SunState Federal Credit Union

I opened an account with them on purpose as I wanted to stay away from the big banks. I’ve been a customer since late 2012 and have not had any issues until now. Apparently, they decide when to process transactions at their own convenience. My account was over drafted a few days ago after I paid my rent. The day I gave the check to my landlord, I made sure I had the money in the bank and there were no transactions pending. And so it was, until yesterday when I was informed through mail that my account didn’t have enough funds, so a $ 40.00 over draft fee was applied. I went online to see what has happened actually, for I have not used my card at all since writing the rent check. Well, a transaction I made on ⁵⁄₁₈ was processed on ⁶⁄₀₂ by Sunstate and by ⁶⁄₀₄ I was charged overdraft and my account went negative. I went to Walgreens to find out if this had anything to do with them, as the purchase was made there. The manager printed out a copy of the receipt with the date of the transaction and when it was actually processed. It was the same day, 5/​18, no delay at all.
Now back to Sunstate. I had to explain what had happened and while I did get the fee reimbursed, it did not occur without my being extremely aggravated at the person from Sunstate. I was told it was my responsibility to write down the transactions I make and keep track of when they clear. I thought that was condescending as their job is to process transactions when they take place and not when there’s opportunity to rip off the customer. I think this maneuver is particularly speculative and predatory and it’s done in hopes the customer does not make a big stink over it and ends up paying the fee. She kept reiterating the same thing over and over, as if I were some teenager getting scolded over not knowing how many peanuts I have in my pocket. Obviously, I know what my finances look like and something like this has never happened to me before at any other bank, no matter how sharks they were. I’ll pay the fee when it’s my fault, but this was certainly Sunstate’s mistake. Of course the employee didn’t think so and went on to tell me that this happens quite frequently… of course it does, funny how it has never happened before during the 12 years I’ve been banking in this country. I understand 2 – 3 days for something to go through, but 3 weeks is quite a stretch. And to tell me that I should write my transaction down like we are living in the 19^th century when your system is digitized is preposterous.
So, I’m not happy about this incident at all. I will be looking at other banks and weigh in my options. In conclusion, Sunstate is just as horrible as any other bank. What a shame!

Awesome local bank. I love that I am supporting a local institution… I recently switched from Wells Fargo. I am very happy with the online banking, they even have an app for iphone! It’s nice because my debit card is linked to visa, so even if I travel to a city without a branch, I can use my card or go to any ATM.