How can I get Fifth Third Bank to reverse overdraft fees that caused me to go negative?

Question

First let me say I didn't spend money I didn't have! My account didn't go negative until I was charged the overdraft fee of $33 and then my account became -$32.65. I have Fifth Third Bank and was recently screwed by them. I had $20.85 in my account. I went out and knew that is how much I had. I was at a lounge and used my card twice. Once for $13.25 and once for $7.25 spending a total of $20.50. That should have left $0.35 in my account. Because it was swiped at a lounge they automatically added a tip when they swiped the card but I left the tip cash so it was never really charged to the account. Because the extra $4 was pending for tip my account went negative. That $4 was never paid out or charged to my account though. Now they are hitting me with $99 in overdraft fees! What can I do about this? I called and talked to a branch manager who said they were going to call me back and they never did. When I tried calling they said that person had stepped out. Has this happened to you to?

Answer 1

if it's the first time this ever happened with this bank - they might reverse the fees - call their customer service number

Answer 2

Working as a branch manager at a financial institution I can tell you exactly what happened.  That $4 that was pending on your account was there for 72 hours.  During that time the other 2 charges cleared your acct.  Since banks charge OD fees based on the available balance and not the ledger balance, that's why you got the fees.  They won't charge you while the items that are clearing are still pending, but once they clear, you get hit, and hard.  That's also the reason why I left big bank to work at small credit union.  Unfortunately, FifthThird Bank is run by a corporation and they are also a for profit business so every fee matters to them.  Credit unions on the other hand are non profit so your chances of getting fees back is greater, especially over a few dollars.  What I suggest is making a scene...sounds stupid and immature but if you go into a bank branch while other customers are watching and talk loudly, not yelling, usually a manager will show up.  Really, that's the only advice I have for you.  Just remember that pending charges like that occur most often at restaraunts, hotels and gas stations.  Always use your card as debit when possible.  Hope this helps a little.  Take care.

Answer 3

Call the customer service number. Tell them exactly what happened. They can refund it as a merchant error. Be really nice. If they still say no, then ask for a supervisor. Loosing your col will only make it worse. They will not want to help. Play sweet and sad. The sadder you are, the more they feel sorry for you. But I know for a fact you can get a merchant error refund as a courtesy from the bank.