A. writes:

“I”m noticing that B of A forces larger charges to an account through before smaller, thereby making it VERY easy to accrue large overdraft fees, which seem to go from $20 for one fee, directly to $35 after this.

…on the 5th, I have 15 charges that went through from the weekend, and they literally are all processed in order of amount, highest to lowest. This wouldn’t be a problem if I made loads of money, but when you’re on the edge of some serious overdraft problems every check, this can add up to a serious case of B of A bent you over.

Has this been discussed? Is there anything I can do about this?”

Yep, this is known. You can file write Bank of America a letter informing them they should change this policy, and cc it to your Senator. Our esteemed representatives seem to be taking an interest in these type of things as of late.

More immediately, if you’re continually overdrafting, stop writing checks. Don’t spend money you don’t have. Don’t try to game the float and think ok now I really got make that extra money in two days. It’s a fools errand. Keep track of your cash flow, treat written checks as money already spent, spend less, and make more. You’ll find your overdraft problems solved.

A screencap of A’s recent transactions, inside…

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— BEN POPKEN

(Photo)

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