WAMU Business Banking Sucks

Washington Mutual Business Banking Sucks

1. I can't transfer money between two business accounts owned by the same company.
   I've asked for explanations for months and no one can tell my why.
2. I'm unable to login to the Online Business Banking Website.
   I've tried logging in for WEEKS and get the same error that its unavailable.

I've called their "online banking help line" and I've been told that the estimated wait time is 13 minutes or longer virtually every time!

So, I've decided to post a screenshot of the error everyday on this blog until they fix it.

Update:  After the hold, a *very nice* representative told me that the "online business banking site has been down for weeks and there are teams working on it but there is no ETA on when it will be up again.

Holy Muther!?

I'm moving my business to a real bank.

Comments

[ann]

I agree. This is unheard of. No customer support or information. It's obvious that WAMU does NOT care about customers. Not even an email or apology. It's totally crazy. I'm moving my money too.

Terrible bank

Ann

[matmis]

Personal banking online at WAMU sucks, too. I've just talked with customer call service, it's totally "catch-22"

[TIM]

wamu business checking sucks. the fees are outrageous and customer service is bad..Go somewhere else.

[jimbo]

Ditto!

WAMU just screwed my over good. I applied for a simple Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on an investment property. They said, "no problem!" I told them property was in trust. They again said, "no problem." We do trusts all the time. We can get this done in a few days.

I was approved within five minutes. Then...

BIG PROBLEM!

Ignorant underwriters got hold of the file. They said the trust was a problem. They didn't understand it. My attorney who's a trust expert drew up all the papers. They said I had to change it and show myself as beneficiary instead of my attorney. Fine. Done. That wasn't enough. I then had to record the document. We don't usually do that, but ok. Done. Well, then, they still had problems with the title. Fine! I finally deeded to property to myself personally and recorded it.

After another week of delays, they say, "we can't do the loan." We think the loan officer has manipulated the transction just to get the loan closed. He did it just to get an extra $10 in incentives for making the loan. So, we can't do it.

I say, WTF?!

I changed the title based on what you dingle berries at WAMU asked for. I took a business asset and put it in my personal name to make them happy. Then they deny the loan that they already approved. And, it took over a month to come to that rediculous decision, when you told me this could be done in a matter of days.

These guys are rank amateurs. Mindless people are being directed by even more mindless managers. They not only lost this loan, but they will loose my other business line of credit, checking accounts (business and personal) and all other business that would have come their way.

I anticipate borrowing in excess of 5 million dollars this year for business expansion. WAMU's share of business = zero!

Don't do business with WAMU. They are a consumer orientied bank of kids running around without a clue as to what they are doing. They think they're all hip with their anti-banker ads and their cool, young branches and approach.

For business, I'd rather sit across a mahogany desk from an crotchty, grey-haired old-timer who knows what the hell he's doing. At least he will have a clue about business finance and how to treat business customers.

[Joe]

WAMU is the WORST for customer service. Anybody having trouble getting the phone numbers to corporate headquarters or the levy department? WAMU CSR people are NOT ALLOWED to give these phone numbers out! They are also not allowed to give out the address to corporate headquarters. I DID GET THEM through a tremendous amount of struggling and it's HIGH TIME to make this info available to WAMU customers! So for all of you folks that can't find this info, here it is:

Corporate Headquarters:

WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK
WAMU Center
1301 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
1-206-461-2000

If you have problems with your bank accounts being held, the LEVY DEPARTMENT phone number is:

Phone: 1-818-775-7450
Fax: 1-818-775-2108

The LEVY DEPARTMENT'S hours of operation are:
Mon - Fri, 9a - 6p PST

[Ty]

I have been a WAMU customer for over 10 years. Recently, I won a case against a person who also banks at WAMU. I garnished their funds and delivered a court order to WAMU to hand over the funds. This is where the merry-go-round begins. Since January, 2007 I have been going back and forth with WAMU's Levy department. Most of the delay is that they never return phone calls when they say they would. Several times I would speak to someone there and give them the case number and depending on the person, they can either find the case or not. If not, they say they will have to get back to me, which they never do. I finally got so frustrated that I called them every day. Some of the stories they told me was: 1) they don't have records of the person I sued. 2) they sent the check to the County Clerk's office -- no check. 3) the supervisor that was handling the case left the company. 4) we don't have (lost) the court order. -- I send them another one.

The incompetence just continues. As of this writing I still have not received the money. I don't know what else to do. I suppose I will now have to re-hire my attorney just to get something that I am entitled to. This is so frustrating. Where can I write to someone at WAMU that will take my complaints seriously. I really want to bring attention to their Levy department.

