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Overdrafts
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA -- After banking with them for 3 months we have NEVER had a negative balance on our statement EVER but have been charged hundreds in overdraft fees. We tried talking to the local branches and get told we can only send emails to a corporate call center... Now all Covid restrictions are lifted here but even the call center doesn't take calls only emails about overdrafts. We've been waiting several days for a response now. How, if we have never been negative in our account, can they charge overdrafts and why can no representative from the entire company explain what's going on???

On a side note after talking to other Philly residents all we've heard is how they do this to everyone and it's the worst bank in Philly. I'm talking neighbors, friends and even local business owners. We will never use them again and I recommend no one else does either. We feel this bank is stealing from us and will be filing complaints.

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Credit limit re-instatement and csr
StarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 2/51

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS -- I'm writing this because I had an upsetting experience happen to me today while trying to get my original credit limit reinstated on my Citizens credit card per a letter I received after mistakenly using my Citizens credit card instead of my daughters Citizens debit card, while paying for her taxes. Not realizing the charge was the card I ended up being 1 month late/delinquent in paying my balance - in full, only 1 month late, once, because of a mistake, which resulted in having my credit limit lowered from $7,000 to $250.00.
I have 2 checking accounts at Citizens bank, 1 account is for daughter. About 6 months to a year after opening the accounts I received a letter stating that because I was a good customer and my credit score was getting better that I was approved to get a Citizens credit card w/a $7,000 line of credit. That was about a year 1/2 ago. I did accept the credit card (cc) Citizens Bank offered me. I accepted it because, as the cc offer letter included, my credit score was improving. By accepting that cc my score could only get better, plus I would feel secure knowing that line of credit was there. That peace of mind is priceless. I made 1- $11.00 purchase when I initially received the cc and paid that bill, then I tucked the cc away to only use for emergencies. This is where my problem began, on 3/23/17 when I went to HRB to pick up/pay for my daughter' taxes, I accidentally used the Citizens cc instead of her Citizens debit card (dc), I had forgotten my glasses and the cards are very similar in color & card design. So, not thinking I have a charge on the cc, I didn't open Aprils stmt. I thought it would read as it had for the last year, $0.00! I did open May' thank God, saw the amount (49.00 which went up to 77.50ish) and paid it off in full, bringing my current balance to zero again. Per the letter I received, if I paid the balance, my original limit of roughly $7,000 would be re-instated (I have the letter), so I called the credit department last week and spoke with a very uninterested, unsympathetic CSR. He seemed like he was barely taking my story down, he didn't care about my situation, he asked if I would accept a lower amount, I said yes thinking that it might get lowered to $5,000 for a few months, like a probation period before reinstating original amount. Why wouldn't I think this, my credit score has not changed since I got the card, and I'm making 2.00 more dollars an hour at work due to a raise. I am more qualified to have that credit limit now, than when I was offered the card. How do the Citizen commercials go, "I know how it feels to be stressed about money"? The CSR on the phone from the credit dept. and a woman named Veronica or Vanessa who I spoke with today make that seem like false advertising.
I waited a week after calling the credit dept. and received another letter refusing to increase the limit, leaving it at $250.00. So, I had to take an un-paid day off from work today, June 16, 2017 in order to go into the Plymouth, MA Citizens Bank. I sat with CSR Renand who was sincerely concerned about my situation after I explained the whole story. He was confused as well as to why the original line of credit was not re-instated so he proceeded to help me. After handing me a tissue to wipe my tears, he called a co-worker at a different location, probably a credit type department. We asked her the reason, she said I didn't qualify. I told her about the letter, if I pd. In full, I explained about using the card in error and she had not one ounce of, "I'm so sorry that happened to you", I asked again and included that the mistake transaction is the only default I made, my credit score is the same now as it was when I got card if not higher, I am making more money at work, etc. Her answer this time to me, she said they don't have to reinstate it, because I had said "yes" to accepting a lower amount the week before when I had initially requested credit limit re-instating by phone, the CSR asked if I would accept a lower offer and I said yes, never thinking they would lower it to 250. That was this woman's answer to me though, for this whole thing. "Well you answered "yes" to the question when you called??? So we lowered your amount. What is that? I felt like I was listening to non-sense double talk. I am horrified. I left the bank in tears. Renand was just as confused as I was and said he would escalate this situation by submitting some type of complaint on my behalf. He also gave me a couple people to write to including Office of the Chairman. I will write to the addresses he gave me, as well as post my story on every consumer complaint website until this is resolved. I saved both letters dated 5/17/17 and 6/1/17, and as we all know, all call are recorded for quality and assurance. So let's hope someone listens to those calls 1 made yesterday (around 11:30-not exact time) from Citizens Bank in Plymouth to another citizens, and the call last week to the credit department. Listen to hear how customers are being spoken to, tricked and mislead. The woman said my credit limit couldn't be re-instated because I answered "yes" to a question a week ago. And for the record, I never answered "yes" to 250 dollars. I think I said, "yes, I would accept a lower amount of like 5,000 dollars, not 250. I never said yes to that. Your commercials say you understand? I did not get one ounce of understanding, and that's false advertising. I also have the letters on my side as well.
I am hoping to hear from someone at Citizens, to call with an apology as well as resolve this issue. My next step will be to go to "Help me Hank" and other news stations that help in these types of situations.

