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The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about 1st Financial Bank

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for 1st Financial Bank. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with 1st Financial Bank.

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7:41 am EDT

1st Financial Bank It is a dangerous card for anyone

My college freshman was solicited by this credit card promising to be a good card for a college student because of limits and supposedly would work with the needs of the student. Well I find out about charging $9.00 for an online payment. No credit card that I know of does that. If you do it online it should be free. They seem to have all these excessive hidden charges. Everytime I think my balance should be zero opps they goes an extra charge for something. It is a dangerous card for anyone.

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11:24 pm EDT
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1st Financial Bank Fraud

I signed up for automatic payments in the early months of 2009. I thought I was being responsible because I would not have to worry about late fees if I did not have time to send a check on time. After I started the automatic payment, I stopped receiving paper statements. I really should have looked further into this but I tend to look the other way and pray everything will work out. I am a busy college student with papers to write.

I moved in early April, and did not notify the company of my address change, since I was not receiving statements anyway. I know this was a bad idea, but again, busy college student. On June 16, 2009 (my bday, no less), I was told that I was over $400 over my credit limit of $7, 000 and needed to make payments immediately. I asked how this was possible because I believed I still had somewhere around $3, 000 dollars left of credit on this card. Apparently, the ### who set up the automatic payments, set them up for AFTER the due date. I was incurring late fees and had no clue because I wasn't receiving statements. When I told them I stopped receiving statements, they denied it and told me to check with my post office. My mother works at the post office, and it is possible for things to get lost once in a while, but not multiple times. They instead blamed me not notifying them of my move for not receiving the statements, although I moved several months after I stopped receiving the statements. However, it is impossible to prove something that I do not have.

They refunded me the late fees that I incurred, but insist that I went over the credit limit because of the purchases that I made. However, I made these purchases when I was unaware of how much the late fees and the increased percentage rates had increased my overall amount owed. Furthermore, they took $459 from my checking account without my ok, when I had less than $300 in the account. The amount of overdraft charges was ridiculous. I demanded to cancel all automatic payments from here on out, which they did except for the very next one which they insist is necessary to bring my account back into good standing. This all frustrates me to death because it would not have been in bad standing had they not caused me unnecessary late fees in the first place. Ridiculous.

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MS 4536
Bridgewater, US
Dec 20, 2013 1:58 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This bank harrasses you for non-payment even though they have received and cashed your payment. They also blame the post office for slow delivery even though you send in your payment 7 days in advance. This company may be withholding processing payments to charge late fees and interest. FRAUDS!

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flogurt
Phoenix, US
Feb 12, 2013 1:00 pm EST

This bank, if that's what you want to call them, is the biggest piece of you know what FRAUD out there. They raise rates on EVERYONE. Even if you are responsible and make payments on time. I received a letter saying they were going to be billing at least $100. So even if you have a small amount credit, you will still have to pay that much a month! It's FRAUD.

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kris69
, US
Mar 03, 2010 1:29 pm EST

First Financial is adding your interest daily to your account so if you go online to make your payment before the due date it tells you, you owe more then your minimum amount due on your statement. Then they will charge you over limit fees because you only made the minimum payment. This company is fraud as far as I am concerned

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Doreen Fera
Sick, US
Jan 27, 2010 12:54 pm EST

I just hung up with First Financial Bank for what seems to be the 6th or 7th time in the past year, on behalf of my daughter.

I got this card for her as "training wheels" -- I didn't know they would run her over with late fees, bogus charges ($9 for the privilege of paying online? are you kidding me?) I am a freelance writer and I am interested in exposing this credit card company and its "commitment to college students" for what it really is. Although the government now prohibits them from charging a fee for online payment (as of 2/22), they still should be exposed for the greedy, unethical practices that they have continued despite all these issues. If you would like to go on the record and be quoted in anything I write about this company, please contact me at naturalcurls81@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Doreen Fera

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SteveFtl
Fort Lauderdale, US
Dec 22, 2009 9:25 am EST

Ist Financial Bank, south dakota will try EVRY method in the illegal book to financially 'rape' anyone with their credit card. My situation is different but hopefully someone will learn something on how to deal with these scammers! My credit card started with a $500 limit and was increased to $9800 in a matter of months (I guess the bank liked EE students). I have been lucky to have ALWAYS paid off the entire balance in FULL each month. When I started paying electronically is when ALL the problems with late fees, over-limit charges, etc started.

I have always put my disputes in writing with return receipt to this company, only to get a response to "get an attorney!" Well I DID! I had ALL my paper work, confirmation numbers, etc. Then, I sued them! I won and they paid my attorney's fees in addition to $1000 for the "hassle."

Do NOT EVER GET 1st FINANCIAL, South Dakota credit card. Not worth it in my opinion.

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11:05 am EDT
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

This financial institution charges a $9 fee to pay your account online unless you sign up for automatic withdrawal. I prefer to have control over paying my account rather than sticking to their schedule.

