ViewPoint Bank, National Association

WORST BANK EVER
- Anonymous - Thursday, January 7, 2010 - 1:34 PM

WORST BANK EVER...They rejected my application for a checking account! I'm shocked...I  have net worth of a million dollars and a high 800 credit score. No loans except a mortgage which is current. One credit card for 30 years with a high credit limit...also current...I've NEVER been late on any payments. Apparently I had too many inquiries? Well FDIC only insures up to 250K...DUH! They are turning away good customers...How STUPID! Don't know what kind of customers qualify...Maybe DEADBEATS? Don't waste your time applying at this bank

Alas, I Was Also Rejected For The Same Reasonas Most
- Anonymous - Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 9:51 AM

Alas, I was also rejected for the same reason as most-- too many inquiries (in other words, too many other reward accounts or CDs, etc.).  My credit rating is likewise very high.  But think about why they would want to reject someone like me...  It's not because I'm a deadbeat and owe money or the like.  It's because they know I will move a lot of money into their no-limit high-interest account but I will NOT in turn borrow money from them for a mortgage.  They also know (based on the # of bank inquiries) that I will turn around and move ALL my money out of their account as soon as their interest rate drops or I can find a bank that will offer a higher interest rate.  I was extremely upset that I was rejected for a CHECKING account, but in retrospect, I can understand why.  (PS:  No I don't work for them nor do I like their businsess practice.  I think they should stop offering NATIONWIDE rewards checking and instead restrict it to their local area.  They are obviously too small to deal with a lot of money flowing in and out and they will likely go belly-up trying to pay out the high interest.  Just look at what happened to CBDirect - they offered 3% on no-max-balance and now they are bankrupt.)

I Had The Same Problem As Others And Was Rejected Because Of The Report From Checksystems (Too Many
- Anonymous - Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 11:01 AM

I had the same problem as others and was rejected because of the report from Checksystems (too many inquiries).  I sent an e-mail to the President of the Bank and followed up with a call.  I received a call from a woman in the President's office and she was able to get everything resolved.  It was definately not easy to open an account.  I have been a customer for two months and so far everything is going fine. 

Absolute Checking Rate Dropped Again
- aezalpha - Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - 1:40 PM

I've never had any trouble with the bank itself...always encounter friendly and helpful staff at the branch.  However, the interest rate dropped for the 3rd time since we've been customers in September 2010.  We started out with 4%...and it just dropped to 1% this month (no warning at all, just an update to the website).

Horrible Internet Security
- bob3782 - Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 8:15 PM

I recently signed up for a checking account and part of the service was free online banking and billpay.  Unfortunately, these guys are so behind the times that they don't support any modern browsers -- no IE 9, no Firefox 4, and no Safari 4 or 5, or Chrome.  I couldn't even get into the billpay screens no matter what I tried on multiple computers and locations.  I'm an IT security guy and the reason you don't want to use the older browsers is that there are blatant and huge vulnerabilities in them.  By not supporting anything current, they are essentially advocating their customers to use highly insecure applications.

 

Horrible customer service and security.  With this lack of common secure browser support, I'd be surprised if they had a clue about Information Security and how to design secure systems.  I wouldn't trust them at all with my money so I immediately closed the account.

 

Please stay away.  Lack of security could lead to things like identity theft and many other issues.  Not worth the hassle until these guys get a clue.

I Opened An Account With Viewpoint Online And Via The Mailthis Month And Did Not Have Any Problems
- Anonymous - Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 7:31 PM

I opened an account with viewpoint online and via the mail this month and did not have any problems...it was completely painlessly.  I forgot to answer one of the questions and a representive called me to get the information over the phone so that she could complete the account activation right then and not send the paperwork bank to me in the mail to update.  I received my debit card and free checks in less than a week.  I don't have any credit card debt and I have multiple checking and savings accounts. 

Not Rejected... But Interest Rate Has Cut In Half In 6 Months
- robinm - Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - 7:33 AM

We were one of the lucky ones that got through and actually got an account (and I even have some credit issues). We signed up in September 2011 and the rate had just dropped the day before from 4 to 3%. As of January 1, it's down to 2%.