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Boat Repo
By -

PO BOX 1790 FLINT, MICHIGAN -- My family as well as the rest of the country has fallen on bad times. I am a boat owner for the last 6 years who has struggled with a payment that was never supposed to be mine longer than a month. To make a long story short, I have had to struggle with this burdensome payment that has put my family's well being at an additional risk since I have been injured, laid off, and lost my personal business.

I had advised Citizens of my job status, communicated, asked to have the loan modified, I made sale efforts recently and successfully was able to sell the boat, or so I thought. I connected the bank and buyer and both parties had decided on a price of 20k discounted from 27k and to take the boat on a cash deal.

The auction price of this particular 21' Crownline and trailer even with the low 300 hrs would probably bring 10 to 12k I had been advised by many local boat dealers and buyers. All that being said, we the buyer and I asked the case worker lady to provide us with the bank wiring instructions and the buyer would wire the 20k immediately. The buyer had viewed and inspected the boat and immediately offered 5000.00 Cash to put down and to wire the balance within 24 hrs!

Apparently bank changed their decision without warning and did not provide the wire instructions to us or answer our constant phone calls for two days... I personally called at noon to the bank and asked politely via our case workers voice mail to please call back so we could find out what's was going on? 45 Min before their close of business time on the 10th of November (the dead line date), the nice lady who I had been dealing with got nasty and said we had not called and that we were now passed the given dead line!

I was very angry and asked if they were one of the banks that had taken the federal bailout money and if that was how they were going to pay my boat off and double their money? After the heated discussion I offered to return the boat and even drive it to the repossession man who I had spoken with multiple times previously. After hanging up at 5:00 pm the buyer called and said he spoke to the seller twice and was waiting on final closing instructions and we are still 8 days later!

I am trying desperately to keep a repo. And or a bankrupt off my record by paying this boat payment by feeding my family Mac and Cheese without gifts special treats or turkey for holidays and Christmas the past 2 years going on 3 we were on temporary disability and loans from friends! I can't believe that America is being manipulated by such crooked banks and employees! This is crippling Americans and our economy!

Instead of Citizens Bank of flint Michigan taking nearly double the auction price they would rather bankrupt a small American family who has taken bread off their table and assumed a personal responsibility for helping their institution sell a boat saving the bank thousands in repossession and legal costs!

These selfish narrow minded folks are not willing to do their jobs and cooperate civilly to save their corporation from a larger loss that might require them to do their job correctly and fight to help a fellow Americans family who cooperated and communicated honestly during the loan, and went out of their way to find a solution to their own personal 6 year family problem rather than take the easy way out and bankrupt on their personal debt!

