Consumer complaint received 2024-07-25 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Didn't receive terms that were advertised
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I saw an ad on the internet that Wells Fargo was offering a {$300.00} bonus for anyone opening a new checking account. Minimum deposit was {$1000.00}. So, I opened the account online and was approved immediately. I entered the bonus code to receive {$300.00} and entered my credit card for the initial {$25.00} deposit. The next day I wired {$5000.00} to my new Wells Fargo account ( which cleared immediately. ) The online instructions said the forms were filled out properly, and I should make an appointment at a local branch at The Landings, XXXX, FL to show ID and order checks. Within ( XXXX ) days, I made the appointment with a loan officer. He said the bank received {$5000.00} and all he needed were XXXX IDs. Then, I asked about the {$300.00} bonus as a credit to my account. Incredibly, he said, XXXX not entitled to {$300.00} because you didnt send the initial deposit by direct debit. '' He said, " You received an email explaining this, and it was in the fine print, so we got you on a technicality youve got to read the fine print. Meanwhile, I never received such an email, nor was I directed to send funds via direct debit. This was the scam, and the false justification for not crediting the bonus to my account. I told him this was an unfair trade practice, and a typical trick ( loophole ) to justify not paying the {$300.00} bonus. Then, I reminded him of the scams and criminal activity Wells Fargo had been charged with over the past several years. The XXXX shows XXXX complaints against this bank. They just wanted to wiggle out of paying the {$300.00} bonus with a pathetic, false excuse. True to their reputation, Wells Fargo is still preying on the public with false advertising. Next, the manager came over and sternly directed the loan officer to close this account immediately and return his deposit!! Her name is XXXX XXXX and she just bullied her way into the conversation in a arrogant, pompous manner and did not even introduce herself or look at me. She would not listen to the details of the situation, nor attempt to resolve the matter amicably. This manager is the consummate unprofessional : rude, and contemptuous. This is simply Wells Fargo playing gotcha. Due to the managers lack of discernment, she believed it was worth losing a high-net worth client, rather than crediting the {$300.00} bonus. When I arrived home there was an email from the Wells Fargo Resolution Team. I called and spoke to a woman who wanted to hear what happened. As it turns out, she only referred this incident to the district manager and would not answer the central issues relevant to the complaint. Since the end of XXXX, I've been passed around to XXXX other " escalation team reps, '' who have given me the run around and sent standardized letters that said nothing. The main issues are : XXXX ) Why did the manager, XXXX XXXX, close my account without my permission and return the XXXX initial deposit? 

XXXX ) They claim that I needed XXXX sources of direst debits, however, I had 90 days to do so. 

XXXX ) Why did XXXX XXXX act in such a hostile manner while I was trying to set-up the account? 

I've never had such an experience with any other company. I need your agency 's assistance to understand why this bank manager closed my account, when I had 90 days to set-up direct debits. Then, I would have been entitled to the {$300.00} bonus and the account would still be opened. I've wasted at least a dozen hours writing emails and speaking their reps on the phone, but they refuse to explain why the account was closed without my permission. 

I appreciate your assistance in this matter- XXXX XXXX, XXXX.

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