It's a shame - I like their online banking, their staff at the branches are always helpful, all in all it's a great place to be, but we are considering moving again to a higher interest rate.

There Is A Real Reason For All Of These Negative Comments
- William1234 - Friday, July 29, 2011 - 3:20 PM

I have never felt compelled to post on anything, but my recent experience with a loan officer from the Plano location has prompted me to post.  It was no surprise then to discover all of the other negative comments on this site.  There seems to be an underlying theme of unjust treatment of prospective clients from Viewpoint's presumptuous staff who ignorantly judge clients' financial situations.  

My personal experience with the loan officer (PO) was simply unprofessional and downright derogatory.  It came  unprovoked and, further, simply unfounded.  Not sure where this is all coming from, but, perhaps this bank is about to go under.  

Absolute Checking - Watch Out For Technical Requirements To Earn High Interest Rate
- disappointed - Friday, April 29, 2011 - 3:25 AM

I opened an absolute checking account in Sept. 2010 to take advantage of the high interest rate.  I thought I followed all directions given for establishing auto-pay.  Much to my surprise, I was told that the auto-pay I established did not qualify.  Then, once this problem was taken care of, the bank refused to give credit the first month I qualified, claiming they can change the terms.  I was very upset.  One bank manager was non-responsive and uncaring.  One, who I believe was higher up on the management chain, was compassionate and tried to no avail, to convince the bank to change its decision and give the credit the month it was earned.  Just be aware of all the technical requirements the bank sets. I am hoping that the situation is solved.  We'll see with my April statement.  I learned a hard lesson.  I am hoping you won't have to.

Account Opening Is A Pain
- Anonymous - Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 8:56 PM

Account opening is a pain. Unable to open account if have a few other inquiries from chexsystem.

Reward Checking Drops Again.
- bonnielane - Monday, July 23, 2012 - 6:29 PM

 Had not problems with this bank except the Rewards checking has been sinking like a stone this year. Rewards checking now down to 1% effective Aug. 1, 2012. Was 2 % this month. No notice to customers. Just noticed the rate listed on the website.

Automatic Bill Pay Stinks
- imrt66 - Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 7:35 AM

Viewpoint's on-line bill pay stinks.  Many times bills were not paid on time and I was stuck paying late fees and interest.  The bank just says "They didn't get the bill" and continue to make money off my deposits.  I plan to close my personal and business accounts.  How would you like to pay someone who doesn't do their job?

Extremely Pickier Than Your Typical Reward Checking Account Bank
- starlight - Saturday, September 11, 2010 - 1:48 PM

It took me three attempts to get approved.  I didn't receive anything in writing from them and had to call to find out the status and why I was rejected.   The first time I was rejected was because I simply put retired in occupation and they wanted me to put what I was retired from.  The CSR told me to reapply and I asked if writing the words retired from healtcare practice would be approval-worthy and received a yes that is how to word it.  I called a week later to find out that 2nd attempt was rejected too and the CSR explained that they wanted to know whether I had been a doctor or a nurse or what so i went through the whole explanation with this new CSR and applied a third-time with different wording of what I was retired from.  I had to get my signature notarized which cost $10 a state-set fee.  Finally my account is approved!

LONG waits to get plastic debit card and checks.  My account was funded July 29th and my checks haven't been received by September 10th.

I've also had difficulty depositing money into the ViewPoint reward account.  I had billpay at another bank send a check to them and ViewPoint bank returned the deposit check.  The VP CSR specifically told me that the sending bank had coded it wrong as a loan payment instead of a deposit and that the sending bank would have to do it correctly.  I called the sending bank and they said they don't add any information to what I input into their billpay system.  there is no place to check whether a loan payment or deposit or whatever - you just simply put the account number and the receiver can figure it out.  So I called back ViewPoint bank and they said yes the correct account number was on the check but they can only accept for loan payments not deposits.  I've used billpay to move money between at least 10 different banks in my lifetime and this is the first bank that didn't just simply deposit the money into my account. I finally got $25K into the account by snail mailing handwritten checks drawn on other banks.  I specifically got the sneaking suspision that the were doing wierd stuff to try to collect NSF fees from me but following murphy's law I had already allowed for anything that could go wrong would go wrong so I have not had any NSF fees.

