Starting out - Avoid Bank of America

[Ed O.]

Hoping to help some newbs avoid some serious banking pain. This is one of many disasters with this bank that I have been involved with. 

I just spent 30 minutes helping my plumber try and get funds from a job. 

He deposited my check on 5/1. Funds cleared and were in Bank of America's hands on 5/3. They told him his funds would be available on 5/9. On 5/9 they told him his funds would be available today, 5/10. He also has not bounced checks there and is not a high risk type of account. 

Today, they told him they have to verify funds and that they're "doing him a favor" by doing so. Now, we've both lost more time dealing with this. This is over a $4,000 check, not a $4,000,000 check. 

Experiences like this are even more reasons why you do not want to work with Bank of America in any capacity, unless you strongly desire distractions, inefficiencies, headaches and heartache.  

TLDR: Check clears on 5/3. Bank of America refuses him access to his funds (while being complete jerks) that they have had in their bank for a week. Then makes him jump thru all sorts of hoops to get them, all while presumably charging him fees for the privilege of having an account with them. Do not use Bank of America for anything!

[Joe Funari]

@Ed O. First I recommend you change the bank you do business with. Find a true community bank to move your business to. If your exit strategy is Long Term Rentals (LTR) eventually you will have to go to commercial loans to acquire your properties. The FDIC has a search for true "community" banks: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/community-banking/search/cbi-...

Keep in mind there are rules these banks must follow in order to qualify as a true "community" bank. You can do an internet search as to what they are. But suffice to say any major bank, such as BOA, or credit unions I recommend you avoid. Now I can't speak for verifying funds, etc. But now you have some additional questions to ask the community banks that you interview to move your business too. Also, if you let us know where in MO you can ask for community bank recommendations in your area. I work in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and can recommend one here that has been phenomenal to work with. Hope this helps.