Shame on these crooks in flint. Imagine this; if every boat, house, or car owner in default would try to be responsible, citizens could save 10 k per loan possibly like I am trying to! At that point citizens might be able to fix this little balance problem they have.

Companies » bank (public) citizens republic Bancorp $300,000,000 committed 0.3% of bank bailout commitment 0.1% of total bailout commitment. Disbursed $300,000,000, returned $0 revenue to gov't $13,875,000 net outstanding $286,125,000. Jump to table of transactions, profile, sec filings, Google finance static map? Corporate headquarters of citizens republic Bancorp. Flint, Mich. See all recipients in Michigan.

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PI Lost in Mail
StarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 3/51

MASSACHUSETTS -- I opened an account with Citizens Bank in December 2016 (around the 10th or 12th not sure of exact date). I was told my debit card and PIN would arrive, separately, within 7-10 business days. 2 1/2 weeks go by and nothing. I then call and am told a 2nd debit card would be sent with the same PIN as the first. I explain that the first was never received and am told a PIN will also be sent. My card arrives a week later, no PIN, I wait 2 days, still nothing and call, "It will 100% arrive by tomorrow". 3 days later, still nothing.

I call again, speak to the RUDEST man, I am told that a 2nd PIN was never sent and that it would be $12 to get another sent because I want it expedited since it has now been over a month with no PIN and I am severely limited on my card due to this. He says that it doesn't matter, Citizens holds no responsibility for me "not checking" my mail. Mind you, I have received every other piece of mail sent to me and he also just admitted that a 2nd PIN was never sent as promised. When I stated that the 2nd PIN was never sent he denied ever saying it, before every call it is said to be recorded, I told him to put me on hold, rewind and listen to himself.

After dealing with his lies and rudeness for another 3 minutes, I asked to speak to a supervisor, I refused to pay the $12 fee. I was put on hold for FIFTEEN MINUTES AND NEVER GIVEN A SUPERVISOR!!! But the jerk got back on and could all of a sudden waive the fee. I was told the PIN would arrive emergency status by Monday, and no signature needed.

Well, today is Tuesday and no PIN. I call again and get Gina, she was AWESOME and the ONLY reason I am not closing my account. She explained that the jerk from Saturday did not put my delivery through until today and also that she could set up my online banking over the phone with no PIN (a question I asked in every single previous call). I called tonight with every intention of closing, but Gina changed my mind. I will still close if I have one more even slightly bad experience with their customer service reps, they should all be like Gina, she is great.

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Awful Loan Process
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

ALBANY, NEW YORK -- While working with Citizens Bank to secure a construction loan we were required to provide documentation multiple times, even after documenting that we had previously submitted it. Every timeframe for each process they provided was incorrect and always took much longer. Our loan processor lost our paperwork and instead of telling anyone, did nothing, which resulted in us having to submit the paperwork again. The Vice President – Sales Manager then took over our application, only to loop back in the same loan processor who had no idea what he was doing. It was very difficult to get a hold of anyone during this whole process.

It took four months for us to get any sort of answers from the bank. They kept saying it was because construction loans take a long time to process. I know the issue was incompetence. The kicker: once we finally received something in writing (they basically refused to provide anything in writing and would avoid our questions) it was all wrong, and none of the numbers lined up.

Still unsure how the underwriter (who had all documentation submitted to him multiple times), the loan processor and the VP-Sales Manager all missed this. Needless to say we walked away. I would never refer Citizens Bank to anyone and am shocked how they operate. Albany, NY Branch 833 Broadway, Albany, NY.

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Citizens Banks: Nickel and Dime with Fees
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

DELAWARE -- From the moment I opened a Citizens Bank account, they started nickel and diming me with fees. I applied for a home equity. I had to open a checking and a savings account I didn't want to avoid fees. And then all 3 of these accounts had service fees that had nothing to do with the fact that I was a high-quality loan customer. Minimum balance fees, annual fees, inactivity fees.