I asked what the hold policy is on my deposit and they said 7 days and I said fine so it will be available a week from today?  They then replied well we don't count weekends so it woun't be available until tuesday after that.  Fine.  I read in another review that the hold is 10 business days so I am not ever going to rely on anything with this bank until I see it with my own eyes.  Everythign feels like they are staying up nights trying to dream up new GOTCHAS to ding their customers even when we frantically jump through every hoop they present.

This is a minor point but their website doesn't seem to be set up to where password software will work with it so you have to manually put your login which is a long number they assign to you and your password each and every time you go to their website.

now I learn that the cap is changing from $50K to $25K so I asked if I could open a second account and they said I could if I was a Texas resident but even current customers cannot open a second reward checking account.

So far I find them unpleasant and difficult to deal with being pickier about things than I have never experienced with any other bank ever.  With this bank, be particularly careful of GOTCHAS!



 

Customer Since 1978 And I'm DONE!!!
- charles - Monday, October 1, 2012 - 1:38 PM

Ive been a memebr since 1978 when they were a credit union.  Since they became a bank they lost all of their customer service, hit you with fees with out telling you about the changes in their program and they could care less when you bring a problem to them..   Do yourself a favor and go to a credit union.  You will see a big difference in customer service and No hidden fees

Take Your Money Elsewhere, I Know I Am.
- adp143 - Friday, August 17, 2012 - 10:05 AM

If you are reminiscent for the technology of the 80's and customer service on par with Sprint, this is the place for you.

The issues began when I wanted to change my name on my accounts to my new married name. I went to a branch with the necessary paperwork and was told that I needed my husband's approval to change the name on MY PERSONAL ACCOUNT to which my husband has no access.   They actually gave me a form to take home and have him sign. Reluctantly, I cooperated but I felt the need to remind the personal banker what year we were living in. 

After my new debit cards arrived I again went to a branch to get a personal pin number.  (Yes, although it is 2012, if you want to select your own pin you must go in person to a branch). At the branch they took my cards and ran them thru a machine that resembles a small toy ATM. I am not joking.  The individual did not know what they were doing and left the cards in the machine too long which deactivated the magnetic strip. Sigh.  So she placed an order for new cards and I got to start the process over again.

Fast forward to 18 months. Out of the blue I get a new debit card with the original account number (pre name change)... that was supposedly closed. I call customer service and no one can tell me why I was sent a debit card, probably because they left the account open this whole time... so instead of having my 2 active debit cards for the last year i have had 5.  I asked them to close the invalid cards and send me something in writing confirming this action had occurred.  They refused. They do not send customers anything in writing. In fact, they do not document anything on your account when you call with questions or issues. 

I am currently in the process of searching for a new bank which brought me to this site. I found the posts about their discontinuation of the 4%APY which caused me to go back and examine my statements. Sure enough, over the last 12 months my APY has slipped quietly from 4%...3%... 2% to this month where I am currently earning 1%. 

Sadly, my husband who has been a member for 10 years will be leaving this bank along with me. I can't say that I will not have issues with other banks but it really can't get worse than this!

 

 

 

Viewpoint Bank
- rosie43 - Monday, July 12, 2010 - 5:12 PM

I opened an account with Viewpoint bank about a week or two ago it was not approved. I called them and found out why and it was because my husband did not have any credit in his file and they told me to try again with only me on the account. (I am his caregiver and he is not able to write checks or use a credit card) I did reapply and put my husband and children on as beneficiaries and it was approved. Today I received my account number and debit card and also a copy of my application with the signature of the person approving the application and the date. It also has the names of the persons I listed as beneficiares so I have proof for my files.  I signed up for on line banking today and will find out if I was approved in a day or two. I called up to have my direct deposit started and the deadline to change the bank for my pension was the 10th of the month and it will not start until Sept. I did the online chat and was told the first month was free, so I should get the 4% for this month, but I will have to do the 15 debits this month and do one on line bill pay to get the 4% next month. I do not have a lot in the account yet I want o make sure the account is working correctly before I put a large amount in the account. I have used live chat twice and the person I that was on line has been very helpful and accomdating and answerd the questions fully. I was able to use select all and paste on word the whole conversation to print out. Hope this post is helpful.  So far I have enjoyed working with this bank. I liked that when they sent the papers back for signature that you did not put all the personal information such as social security numbers etc on the paper in case it was lost in the mail. When they sent the paper back to me it had my SS number and drivers license on the paper in their handwriting to verify the information I had given them was correct. No personal beneificiary information was put on that paper that was mailed back to me. Only names and relationship.



 

I Commented Above &Amp
- Anonymous - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 7:46 PM

I commented above & am adding info. 

My mom was rejected.  Turns out because she forgot to check off which type of account she as opening on her application form, checking or savings.  She got a letter back saying that & called & got told that as well.

So the application has been resubmitted.  We'll see if she gets approved this time.

Lack Of Customer Concern
- TheFriscoKid - Friday, June 29, 2012 - 10:34 PM

Viewpoint bank looks so cool with it's 20 somethings without neckties.

 

They are cute and have a good time talking to each other.

 

But recently I found out they simply don't care.

 

Someone called and closed an account I had there.  VP Bank said I did it. I denied it.

 

Did they help me open another account? Nope they simply sent me to the website.

 

This is a bank without personal concern for it's customers.

Viewpoint Is Horrible
- dbindallas - Thursday, April 18, 2013 - 10:11 AM

I would give less than one star if I could. After being a customer for over three years, I had them hold a pay check for a whopping 300 dollars... Really? 300. The online banking is unstable and never reports my actual balance, which I keep diligently in my checkbook. However, if you are one to rely on the online balance, this would NOT be the bank to use. The balance lags sometimes for 10 days, not including checks, that I realize take a while to clear. Then, after holding my same job for four years, with the same amount of monthly income, if I were to ever deposite at a seperate location than I regularly attended, they would place a hold on those checks as well... which is ridiculous.  There was a teller at the Garland location, Sayid who was awesome but really, he was the only good thing about the bank.

My Application Was Approved
- abc400600 - Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 10:17 PM

My application was approved. I had my DL notarized using a more formal form because the local notary service (in CA) rejected filling the less formal one provided by the bank. After that, I called them. They said that they would not accept it. And they also wanted my signature notarized.

I am also confused why they need a vote proxy form filled with the application and why they need fingerprint if applied in person. My feeling is that this is not a usual bank that I typically do business with. It's so wired. I am going to give it up because I suspect that they may have some legal issues with them.

After Reading All The Negative Reviews I Was Very Reluctant To Apply
- Anonymous - Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 8:13 AM

After reading all the negative reviews I was very reluctant to apply. I have opened a lot of checking accounts. Many of the accounts opened were just to collect the bonus. However, occasionally I would really like the bank and use them regularly. Then I started getting rejections when I tried to open some checking accounts. It seems that some banks like Green Bank, Perk Street and Capital Plains would reject you based on too many inquiries from CheckSystem. The first time it happened, I had ChexSystem send me a copy of my report. There wasn’t anything negative on it. I then would inquire with the rejecting CSR and they said that they were just trying to protect themselves from professionals who’s only purpose was to just collect the bonus and then close or not make use of the account. Obviously, that can be a shortsighted approach, especially if it’s used for a rewards checking account. 

I really would like the account at View Point because of the $ 50,000.00 cap and 4% but figured I’d just be rejected. I finally submitted my application and was surprised they approved me. One of the things that they are requiring is that I have my picture ID notarized. My experience has been that just sending a copy of your driver’s licenses is sufficient but these people want it notarized. 

