1 /5 Jeff Goodman: When I, a literally penniless, homeless person with no bank account anywhere came in to this First United branch today, they refused to make an exception to their policy and would not cash a $38 check written to me from GEICO through another, reputable bank. The teller said that I could open up an account with them with the check, and I could get the money within a few days. I declined, however, a bit confused by that and, simply not ready to go through all that might entail at the moment given my situation. Before leaving, I decided to clarify my confusion with the manager in charge (the same one who had decided not to make the exception that would help me in the first place). When I had looked into it some months before, I told her, I was told that I would need at least $100 to open a new account. “Well, yes,” she said, “but exceptions can be made.” Can you believe that? This same person who was not willing to make an exception for a homeless person who needed to cash a $38 check was willing to take no more than that if I would open an account there. As I have found out, most banks have a similar policy. I went to First United first, though, because I had always thought they liked taking pride in being a part of this community. All other dealings I have had with them in the past, some on a professional level when things were better, had given me that impression. As it turns out, “policy over people,” and “We’ll only help you out if we can get something for it.” Are the only reputation they care to have these days. Stinks.
