Like many other Americans, Casey broke up with his big bank, Chase, and joined a local credit union. The Consumerist commentariat should be very proud of him. Except that since changing banks, he received a refund for a Groupon he had purchased, which Groupon is powerless to give him because the debit card he used to purchase it has been canceled.

Groupon recently sent me the attached email stating that the terms of my voucher had changed over two months after I purchased it. This surprised me from the start, but the fact that they were offering a full refund eased the shock a little.However, as with many others, I recently closed my Chase bank account and opened up with BECU, a local credit union, so the debit card I used to buy the Groupon no longer exists.

Considering the good thing’s I’ve heard about Groupon, I was very surprised when they refused the paper check refund, which is really my only option.

I was even more disappointed with this quote “I am sorry for the trouble, but we are an online company and as such, do not send paper checks. “

I highly doubt they have an accounting department that is unable to write checks, and can’t help but feel like they think changing a product you have already purchased is acceptable business practice.

Knowing when exactly to get rid of your old bank account for good is a tricky thing. If they’re charging fees, take that into account. Evaluate your recent purchases: you might need to file a chargeback for a major purchase, or receive a refund from a company that is apparently incapable of cutting a check.

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