As soon as I could close the loan without an 'early payment' fee(!), I did. Closed all of the accounts. 1 year later, I just got a letter saying I owe $10 for a 'dormant account' fee. Ridiculous! But every time, it was not worth the effort of fighting. I'll just go and pay like I did all of the others - even the ones that were their fault. I just want out!!!

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Unethical Overdraft Practices & Contempt Towards Its Own Customers
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA -- I had three pending transactions with Citizens Bank which I notice on June 11, 2014 put my account in the negative. These transactions were still pending and the funds didn't actually leave my account yet. On June 12, 2014 my payroll check was directly deposited in my account. When I checked my account everything was fine. On June 13, 2014 I was charged $105.00 in fees.

I contacted customer service regarding this matter and the girl told me she was not able to refund any of the fees because I was not eligible for any refunds. So I asked to speak with her supervisor. When ** got on the phone he was extremely rude and showed utter contempt for having to speak with me on this matter.

I explained the situation and he continually told me I was ineligible to receive any refunds on any fees and that I caused Citizens Bank to lose money so I deserved to be charged these fees. I have never been treated like such a piece of garbage in my life. This bank needs to be stopped. They are completely unethical. They do not care about customer satisfaction and they apparently believe that they are better than you.

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Was Denied Home Equity Loan Due to Insuffient Flood Insurance
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA -- I applied for a home equity loan. I applied for a 76,000 dollar loan. I was told to increase my flood insurance to 153,000 then my loan would be approved. I increased my flood insurance to 153,000. Then they informed me again that I needed to increase it to 159,000. They continue to change their minds. The hundred fifty-three thousand dollars is more than double the amount of money that I was borrowing. Citizen bank cost me 300.00 to increase my flood insurance and they denied the loan.

My husband has a credit score of 828 and my score is 758. In addition, Citizen Bank had me pay 580.00 dollars for a home mortgage appraisal but their home equity dept would not accept the appraisal and valued the house at 95.00. The interest is higher for loans less than 100,000. My husband is 66 and I am 63. I am really wondering if this is not a case of age discrimination.

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$7 Check Cashing Fee on Check Drawn at Citizens Bank
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

ALLSTON/BRIGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- This is without a doubt the worst bank in the world. No wonder they have customers. I had an account with them years ago and they screwed it up so badly by cashing checks for the wrong amounts. Then they gave me a hard time about fixing it. Dropped them ASAP after that. Today went to cash a $50 check drawn on their bank-$7 fee because I have no account with them. No I don't and never again will I! Ridiculous fees-this won't get you any new customers either! Bozo rip-off artists! Stay as far away from this cesspool institution-they're horrible!

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Expedited Card Not Expedited
StarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 2/51

MASSACHUSETTS -- On Christmas eve I ordered a new debit card because I had an unauthorized charge on account. I was told it would be expedited and I would receive it by Wednesday the 27th. No card on 27th so I called the call center. I was told that I would definitely get it the following day. Still no card the following day. Also went into branch on Thursday, I told them I was told my card was expedited and had not received it. The branch said, that it was not expedited.

Friday night into Saturday morning I was on phone for 1 hour and 1 minute. At first representative said it was expedited then she said, "Let me found out what happened from my supervisor." The supervisor said that it couldn't be sent expedited through FedEx because I have a PO box. Would love to know why it took 5 Citizen bank employees and hours of my time to tell me card couldn't be expedited.

When I told the representative how much time money and frustration this caused me she tried to minimize it by saying she understood how this may have caused some confusion. I told her that as soon as I was able to switch my direct deposit to another bank I would close my account. She closed the call saying, “Thank you for banking with us.”

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Citizens Bank Rating:
Star Empty star Empty star Empty star Empty star
1.1 out of 5, based on 34 ratings and
112 reviews & complaints.
Contact Information:
Citizens Bank
1 Citizens Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
401-456-7000 (ph)
401-456-7819 (fax)
www.citizensbank.com
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