Tompkins Community Bank - Ithaca (NY)

1 /5 Amy Stofenberg: I never leave reviews this long but this is the culmination of years and years of frustration and disgust. This bank’s policies are the LEAST friendly to low-income people of any bank I have ever come across. The employees are great - kind, helpful, funny. But the bank’s policies are straight up immoral and repulsive— particularly when it comes to overdraft fees. They once charged me *EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS* in one year in overdraft fees. There should be a cap. I would obviously prefer if they declined the transactions that overdrew my account. BLOCK THE CHARGES. But they would rather make $38 a pop off of someone who is clearly struggling. I have talked with the bank about this so many times over my 7 years of having an account with them. I had one very kind employee at the Elmira Rd. location who said he understood, and didn’t want to “kick someone while they were down”. He refunded about 4 overdraft fees. I wish the bank had the same moral fiber as that employee. They slightly altered their policy this past year. Now, if your account is overdrawn less than $50, you have 24 hours to make it right before being charged the fee. If your account is overdrawn $50+, you are charged $38, AND $38 for every single withdrawal after that—no matter how small. The amount of times I’ve been charged $38 for a $3 overdraft - you wouldn’t even believe. I’ve gone to sleep at night and not realized my account got overdrawn. By morning, I’ve been charged $160 in overdraft fees due to a $50 charge, followed by a $3 charge, a $5 charge, and an $8 charge. Is the bank *really* so put-out, having to temporarily cover a small transaction for me? Again, block the charges. But they prefer to make $38 off of someone who is poor. What a scam. I have some choice words for this bank that I will keep to myself. Do better. “Community” bank-- hilarious. I’m moving away from Ithaca and will be closing my accounts this week. Good riddance. *FYI* - my boyfriend has an account at Chase and has never been charged an overdraft fee, even when his account has been accidentally overdrawn by $300. That’s where I’m opening a new account.

5 /5 Jean McPheeters: Ive been a customer for 50 years and am very happy with the Tompkins. Their on-line banking is excellent. Thanks, Trust Company.

1 /5 Kitty Hall-Thurnheer: Absolutely worst customer service ever at Trust Co. Very difficult to get someone to answer the phone! Extremely difficult to get info out of them--they say they are asking security questions for my own good, but when they ask what branch did I open the account (40 years ago), Im not able to answer correctly, then they deny info. Closed my mortgage and all accounts with them and moved to Elmira Savings Bank. Best decision ever.

1 /5 Eric N: Would not recommend. Went to Tompkins because they are a local business. Unfortunately they dont treat you like a local business. BONNIE is the assistant manager of mortgage yet will act like she is a new hire. On many different occasions she actually acted more like a mob that was holding money over my head then a loan office that I am bringing business to. Vary sad that this is how any one would get treated. Much happier now with the customer service at CFCU.

5 /5 P. Garrison: Weve been customers of Tompkins Trust since 1994. Consistently good service and nice to know our money is being used for the local community, rather than being a part of some larger national chain.