Banking use to be so easy.
Yesterday, I visited my bank because I wasn't getting my bank statements plus the bank's software wouldn't let me set up on-line banking because I didn't have a cellphone number. So I thought this all could be corrected if I went in person.First the bank said I had checked the box on-line saying I no longer wanted paper copies. But how could I do that if I couldn't set up on-line banking? I was sucessfull a couple years ago with setting up my credit-card, and that works great. She couldn't walk me through the set up because they are not allowed to have me use my password on their computers. Instead she gave me a telephone number to call when I got home. I asked her what do other seniors do who prefer not to have a cellphone? For me, I can't read what is on the screen due to senior eye issues. She had no answer.
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I sent the POA for my property manager in NC so that he could take care of some banking stuff for me. They sent me their form I signed and had notarized and mailed back to the bank - no problem.
My bank use to have 3 branches close by, now it is down to one branch. My parent's bank had branch offices inside certain grocery stores which made it each for them, plus my parents knew the Tellers names at each location. Back then my folks would be greeted by name when they came into the bank, but I can now a days why that's not a good idea.
The problems you describe are a mess that I understand. I support and implement enterprise software, one piece of that is a web-based application. My security team wants me to set up two-factor authentication, usually a text message. Our software doesn't do that, it will send an email, however. We aren't a technologically cutting edge place. In fact, several of our users didn't have email, we routinely have to @yahoo or @hotmail them. Now I have to set up a second email for them? We had some who didn't have cell phones.
Anyways, your issues have come up because everyone is security conscious, which is good, but at the same time, it adds pain to the process. Hell, it pisses me off, I can't imagine what it does to the elderly. In effect, it cuts them off from being able to use the banks services. My father stays with Wells Fargo, I'd love to get him out, but he needs to be able to go inside and see them, because no matter how hard I try, he won't use a CC in some instances, so he needs cash. He lets them manage his investments, which I don't trust. And who would trust Wells with their history?
But what else is there to do?
Gosh I can remember teaching how use real estate software to Agents back when it was DOS and later with newer formats. It was all a learning curve. But some of the websites for today businesses the instructions are coder to coder, not coder to consumer.
In the past, when you waked into a bank, all the teller cages were open, and every management office had someone waiting to help you.
I would like to switch over to another bank but I have too many auto-pays and auto-deposits connected with this checking account.
This does make life interesting.
People with disabilities have a high consumer loyalty to businesses that are accessible and supportive of persons with disabilities. Serving their community will allow your financial institution to grow and establish better relationships, while being in compliance with federal and local laws such as:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Sections 504 and 508 of The Rehabilitation Act
Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EIT)
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Eyesight limitations can get you a large-print statement mailed to you.
Having some of the same issues here!
If big brother is watching me, BB will be very bored.
Here is some banking advice I have received:
Bank locally at a smaller bank, at a credit union.
Set up automated bill payments.
If they bank online, keep a low profile, do not "announce" that you are not online. I bank mostly by phone.
Go to the bank. Pick a different person, like the manager. Do not mention all your vulnerabilities. Just request a paper statement be mailed to you. You can also call to request same.
I wonder if they can send large-print statements?
Bank by phone via their automated phone. If need be, they will transfer you to an an agent. I rarely go to my bank. They send statements.
I can even call them and ask what charge was made to my accounts and the agent will explain it.
They were great during the pandemic, but closed for a week due to Covid.
I used my second bank. That bank is now on inactive status so they will close the account if I don't use it for some transactions. So, yes, banking is getting harder, and it keeps changing.
If you want your bank to appreciate you, have a mortgage, a credit card, a personal and/or car loan paid automatically. Have automated income being deposited into your accounts.
Keep dancing as fast as you can.
And when you can't, give POA to a trusted fiduciary, wth the requirement that they copy you with all bank statements and bills paid.
I encourage all seniors to keep up with technology as much as possible: it's helpful to you, to your family as you age and for your brain to keep it learning new things.
https://voice.google.com
Regarding you "selecting" to receive paperless statements... I have had this happen and I think the banks do this to customers because they want to save money by not having to print and pay for postage (and the labor).
Having the ability to text is super helpful, but also a great security feature: I will know immediately if someone has breached my cc or account since I get text notifications right away.
I understand what's happening, and if I'm correct, it's an effort to establish a source of funds for the bank when the recession accelerates or becomes worse. as well as to encourage people who are not "of high net worth" to use other banks.
Anyone dealing with a real, not online, bank, that doesn't charge $25 monthly fees or require outrageous minimum balances?
Has your bank made changes lately. Maybe upgraded their computer software? I was getting my statements before a change over and not after. Why, because the upgrade defaults to going paperless. You made no changes, the bank did. Now its up to you to tell the bank that you want that changed. I just print off my statements.
The use of a cell phone is just so they can text you. My bank has it so that if I haven't logged for a while, they send me a code. I can have them call me, email me or text. Since I don't give out my cell# unless I have to, I ask it be emailed. You can not be the only person that does not use a cell. My bank is always referring me to the main institution for help. Call that # and hope its someone who can help you.
I hope its years and years from now, but I pray DH goes before me because he is computer illiterate. Because of his hearing he likes talking to people in person. (He can't hear on a phone)
It seems ridiculous that one can’t go to their bank in person and resolve these issues. I’m sorry you’ve met with the frustration as well. I hope the person you call can help you solve your issues without further stress.