Consumer complaint received 2017-11-28
Company: SUNTRUST BANKS, INC.
State: FL
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits and withdrawals

Complaint:
On Friday XX/XX/XXXX I received a letter from SunTrust Bank dated XX/XX/XXXX, noting delivery made VIA certified mail ( which I never received ) and First-Class mail, notifying me that effective immediately, " as the result of an account review '' that SunTrust was closing my checking, savings, credit card and business accounts. The letter states that " to prepare for closing you may be prohibited from making deposits after 10 days from letter date '' and " check cards will become inactive within 10 days of the date of this letter ''. Further, this letter does not give a reason, and states emphatically that this is a non-reversible and final decision. Again, this letter was not received until after XXXX and a certified letter attempt was NOT made. While it may have been dated XX/XX/XXXX, it certainly was not mailed on that date, or it was somehow delayed in its delivery. I unfortunately did not retain the letter envelope for proof. 

My first thoughts upon receiving this letter late the day after XXXX, after banking hours, that it was a scam. I had no idea why such a letter would be sent as I have been a valued consumer associated with SunTrust since about XX/XX/XXXX via numerous business and personal accounts as well as loans. I do not bounce checks, I do not over draw my account, I have a healthy savings account and am a minority, small independent business owner in good standing .... always. My woman owned business caters to interior designers and the hospitality furniture industry. In short, my company is the liaison between hoteliers and design firms ; I am an independent manufacturers sales representative to several of the oldest and most respected furniture manufacturers in the nation. 

Today XX/XX/XXXX, the first day after receipt of the letter of termination, I had not given much more thought to the letter and had it sitting on my desk as I got back to business and intended to go to the bank later in the day to discuss it at my local branch. Before I got a chance to stop by SunTrust, I was out on appointments, doing regular business, working and attempted to use my card to purchase some items for a sales presentation meeting. As I attempted to check out on two occasions, both my personal and business check cards were declined. In each case I was extremely embarrassed as I attempted to use each of my cards at a local grocery to purchase items for a business group gathering. I was finally able to use a credit card to get the goods that I needed to complete business. 

I got back to my office and immediately called SunTrust and was told that my check cards were cancelled and that all business between SunTrust and myself were terminated and that I had until XX/XX/XXXX to remove my funds from the bank. This has left me at a severe disadvantage as I have numerous appointments this week to take clients out to functions, I need access to my check cards for purchases, I need to make payroll, I have invoices to pay, etc. When I called SunTrust at their XXXX number I asked for a supervisor and was connected with someone who gave me their first name only. I was basically told that they had the right to do as they pleased and had no inclination to divulge information with me as to why the account was being terminated. I told them I had done nothing wrong, was not in an illegal, " high risk '' or " unsavory '' line of work. I asked for a review to see if there had been a mistake and was told that this was final and there was no recourse. 

This is unethical and highly disruptive to my business and is costing me many dollars and hours trying to find a last-minute bank and make arrangements to pay employees and vendors. It has impugned my reputation in the community and I strongly disagree with the methodology and implications that this event has made upon my corporation.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation