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Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 3:23 PM

HORRIBLE!!!!

Ally Bank (1 stars)
After setting up an acct with ally,  I then initiated a fund transfer to ally (using ally's online system). I called ally beforehand to make sure it would be ok since the 30 day time frame to deposit was approaching. I was ASSURED that as long as I initiated the transfer before 30 days, it was fine. I waited patiently for several days but received nothing from ally.. no e-mail, no phone call. I signed onto my ally acct. and now my balance showed a NEGATIVE dollar amount instead of zero. When I called them, they said my acct had been closed because I didn't deposit money in time! BUT.. they had taken my money from my other bank! Incredulously though, they said at the same time that since the acct. was closed that they DIDN'T really have my money! My "old" bank confirmed the monies had been sent to ally. MORE calls to ally.. they have NO idea where my money is or how to get it back! I go into my "old" bank and they actually spend a LOT of time helping me figure it out although they had NOTHING to do with the problem. With the information (ACH tracking numbers that ally wouldn't bother looking for) from my "old" bank, I call ally AGAIN ( I don't even know how many times I called ally). This time (after mentioning perhaps banking authorities might be notified) they miraculously are able to find the money! I am STILL waiting for the money to be returned to my "old" bank. Funny.. their claim to fame.. being an ultra modern, high-speed, web-based bank.. sure seems like BS when you consider it has been over TWO WEEKS and I STILL don't have my money back and they weren't able to find, track, or identify ANYTHING! I had to go into an old-school, brick and mortar bank and have a REAL PERSON help me! So, an online bank may give you a little interest and allow you to use ATMs nationwide, but JUST WAIT until something goes wrong! THEN you will wish you had a REAL PERSON to help you! The winner here is oddly enough.. BANK OF AMERICA (my "old" bank)!  haha! Caveat Emptor!
12
cbcb1 posts since
Jul 27, 2010
Rep Points: 12
1. Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 7:04 PM
I called ally beforehand to make sure it would be ok since the 30 day time frame to deposit was approaching. I was ASSURED that as long as I initiated the transfer before 30 days, it was fine.

What was the purpose in setting up a transfer to fund an account 30 days after opening?  Their best rate guarantee is for 10 days.  Expecting a rate reversal / increase?  As for BoA being a winner - every dog has his day.  I'll lay odds they're complicit.  Thankfully you'll only be out small change at .10 APY%.

 
7
CraigPDCraigPD76 posts since
Jun 12, 2010
Rep Points: 277
2. Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 9:52 AM
Not to defend Ally, but:

You should be aware (or be made aware) that most banks would close the account (especially new account) if it shows zero balance for a specified period of time. 

The ACH system is automated, thus the processing is somewhat unpredictable and unmanageable, especially when there are "exceptions."  Most likely, due to Ally's account closure, your fund got bounced back and forth and eventually ended up at Ally (it may also ended up at the originating bank).  The source was that you did not make a deposit within the required timeframe.  All automated systems (e.g., ACH, BillPay) handle irregularities poorly.  You are lucky that you did not get hit with a fee for insufficient/negative account balance:-)  The general consequence for this incident is minimal, a free lesson for the future.

We have Ally online savings account for a long time and are very pleased with their service.  One can often reach a "real" CSR withina short wait any time of the day. 

Just another data point of Ally service for the general readers.
9
51hh51hh566 posts since
Jan 16, 2010
Rep Points: 2,804
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