they opined that there was nothing they could do in regards to waiving the overdraft fee. If this case isn't a candidate for "most obvious person to have an overdraft fee waived," I don't know what is. Her situation should be in a textbook used for Ethics Training seminars, and should you mishandle this scenario during said seminar, not only should you fail but the proctor should stamp your forehead with the word "douchebag" in big red letters. Hearing of or directly experiencing such thoughtless business practices usually just fills me with varying levels of disgust, but this instance--of such practices being leveled against someone in a vulnerable position--instead makes me feel directly outraged. Money's important. Consider the kind of people you're leaving it with.