Ally Bank Checking Accounts

I have been using Ally for my car loan for the past 2 years, no issues, but I have my auto-pay set up and don't interact with them at all for that. They sent me an offer for a bonus to open a checking or savings account, and I opened an account on Dec 30. I set up my direct deposit for my Jan 20th check, as the way to fund my account. When you open the account, you don't have to fund it right then, but what they don't tell you at anytime, is if you don't fund your account, they are not sending you a debit card. I figured by Jan 20th, I would have the debit card, my check would go in and I was good to go. They never sent a card and I had to wait until the 20th to even request one be sent to me. So then I had no access to my money for the week until my card arrived. Plus it takes 3 business days to transfer money to a different bank account.

I also tried to pay a bill for $650, I found out only then, that there is a $500 limit on transactions for 90 days. What??? 90 daysss. ALSO, it literally says inside my account that they can do a limit increase on a payment if you need it, and then told me that they can't do that. ?

They also said that I would get the bonus within 30 days of my first direct deposit. Today is Feb 20th and there is no bonus. When I call, they can't give me a straight answer ever and again the same today. She told me that she will put in a request and someone should call me within 2 business days? Who takes that long on support? I like the idea of what they are trying to do, but they aren't doing it well. There is no clear communication for many issues that should be very clear! I have had to call them at least 8 times since I opened the account, wasting my time and getting nowhere except completely frustrated. I am completely disappointed by the lack of communication and the lack of answers from the support team. They have 0 power to do anything and cannot give a straight answer. If I ever get the bonus, I will take it and leave. I can't take the wasted time and frustration anymore.

I was told that Ally Bank's customer service was one of the best; that has not been my experience. I just became a new customer, which was the worst experience ever. I'm constantly talked down like an idiot and there's no clear transparency across customer service and their other departments. I created a checking and savings account and then added my paychecks. The day after, my account gets flagged for suspicious activity and has a case open against it. I've spoken to customer service, a supervisor, account specialist, and all individuals don't have streamlined information or an interest in helping me. I understand a 5-day hold, but to escalate to a 10-day hold without little information is suspicious to me. As a new customer, I should be able to ask clarifying questions and get support about my account without feeling like I'm burdening someone. Luckily, I did not set up my direct deposit with Ally Bank yet. Sadly, I will have to look for a new bank when my 10-hold is removed. I do not recommend Ally Bank due to a lack of customer service and communication.

I had my tax refund deposited into my account. When I attempted to make a purchase of around $800, it declined. I was not notified by Ally of the decline. When I contacted support, I was told that I had a max daily limit of $500 which could not be lifted, and also I wouldn't even be able to use my card that day because it had been declined too many times. My electric bill is over $500 - for someone with adult money, $500 is nothing. Again, I couldn't have even used my debit card to pay my electric bill. Luckily customer support was helpful with closing my account and expediting my refund check back to me. Ultimately Allys business practices are geared more towards young adults than full fledged adults with adult bills.

They continually withhold paychecks from paychex (well-established payroll company). They are supposed to write explanations in emails, but have been sending blank emails. They also put a hold on a check from my dad, when we share the same last name. I have inquired about all the holds and I get a different response every time. None of the employees seem to have any idea what is going on. Do not put your money here unless you do not have bills to pay

Don't trust this bank with your money. Customer service sucks, and they'll take your money and not give you any updates. Michelle told me my account was closed and now this other rep is saying it's not. She was getting frustrated with me as if I was making up what I was saying. NEVER choose this bank. Nobody is on the same page, and the supervisor can only call you back. You're left talking to a bunch of reps with attitudes who don't care about you or what happens to your money.

I have been an Ally bank customer for about 10 years now. About four months ago my ATM card was compromised. I have been trying to get a replacement card for over three months now with no success. I made four phone calls and I have been repeatedly ensured that a replacement card has been sent out multiple times. I have not been able to get a supervisor or manager to talk to me on the phone. Their online chat is useless. Beware of this bank their customer service sucks.

On today, 12/13/2023 I was trying to Zelle money from my Ally bank to my Citibank account so that would be able to pay a bill. The Zelle did not go through and a message was received to call the bank. I called and found out that my Zelle was restricted and I was transferred to loss prevention. They asked me questions regarding my cell provided which I didn't find relevant to me accessing Zelle. After multiple conversations with different incompetent individuals I finally got a person who I thought would be of help. Wrong, this person not only didn't help me with the Zelle restriction but by the time I was finished with the call she (Tracy) had restricted my entire account. I asked her why I couldn't long on to my online banking and she told me that I would receive a email requesting documentation verifying my identity. I am not sure what Zelle, which is not a product of Ally but a tool used to transfer money has to do with my account. I am also confused how I go from questions about Zelle to not being able to access my account or my money. I can't attest to how good the bank is because I haven't been with them long but what I can attest to is that the Customer Service Reps and Managers are HORRIBLE and very INCOMPETENT when it comes to issue resolution and or caring about the customer.

Despite all positives that made me choose Ally over other institutions I can tell you that I am seriously considering switching banks. Every time I try to access my accounts, regardless of whether it is via website or mobile app, I have to cross my fingers. When online bank denies access 70% of the time, all positives are irrelevant.

Worst bank ever. If you're lucky - you will never have an issue. But. If you do have an issue -customer service is literally the worst I've encountered in 60 years of banking. Aside from perpetual 30+ minute wait time - day or night - the responders are so overworked that they are rude, indifferent and not even a little bit helpful. There are lots of banks out there - pick another one and avoid the aggravation.

Held check I needed for rent for 10 days without making me aware. When I made a mobile deposit through the app the wait time was 1-2 business days. I had to call and wait on hold for over 45 minutes to find out that when you open an account with them the checks you deposit are held for verification for the 1st 60 days! This is such a huge convenience considering I was using that money to pay rent and buy food!!! That definitely should be stated before allowing a deposit! Now my check is just sitting in limbo with funds I need now!