I over-drafted due to an ATM service charge.... now what?

Question

I went to Target to buy some DVDs, and I didn't know whether or not I had enough money, so I went to the ATM to check on my balance. Well, instead of appearing on screen, like some ATMs do, this one decided to print out the balance. However, the ATM did not have ink, so my balance didn't appear! I tried again, and it still didn't come out right. So I just assumed I had enough money, so I paid for the DVDs.

I ran by my local bank and checked my balance there, and it said I had $2.83 left. When I checked online for my debits that day, what I had left + what I had spent at Target = the total of my bank account. So I thought I was good...

Today, I get a letter from the bank, telling me I had over-drafted. I checked online again, and I found that the ATM had charged me $1.50 both times I had accessed it, putting me to -18 cents! And it didn't even work properly! What the h**l?! I am so pissed right now.

What should I do? Is there a way I can argue this in my favor to the bank?

Answer 1

Sounds like you are cutting things a bit too close.  $2.83 in checking and you thought you were good.   Learn to balance check book and know what is outstanding and what is in.  

Always try to keep at least $100 in there.

Answer 2

Get a savings account and have it provide over-draft protection if you're going to live so close to the edge.

Also, a second-job might be in order so you can truly afford these DVDs you find so necessary.

Answer 3

call your bank and dispute the charge. explain what happend and more then likely they will credit your acct. be firm but nice. don't take no for a answer. if they say sorry we can't ask to speak to a supervisor. they will put you on hold forever.

Answer 4

If the atm wasn't particular to your bank (which i assume its not because you were charged fees) then you cannot collect the fees from the bank, because they probably don't view your account as very profitable. You could try, but i doubt they would do anything. Chances are, for such a small overdraft, you could just bring the balance out of the red, and they won't charge you an overdraft fee. If they do, just call and ask for it to be removed, or better yet, go into the branch.

One question- why did you try again to view the balance if you knew the ink was out? You should know that it charges you for all transactions in an atm if it is not that particular bank's atm.

So, you did make a mistake, and be happy that they probably will not charge you the extra 29 dollars for overdraft.