[John]

I can't even deposit my checks by ATM at WAMU. They returned my checks and told me that I had to deposit inside the branch! Customer service at this bank is horrible! I've complained to their customer dis-service (not service because it's an oxymoron with this bank.) They don't seem to care at all. I pulled my money out and found another bank that actually valued my business.

[Nick Kraft]

Amen, this bank sucks big time. I use the daily listings of charges on my credit card, not only to keep my eye on possible identity theft, but also as a business management tool for my airplane sales and brokerage business. The daily listing of charges went away on Thursday and has not returned, although I was told it would be up by that evening. When calling the customer service line, you normally get a person, probably Indian, who does not know his hind end from deep center field and can't be of help.
When I ask for a corporate number, I get stone walled. I guess if I were a corporate officer I wouldn't want to get an ear full either.
Providian did not seem to have these problems before WaMu took over.

Disgusted in Florida and just about ready to switch banks. Haven't done so yet, because any number of accounts are charged directly to my account and it would be a pain in the a-- to have to change all that.

NJK xxxxxxxxxxxxxx4722
Florida

[Ye]

***********
Question:

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Answer:

You should immediately report a lost or stolen debit card either at your nearest Washington Mutual Financial Center or by calling customer service at 800.788.7000. You can order a replacement card at the same time.
***********

Guess what, you get no help as Saturday evening if you lost your debit card.
The service number they give you is just a catch-22 game.
Don't choose wamu, they are the worst you can get when you need them.

[Ye]

Someone above me said "Wamu is consumer oriented bank".
I have to object that -- it is NOT consumer oriented.

when there is no problem, all banks seem the same, it is when there are problems, you can draw a difference between good bank and bad bank.

I was planning to open a business account there, luckily I found out how NON-EXISTENT customer services are, so I don't have to trap my self in their shit hole bank.

[Felipe Arbelaez]

Thank you Jimbo for wamu's levy dpt number.
today i spent hours talking to these people.
I only needed the court who ordered the levy on the account by a debt collector so i could fight the charges.
I told wamu that they were required to provide me with this info. They said they mailed it and it was my problem if i didn't receive my email.
Then someone (after a 40 minute wait) came back saying that the court who ordered
the levy was THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Can you believe that? they don't mind lying openly just to protect who?

There is power only in numbers. enough people out there pretty pissed about the abuse by banks that go unpunished. However there seems to be no ability to create a significant mass of people to do something about it. Anyone with legal background have any ideas?

[Mel]

I want to thank you sooooo much JIMBO for posting WaMu's numbers. You saved me a great struggle with yours. You're not kidding when you say they have the WORST customer service. My head is exploding from the aggravation with these people. I may now need high blood pressure medication. Thanks again.

[Flip]

Oh my goodness.... I have referred loads of people to WAMU and have been royally screwed by them. I have had a release of levy faxed to there levy department and even though I called the number above they told me that I couldn't speak to them directly I had to talk to customer service whom can't answer any questions. I am so pissed right now.

[angelina]

the online site is terrible it's always down due to maintenance and not just at odd hours of the night. what's the point of having an online feature if it never works?? other than that I haven't had much trouble with them, i just use a checking/and savings account, i like that the fees are low to none but still their online features are terrible

[Traveler]

Thanks fro the information Jimbo. After traveling and not checking my accounts I noticed two charges from the Levy Dept. that have no idea where they are cming from. I have the prefect credit, money and never use the cards. so why charges of more than $700.00?
Anyways, I will start the process of calling, and trying to get information tonight, as I am out of the country, but repr. did not give me numbers nor available times to call.

Ye: We can at least get a journalist to write about the Levy dept in newspappers, etc. I am just not in USA. Or the other option is to make a list with signatures etc ???

Let see how it goes for me. At least I have read and been warned by all of you.
Thanks,
traveler

[doreen]

thank you jimbo so much for that info on wamu; i have been granted a levy release but wamu is stating they never received it...irs sent in on nov. 02 and it's now nov. 22 and wamu is ready to take $2040 from my account next tuesday b/c they claim they don't have record of it! i hate them!