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5:13 am EDT
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1st Financial Bank Beware customer

I never in my life thought I would regret using this credit card company. I've been with the company for 8 years and my balance is not paid off yet. I always have auto debit taken out. Not just for the min payment but a little extra added to auto draft. Out of the 8 years I've never been late. The last time I used the card was in 2005. Before then the card was last used in 2002. I called the credit card company yesterday to ask why auto debit is not set up anymore. I was advised it stops after two years. I was advised if I wanted to reset up auto debit payment I will have to pay at least 290 dollars a month. I was advised the reason for the change was a federal law. I asked did they sent something in the mail regarding the change they told me yes. I told them since they sent it once to resent it again. The rep was speechless, reason for speechless because he lied. Then he tells me another reason for increase of monthly payments is to avoid late fees and other fees assetment. I asked when was the last I used the card. He was speechless again because the last time I used it was in 2005. I told rep he is just feeding me Crap because he do not know what to say. I asked about getting a decrease in my apr. Was advised the lowest apr they have to offer. I asked if I wanted to make a payment over the phone or online, he told me a fee can be $12 or 12.50. I cannot believe this credit card company. Every day I regret this card. Its like a nightmare. I cannot wait until I do a balance transfer to zero out this account. Then all my worries will be gone. I cannot wait. Please do not sign up with this company. Fyi I will be sending a letter to Corporate office. I really don't think they will do anything about it. I really don't think the company cares about their customers at all. BEWARE! DO NOT SIGN FOR A CREDIT CARD COMPANY. TRUST ME I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE. A VERY ANGRY CUSTOMER I AM.

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kayshaw
Colorado Springs, US
Oct 03, 2012 11:26 am EDT

First Financial Bank is the biggest credit card scam out there. I have been hassling with them for over four years now. I find it despicable that they target young, barely graduated students who need money and have no idea how to manage credit. I got my card right before I went to college in 2007 and when the economy crashed in 2008 and both me and my husband got laid off we had to use the card to survive. I paid on it every month, but the interest grew completely out of control and I couldn't keep up with the payments. Finally, the card went into collections/closed out and my balance was around $1, 300. After I told them to close my account, they sent me a statement saying I owed over $2000 because they still kept adding interest and late fees (and whatever other shady fees they put on there). I refused to pay that much and said I would be happy to settle on the $1, 300 and pay when I save the money. Now I have at least three different collection agencies trying to collect. I don't know who to believe and I'm afraid they are just trying to jack my information and identity. They continually harass me (calling me from 4 different numbers over 10 times a day plus sending me tons of statements) over a piddly $1, 300!
I'm really at a loss at what to do as I'm not going to pay a company I don't trust. I don't know how this is even legal or that they should be paid back! I'm not saying I didn't spend that money, but its also their fault for jerking their clients around, targeting young and inexperienced spenders and dealing in the most deplorable, sickening business practices. I will contest this mark on my credit reports and everyone else should do the same! I will also contact the BBB and report them as con artists and identity thieves. They need to go out of business so they can stop CRIPPLING our young professionals.

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Rison Fall
Jefferson City, US
Mar 02, 2011 2:35 pm EST

This is the WORST Credit Card company ever. DO NOT use them. If their deal sounds too good to be true, it is. The "student card" is a rip off. They bump your rate from 8-12% to 24-28% immediately after you graduate. They change rules without giving you notice, and they claim your payment wasn't in time when it was in order to increase the rates even more. DO NOT USE 1st FInancial Bank USA, you WILL regret it.

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1stfinancialbankhater
Rolla, US
Feb 22, 2011 5:44 pm EST

I hate this card... It is almost impossible to pay off and they are making an insane amount of interest. My worst mistake was using this to pay for my College tuition...GOSH, who would have thought they would suddenly raise the interest rate to 28.9% after a 4, 000 college tuition was charged. Did I mention... I hate the company? They screw college students over, it made me have to quit school and work two jobs + odd jobs just to make it.

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zqg
Chicago, US
Nov 11, 2010 1:09 am EST

I totally agree with everyone. 1st Financial Bank USA is a total scam. I should have know that a despicable company that mainly targets college students should not be trusted.

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Arielle A. Colman
, US
Oct 14, 2010 12:10 pm EDT

I agree with everyone. This card company is a fraud and rips good people off. I'm 19 years old and got an offer in the mail saying that it was good for college students so I signed up and got a $150 limit even though my credit was a 700. I called back from the one time when I found out it's illegal for them to be calling that many times in one day and they kept talking over me and refusing to let me speak and when i finally asked if i could speak the lady hung up on me and was a supervisor. I will be contacting them again regarding the terrible service I have recieved yet again. They are terrible people and will do anything to get a dime from you. I cut up my card and it was down to $100 and then I get a call saying I owe $180.00..How the hell do I owe this much when I haven't used he card? They said it was fees built up which is riduclous because I am up to date. I hate this company and would not recommend them to ANYONE.