Anyway, just wanted to share my more positive experience.

This Bank's Reward Checking Is A JOKE
- Anonymous - Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 9:35 PM

This bank's reward checking is  a JOKE....nothing but FALSE ADVERTISING! You would think you were applying for a mortgage or personal loan...NO.... they reject you for a checking account. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Must be a low rated bank ...Most low rated banks FAIL & get closed by the FDIC.Check rating at BANKRATE.com

I Have Opened Absolute Checking Account In Feb 2010 At A Local Branch In Coppell
- Anonymous - Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - 2:48 PM

I have opened absolute checking account in Feb 2010 at a local branch in Coppell, TX and it was smooth. I also received the interest for the month of Feb.

They were also offering a free 1 year lock box facility with no charges.

Absolutely loved it..

Did the people who got rejected apply it on the web??

NR

Veiwpoint Bank Holds Your Money Hostage
- JustMe - Friday, June 11, 2010 - 3:22 PM

I opened an account with Viewpoint Bank and gave them a $10,000 check from my other bank. The check cleared my bank a week ago, but Viewpoint Bank will not release more than $100. I spoke to a manager and told hiim I needed more of my money  to do grocery shopping. He kept repeating, "There's nothing I can do. We hold check deposits for ten business days." He sounded like a robot.

He said the information is written in the disclosures. I asked  him where since I read the disclosures and don't remember seeing that information. He put me on hold for ten minutes then came back and said, "I don't know where it is." I will be closing this account as soon as they release the other $9,900 of my cash!

Have No Idea Why All Of These People Are Having So Much Trouble With Opening An Account With
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 6, 2010 - 4:58 PM

Have no idea why all of these people are having so much trouble with opening an account with ViewPoint. I applied online, was accepted, just sent in my initial deposit as well as all of my paperwork to get it all started. Located out of North Carolina here. Maybe like someone else said, all of the ones that were turned down need to look within. They are a fine bank, and will accept you, unless theres something that you are hiding.

I Was Accepted &Amp
- Anonymous - Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 9:03 AM

I was accepted & had totally different experience than other reviewers.

First before applying I asked.  They & several other banks I asked, have started rejecting applications with more than 3-5 entries in chexsystem.  Meaning, if you've been chasing rates & opening a variety of accounts or credit cards, you'll be rejected.  Viewpoint had the toughest policy allowing the least number of checksystem entries keeping them for the longest time period.

I was under their number & my application process was smooth & much faster than the other bank I applied to.  The account was open within a week & 1/2 all through the mail and earned interest that month.  When I had a concern about my entry check & called to ask them something, the person was terrific tracking it down & allying my concern.  I have my debit card & have used it.

My cousin who's been opening credit cards for the free $100 offers, was rejected.  She noticed she forgot to check something on the application or it was copied incorrectly & may have caused an security problem (verifying who she is) & will be calling to see if that is why, or why it was rejected.

I'm Surprised By All The Negative Reviews Here Because I Opened An Absolute Checking Account At
- Anonymous - Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 11:15 AM

I'm surprised by all the negative reviews here because I opened an Absolute Checking account at Viewpoint in Oct 2009 and everything is going smoothly.  There were no problems with my application at all -- maybe because I did it in person?  The processes seemed to be skewed strongly toward requiring people to be there in person to open accounts, including requiring my fingerprints, so it may be that online applications are examined much more stringently or are in general not accepted.  Just a hypothesis.  If you are really interested in the account, then I would recommend applying in person to be safe.  The only hitches I ran into were temporary: they didn't accept a passport as a valid ID, my hubby had to appear in person to add him to our joint account, the online system wouldn't let me order checks, and I was confused about the delay for crediting interest (if you do 15 transactions in January then you get the 4% interest credited at the end of February).  Now that those issues are resolved, it's working just fine.  Oh, and the BillPay interface isn't as good as my last bank's, but I'm learning and my bills are being paid on time.  Customer service has been good, and there is a B&M location just a few miles from my house with extended hours.  If you live in the DFW area, then I would consider this bank to be a viable choice.

