Consumer complaint received 2023-11-08
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP (MN)

I have had the same checking account for 25 years. It was opened XXXX with XXXX XXXX Bank, which was acquired by XXXX XXXX, which in turn was acquired by XXXXXXXX XXXX. 

On XX/XX/2023, I brought two checks worth {$1800.00} to the XXXX XXXX XXXX. I wanted to deposit {$1500.00} and get {$300.00} cash back. I was told by the teller that I couldn't get the cash back because the bank did not have complete information on file. I asked what was missing and was told there was no signature card. I offered to provide my signature then and there, but was told that because it is a joint account, I would have to return with my wife so we could both provide signatures. I ended up depositing the entire {$1800.00}. 

We made an appointment for XXXX on XXXX, XX/XX/2023. We met with XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX. Instead of a signature card, he presented us with a document titled XXXX XXXX ', which contained an arbitration clause. We do not agree to mandatory arbitration, so declined to sign the document. 

XXXX XXXX told us that by declining, continued restrictions could be placed on the account. 

I asked if I would still be able to pay monthly bills by check. He said he thought that would be the case, but because he wasn't in the legal department, he couldn't be certain. 

We left the meeting still willing to provide our signatures, but unwilling to accept forced arbitration. 

On XX/XX/2023, XXXX XXXX called me at our home phone number. He said that he thought I was leaning toward closing the account, and if so, he would support that decision and cut a check for the balance in the account. I said I would keep my options open. 

Several days later, I received a letter from XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/2023. The letter referred to a need for " complete information '', " certain details '', and " more information '', but did not indicate what information was lacking. It said I must respond by XX/XX/2023, " or we may be required to restrict access to your account ( XXXX ) ''. 

I sent a letter back that concluded, " We remain willing to provide our signatures or any other relevant information required for your files. However, this is beginning to feel like a coercive/deceptive attempt to get us to sign an arbitration agreement that we do not believe should be forced upon us. '' In the last week of XXXX, I received a voicemail from XXXX at XXXXXXXX XXXX. He asked me to call him back at XXXX, # XXXX. 

I returned his call on XXXX XXXX. XXXX told me that a signature card necessarily includes an arbitration clause, and they typically close accounts with no arbitration agreement. 

I asked if he expected to close my account. He said he couldn't say XXXX way or the other. 

I asked how I could find out. He said he could give me a call when that determination is made. 

I said I would prefer to notified by XXXX mail or email. He said he would use XXXX mail. 

Later that month, I received a letter from XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/2023. It contained the following XXXX conflicting paragraphs : " You will not be required to fill out the requested documentation and your account can continue to function as normal without restriction. However, please keep in mind that without a signature card on file, you will need to provide a valid, unexpired form of ID when completing transactions at the branch. '' " In addition, please note that by continuing to use your account, you accept and agree to be bound to the terms and conditions set forth within the XXXX Account XXXX. These terms and conditions include an arbitration provision. If you do not agree to these terms, you will need to close your account. '' Because I don't mind producing an ID for transactions, and closure of the account was left up to me, I did not respond to this letter. 

When my XXXX statement arrived, it contained a document titled 'IMPORTANT NOTICE AND CHANGE IN TERMS '. The updates included changes to Dispute Resolution ( Section XXXX ), which requires dispute resolution by individual arbitration. 

In bold print, the notice went on to say, " By continuing to use your Account, you accept and agree to be bound by the revised XXXX Account XXXX. If you don't agree, you must close all of your deposit accounts by XX/XX/2023. 

I have not responded to the notice.