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Samantha P.
Brooklyn, US
Jun 08, 2010 2:12 am EDT

I first got the card when I was 18. I was getting ready for graduation and prom so I splurged a bit. It got out of hand and eventually I ended up owing them over 2, 000 dollars. I admit to my stupidity when it came to this card. Especially the fact that it was one out of three. I hadn't had the card, in fact I cut it up in 2002 or something like that. I was working up to three months ago and was paying them roughly 120 a month. I eventually had utilities that I had to pay for so i was on a tight budget. They sent me notices about cutting off late fees and such, the problem wasn't that. They constantly call my phone daily. So much so, they will have a representative call you like two times before saying they never did. I even told the guy he called exactly two weeks ago. They call and when you pick up they don't say anything and hang up. Then they call asking you to clarify your identity. What I don't understand is that after I decreased in the amount paid why are they still threatening to put me in collections? I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS ACCOUNT WAS ALREADY IN COLLECTIONS AND IT GOT SENT BACK TO THEM W/O MY KNOWLEDGE ALL B/C I MADE A BIG STINK ABOUT MY E-PAYMENT WAS TAKEN OUT AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHERE IT WAS SENT TO...(THANKS CHASE FOR HAVING MY BACK ON THAT ONE)! I've told these people on several occasions that I am willing to pay the money I just lost my job and that's when they ask if my parents can help me or something? Or do your parents have a checking account? I'm like even if they did I'm not about to tell you! And another thing, WHY THE HELL DO YOU KEEP THREATENING TO PUT ME IN COLLECTIONS IF I AM ACTUALLY PAYING MONEY OFF A CUT UP CARD?! I CAN UNDERSTAND IF I DIDN'T PAY ANYTHING THEN I CAN SEE MYSELF BEING PUT IN COLLECTIONS, BUT WHY PEOPLE? THE EXPLANATIONS I GET ARE SO STUPID AND AREN'T EVEN WORTH WRITING DOWN. I'M SO FED UP WITH THESE PEOPLE. I HAVE MANAGED TO PAY OFF THE OTHER TWO CARDS, THANK GOODNESS...BUT 1ST FINANCIAL IS A PAIN IN MY BUTT. STOP WITH THE CONSTANT CALLS AND THREATS!

BTW stop calling from telephone numbers that coincide with the areas that people live in...this is another ploy to trick ppl into thinking that a friend may be calling you from a new number or payphone and when I answer you want me to make a payment without you even so much as identifying yourself. You need to get a life and stop praying on kids getting ready for college. You are a nasty bunch and I can't wait to pay off the remainder of this balance. I want nothing more to do with you or any credit card again.

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SteveFtl
Fort Lauderdale, US
Dec 22, 2009 9:09 am EST

Ist Financial Bank, south dakota is the WORST credit card company out there in the credit card world. Hopefully with the new credit card legislation taking effect next february 201o, some of their illegal and usuary methods will be stymied!

Personally, after closing my account with a CERTIFIED LETTER, RETURN RECEIPT this bank continued to pile on fees and interest to an account that had a ZERO balance. Doing this without EVER sending a bill to my residence that has been the same for the past 7 years. First found out about it when my credit monitor sent me an email stating a had a "new negative." I immediately disputed this company and balance and after 6 months was able to get it removed from all 3 major credit bureaus. What a hassle!

People, save $300 or $500 dollars and get a secured credit card from Capital One or Bank of America or some other company! 1st Financial Bank, South Dakota is a predatory lender and will only cause you heartache and problems.

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MBLACK05
Des Moines, US
Dec 11, 2009 9:36 am EST

Well that is scary. I have had this card since I was 18... used it to pay for my school books for college... 1990 dollars later... and not having used it in two years it is still at 1990... i was going to get a small private loan to pay it off, but GUESS WHAT!? my credit not so good.. and guess who was responsible... 1fbusa! FU*K

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Kathleen Ozzie
, US
Oct 27, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

They will never send you information letting you know what you are being charged for. My husband canceled this card 3 times and paid the balance in full..months later he recieves calls with new service charges. They are a fraudulent companty. I am now looking into a small claims suit, and reporting them to the police department as fraud. Unbelieveable! His balance is $2000.oo plus, and all of that is some kind of bogus servie charge that they will not send a bill for. The collectors they use are the most unprofessional group of thugs I have ever had the displeasure of talking to.

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Jeremy
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Jun 07, 2008 9:11 pm EDT

I'm having the same problem to I really regret getting this card. In the beginning its was fine the limit went from like $300 to $1500 in about 2 months but after I stopped using it for about a year thinking I paid it off and not receive a single statement. But out of the blue I get a statement saying I owe $1600 . I call them asking whats going on and telling them I haven't used this card over a year. The tell me they have no idea what going on and that they will send me more information and its been 3 months since then and Iv called them back and no one know what I'm talking about

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