[Denise]

I agree, WAMU is not the place to bank if you value customer service. I had an issue with a deposit. I placed it in atm and later found that they are processed elsewhere like in 2 days. Well in meantime checks were being paid and one was returned NSF. I couldn't understand why because I thought funds would be credited following day regardless of where you deposit your money at a branch. When I first found out about the NSF, I immediately call the bank. I was shocked to learn that the person I was speaking to was located in India! I was told that it would take about 5 business days to resolve the matter. I went to the branch in person and explained what happened and was told by a bank rep that if I put check in night deposit it would be immediately credited to account next day. She said no problem I will right to your vendor and get the NSF fee reversed. She wrote a letter but never reversed the fee. I never received a copy of the letter. Placed a check in night drop Friday am before the bank opened and found out that by Friday midnight it had not been credited to account. Terrible bank run by incompetent youngsters without a clue about customer service. I too am taking my money elsewhere.

[GV]

Back on '06 my wife opened a couple of savings accounts for my two young children. Her name was primary account holder. On 1/07 my wife was placed on hospice care after 3 years of cancer. On mid 2/07 I went to the local branch office to inquire as to what steps to take to change the primary to my name when my wife expires. Three tellers could not provide me with the proper answer before they got the branch manager. The branch manager couldn't either. He stated that her physical presence was needed. I explained to him that she was on a respirator and if a phone call would do-the answer was no. He finally told me that I had to bring each child individually to ask them privately if they wanted me on their accounts. Based on their answers he would make a decision. I left and 1 months later my wife expired. Almost 90 days later I went back to the same branch armed w/a will and a trust. I was attended by the receptionist and forwarded to the branch manager and told me that it was ok to make the changes. That answer changed quickly when I was inquired about the date of expiration. Apparently, the cahnges can be made w/in 60 days of expiration with no problem. After 60 days I must get a court order that declares me to be the only legal guardian. I was very pissed and explained to her that if they had initially given me that info I would have done all of this sooner. Add insult to injury-If I do this, each application filed will with the courts will cost me $800 a piece. Some Bank!

[jordan]

thanks to jimbo and everyone else i had no idea how s$%78 a banking company wamu is. i recently had my card information stolen and used and now that im trying to make a claim with there "so called" claims department im getting the big F&^$& run-around. luckly i was able to get a hold of the company that was charging my account $129.00 a month and told them that they would refund my money. but when i contacted WAMU's claims department and gave them some info they told me that that would investigate the claim and get back to me, and that i should file a police report! They also said the FOR ANY COMPANY TO EXCEPT MASTER CARD THAT COMPANY HAS TO BE REGISTERED THE THE "MASTERCARD COMPANY". so im now hunting for mastercard corparate #s to find this B.S company whos charging my account. this is a serious issue and it blow my mind that a company as big as WAMU is such a bunch of scallywags. if ANYONE IS PLANNIG A PROTEST OR RALLY IM IN!!!! and im definatly writing a letter to my local paper.

thanx jordan

[SiennaNYC]

http://isaac.typepad.com/isaac_garcia/2006/07/wamu_business_b.html
SiennaNYC@yahoo.com
You are right WAMU does suck!!! Please email me at SiennaNYC@yahoo.com if you are interested. I am planning to start a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against WAMU and other banks for people who are victims of fraud who are offered no remedies by these banks. These banks allow it to happen to everyday law abiding citizens to fatten their own wallets. I just got off of the phone with WAMU myself. I found out today, 2/22/08, by going to transfer funds to cover a check that I was $7,000 short on my account (mind you there was no transaction for the $7,000). I spoke to WAMU and was transferred to the Levy dept. who told me that there was a judgment and that there is nothing that they could do. I told them that I had had that judgment overturned through the court through an Order to Show Cause as soon as I received a copy of the judgment that the junk buyers' lawyers illegally obtained. I explained that there was a Stay on any money that they were trying to collect or anything collected needs to be returned. I guess that she did not appreciate that I have a legal background and know the legal jargon and refuted what she was trying to throw at me the whole time, so she got angry and hung up the phone. I called back to only be told by customer service that they could not give me the number to the Levy dept. or transfer me there upon my request. I told the IDIOT that I was just transferred there!!!! The IDIOT then stated that that was a mistake. I asked to speak to a manager...after explaining my story to the 5th person, I was told that the manager would call me back after speaking to the Levy dept. She did call back and regurgitated the same puppy cock that I was told only 1 hour before that. I told her that the judgment was overturned and that what they are doing is illegal. She told me that the lawyers who requested the garnishment would have to send a copy of the court orders. I told her that I am supposed to trust the same scumbag lawyers who pulled illegal stunts to fax you over something that puts the money back in my hands. I told her that they were not going to do it. Then she tried a new tactic. She stated that the court would have to fax it over. To which I asked her: "have you ever been to the courthouse...do you think that they are going to fax that over to you?" She stated that they would have to do that. I told her that I have the order and could send it to them. She stated that the court would have to do it. So I asked her for the fax number and she said that the courts should have it. I told her how do they have something that they do not even know happened. I asked her why am I being treated like a criminal when I did nothing wrong. I told her "I thought that I am supposed to be your customer and you are not doing anything to help me." She told me that you received a letter (which I never received, nor could she give me a date for). After speaking to her for a while, I finally got the fax number to which I Goggled its legitimacy and bumped into Isaac's blog. By the way thanks JIMBO for the info, it will prove to be very useful in taking up legal action against WAMU. Please email if you want to join!!! We have to make them pay by boycotting their services, taking them to court and suing them and by writing to your local congressmen/women letting them know that you do not appreciate what is going on.

[MarthaTX]

I totally agree. I just had a disagreement with a representative because i have 7 overdraft fees that should be waived since i paid them the same day and no one seems to help me. Its very difficult to even get to a representative through the automated system. This bank sucks. DO NOT BANK HERE!!

[rene]

I hate wamu they do not giva dam about ther custtomers if you are overdrawn they will take everpeny frm you and bacily leave with no money I understand about overdrat fees but instead of taking them from the accoun bill me in stead at least i have som money to live on instead of ttaking every penny I have paid so much in fee and can't seem to get out this viscios cycyl of my check going in covering the over draft then startin all over again unfortuanlt for me if I was to get a paper check from my company it would take weeks leaving me no money there for I have no choice but to use the overdraft they never have to chace me down I always pay them back but the never tak into concideration that I have paid so much and may give me a break and credit atleast 1000.00 back to me they don;t care they have your money and that that not to mention when you call ther cust service that left hand doe not know what the right hand is doing and they are in the phillipeans

[Victim 20023335435454]

Hi, Recently i recieved a check from my father, keep in mind he is in his last days of his life, it was to cover the rent exp of the apt we have in florida. he was in new york and made a cash deposit for $600.00 on a saturday at a wamu teller, keep in mind there was 367.00 already there which had a balance of 967.00. the cehck i submitted thru the atm on that same day was for 500.00, well little to know that the check was not cleared and was put on hold for a week for them later when i called to find out that we both got hit with fees for insufficient funds. how that happened? we have proof of the balance receipt and no posting to his acct after that for any purchases or payment.. whatch out WAMU bank is a scammer!!!!!! what Customer service?? they dont care! i am having everyone know about this terrible experience....

[Steven]

When I first started at WAMU they seemed like a good bank, and I told everyone I know how awesome they where. This is soooo no longer the case, their fees have nearly doubled, customer service totally stinks, and every time i deposit a check they put it on hold. A local check from my work, that has cleared tons of time, now they want to put a hold on it. What the hell!!!!! This bank is going to hell in a hand basket. Everytime I have a problem it gets harder and harder to get it fixed. They used to seem understanding, now it's all about fees, fees, fees. Even when they f-up. I once spent 2 hours getting an overdraft fee fixed that was there fault. Then the customer service rep decided to wait a day to credit it back to my account. So.... I bounced something else, again not my fault, I was only short on funds because this was their fault to begin with. They refused to credit the second fee, the manager I spoke with was rude and condescending. I kept my cool and ask her to please stop being rude and just give me a civil explanation of why this was now my fault. She had nothing except that they were not going to refund the fee end of story.

I hate this bank, between holds and fees it cost just too much to bank here. If you want a good outlet to complain do a google search for washington mutual in your town. Google maps lets you leave comments next to the branch listing. I have a negative review for every branch I can think of. With any luck this will save at least one person from opening an account there and being totally screwed. Wa-screw can sucks!!

[Mark]

I like everyone else on this page THOUGHT WAMU was a great bank. A levy was placed on my account for something I already paid. I quickly got the levy removed and the levy release sent to WAMU. WAMU said the levy would be released in 72 hours. It is now 29 days later and the levy is still on my account. I have talked to WAMU more times than I can count. WAMU now says they never recieved the levy release. WAMU has told me several times prior to today that they had the release, now it just disappeared. I contacted the levy department of WAMU (via the number on this blog) but was hung up on.

WAMU also told me when ( and if ever it is starting to seem) the levy is released. I will have to be issued a new debit card. Why is that I asked??? If you turned it off by computer, why can't you just turn it back on??? I am out of town and they stated it would cost 56.00 to overnight me a replacement.

WaMu is nothing but scam artists and conpeople. Do not put your money in this bank!!! WaMu will find a way to keep as much as they can. Do not trust this bank, they will screw you, with no lubricant!!!