A tale of two transactions

My to-do list today included getting new windshield wipers and a trip to the bank. I went to the auto parts store I always patronize. Since I parked in front, the clerk saw me checking my current blades for the brand. He came outside and removed them for me. We went in and he showed me the choices for replacement, comparing their relative merits.

I made my selection. He rang up the sale and then installed the blades for me at no charge. That’s why I always go there.

On to the bank, one which I try not to use. However, in this case it was part of a small business deal. A condition was that I run receipts and expenditures through a debit card issued by this bank. I have never understood the rationale for the debit card (why would you use your money when you can use someone else's free?), but a principal in this required that it be set up this way.

The deal wound down and it was time to start moving residual cash to my personal bank account. I went up to the teller and said I wanted to withdraw funds and check the balance. He said he could give me money but couldn’t check the balance for me. I would have to go outside and use the ATM across the parking lot for that. That begged the question, how did he know how much money I could withdraw if he couldn’t determine the balance for me? The terminal will just accept or reject the request.

That didn’t make sense to me, but I knew there was at least fifteen grand in the account and I was only going to withdraw five at this time. He put the request through and it was rejected. Why? It doesn’t give reasons. There was a toll-free number I could call and then withdraw the cash after I resolved whatever the issue was. Except, I’d have to go to another branch because you can make only one attempt a day at a given branch. But, isn’t it the same bank? I’d love to meet whoever makes these rules and designs the information access.

I call the number and am informed that they restrict withdrawals to three thousand a day. You do? Whose money is it? This isn’t a credit card where it’s their money. It’s my money. If I provide valid identification, I’m entitled to it. Apparently not.

Allow me to digress because there’s a related restriction I always encounter. The grocery store where I shop has gas pumps. I can use the debit card inside the store without limit, even at the self-serve checkout. However, the gas pump caps its usage at $35.00 (no limit on credit cards). And the difference between one side of their front door and the other is?

Back to the bank. I go to another branch and request three thousand. Would I like a check? Sure. That’ll be seven dollars.

No way, I’ll take cash, assuming there’s no fee for that. Cash? Yeah, and make it singles.

They huddle about that and the manager finally comes over to me. Cash would be a problem for them. Gee, I’d hate to inconvenience the bank, what with me being the customer and all. I tell her that I was kidding about the singles.

She says it’s not that. They like to maintain a certain level in the trays and this would be a problem. Couldn’t I see my way to taking a check? Sure, if there’s no fee.

She argues, but finally relents. That’s why I never use them unless I have to.