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Can a bank draft your account without your permission?

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strongone

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? VA

I have a credit card account with a credit union. The account was mine prior to getting married, but my (now ex) husband used it more than I did. I understand that I am responsible for the debt because it is in my name. I have been making payments on a regular basis, but they are sometimes less than the minimum due. I earn a decent salary but am swimming in debt from the divorce (long story, we were self-employed, I was naiive, etc).

The credit union has been somewhat understanding when I actually talk to a live person. But...they call me constantly, even after I make a payment (esp if it is less than the scheduled amount). They have called my parents as well (my father is a joint owner on my savings account there, which we opened when I was a teen - I have not used that account in almost 10 years). They have called my parents no less than 10 times. My parents repeatedly explained to them that I cannot take calls during the day and that they would have to contact me either prior to 9 am or after 5 pm. They kept calling. My mother finally got really upset and told them to stop calling them. They continued to call until my mother threatened legal action. From what I understand, it is not legal for them to contact a third party and give a reason why they are calling. They have been very rude to all of us.

Well...I usually send the credit union a check for my cc payments. I was a bit late paying in April, so I called them and made a payment by check over the phone. We did not discuss doing this on a regular basis, nor did I give them permission to draft my account on a regular basis (the checking account is with another bank, not the credit union).

Today I checked my bank account online, and there was a check for $360 that was cashed.
I knew I didn't write any checks for that amount (I rarely write checks anyway), so I was quite alarmed. I viewed the check and it was written out to the credit union. :confused: The check had my former last name on it, and was number "12345".

What on earth???? Are they allowed to do this? I never gave them authorization to do this. In fact, I called them on May 23 and told them that I was going to make a payment on May 30, after getting paid. They were fine with it.

Please help. Thanks!
 


moburkes

Senior Member
If you're saying that you have a credit card with the same bank that you have a checking or savings account, yes, you gave them permission in the fine print of the agreements that you agreed to and signed when you opened the accounts.
 

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