I Submitted Application Last Sat
- Anonymous - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 10:06 PM

I submitted application last Sat. and it got approved today. It is my 1st reward chk though I have a lot of chk accts in other banks. I'm sorry for those who got rejected by the bank. I guess it has something to do with existing reward chk accts at other banks.

I Think You Are All Misunderstanding How Chexsystems Works
- Anonymous - Monday, March 15, 2010 - 9:23 AM

I think you are all misunderstanding how chexsystems works.  And while yes, being a personal banker at a competing bank, while seeing a large amount of inquiries could be an indication of a rate-shopper (will not have an extended relationship with the bank but will rather leave once the promotional rate drops) that is not the reason you have been declined.  Multiple inquiries on chexsystems could also mean that individual has the means of check fraud, money laundaring, or structuring to promote terrorism.  Don't blame the individuals that are just doing their jobs with the restrictions set out by the banking industry (its called the Patriot Act, you may have heard about it after 9/11 and it completely changed the banking world).  As for consistantly moving your money around to make sure your 250k is insured... add some PODs, or talk to a wealth management representative.  I can't imagine its worth spending that much time just to get 2-4.00% APY. May be you could consider paying off that $750k mortgage on the house that's oddly enough not worth that much anymore. Its time to stop living like 100k millionaires and realize that a "Jumbo CD" isn't what it used to be. 

I'm So Glad I Applied To This Bank Before Reading All Of These Negative Comments Because I May Not
- Anonymous - Friday, March 26, 2010 - 12:21 AM

I'm so glad I applied to this bank before reading all of these negative comments because I may not have bothered.  I have 18 active checking accounts, 8 of which are rewards accounts, ooh excuse me, 9, View Point just welcomed me into my new reward checking account with them.

If you are being turned down, perhaps you should look within. 

P. S. I don't live near Texas and did everything online and through the mail.

Bank May Present I.D. Theft
- tborow1 - Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 11:11 AM

Be careful with this , after applying had to get fraud protection.....

This Bank Is Amazing
- Anonymous - Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 11:14 AM

This bank is amazing.  They have such great customer service and are available in so many ways, whether it be by phone, chat, email, or by going to a banking center if you live in the area.  They have been so amazing and they still hold that small town feeling even though they have expanded a lot.  In the past three years they went from 1.4 billion in assets to 2.5!  What other bank has done that in the last few years?  They have done it by making smart choices and being very picky on who they lend to.  I have heard some great stories of how willing they are to help people.  One of my friends had cancer and had no job and no one to help support her, so she got 17 NSF fees, because she had to pay bills, even if she didn't have the money.  When she explained her situation to a Chat Representative, they refunded her 14 NSF fees.  I'm sorry, but what bank do you know of does that kind of a thing?

As for not getting approved, they recently started being able to say exactly why you are not approved when it comes to Inquires.  If you have a closure, or they are unable to verify your Identity that is a given, but I know a lot of people were confused as to why they were declined when they had none of those issues.  More than likely the they had more than what the regional norm of Inquiries, which for Texas is 4.  If you have any over that, you will not be approved.  I also want to put out there that all of you who are making a big fuss.. first off, its not your God given right to have an account with anyone, and secondly all of your complaining is making them reconsider if they will offer this account to anyone out of state.  So congratulations on possibly ruining it for everyone. 

Honestly though, whoever banks with these guys are lucky, they are one of a kind in the banking world.

Do Your Homework People
- bankuser123 - Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 2:26 PM

Nothing but good experiences here. In fact, if you people do your homework about ViewPoint Bank, you will find that this bank is in wonderful shape compaired to other banks it's size. I would even say the are in better financial shape than most of the big banks. I am glad those that write bad review do not get accepted.  Thay will do nothing but serve to bring the bank down. That is why they are rejected. I found out they are doing another stock vote and offering. To bad I can't bye stock when it first comes out. But as soon as I can I will.

This is a great bank and always a pleasure to do businees with them. I am getting my family to open accounts there too!!