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First Niagara Bank
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3.0 12 Reviews

First Niagara Bank Complaints Summary

6 Resolved
6 Unresolved
Our verdict: While First Niagara Bank has an above-average resolution rate, there’s room for improvement. Investigate common issues reported by customers and understand how they were resolved. Be prepared to follow up on your queries if needed, and keep detailed records of all interactions.
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First Niagara Bank reviews & complaints 12

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7:16 am EDT
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First Niagara Bank Overdraft Fees

I use paypal a lot and they pull the funds from my Bank... Long story short there where 10 charges 1 for 500+ 1 for 200+ and 8 for under $50 each...There was 800 in the account...Could have put all in and charged me 1 overdraft fee for the 500 charge...Nope...they put in the 2 Big Charges then hit me for 7 overdraft fees...Got to love the way they manipulate the System...But reading the reviews here I see I am not the only one...I never seen more negative reviews on a business that still has their doors open. Doesnt anyone in corporate read these...Stay away from this Bank!
But if you enjoy paying overdraft fees then you will love this bank...

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3:08 pm EST
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First Niagara Bank Foreclosure process

Since the beginning First Niagara Bank has not sent us the proper notifications of what our options where in lew of foreclosure. They have continued to deny us each time even though they did not submit all the proper information at the proper time. For example, we were not informed about an option for Forebearance until after the 12 month time limit then were denied the Forebearance because it was after the time limit. They have also lied in phone conversations which I have asked that the recordings be pulled and a supervisor contact me but to date have not heard anything.
I would like the foreclosure process cancelled and title turned over to us showing balance is fully paid as reimbursement for illegal actions and pain and suffering (I have anxiety and depression). I would also like an additional $250, 000.00 as complete restitution. I amunable to attach the latest letter sent as it is not a compatable file. If you need I can mail it to you just let me know.
If you need further information, please contact me at [protected] or by email at [protected]@yahoo.com.

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12:11 pm EDT
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First Niagara Bank Fraudulent practice on mortgage

This letter is regarding our home that we built in 1986 & have lived in for 28 years. First Niagara is the 11th bank to have taken over our mortgage. This is when the trouble began. In April of 2011 we received notice from FNB that we were behind $18, 000 on our mortgage & unless it was paid in 30 days they would foreclose on our home. We then made contact with two women, Judy smith & Roberta sivta, from their main office in Buffalo, new york. Neither of which had any answers as to what was going on. We then retained an attorney who was also unable to get any answers. Not wanting to lose our home we were willing get to send FNB the $18, 000 & then proceed with solving this problem. However, when we approached them with information as to an exact amount & who it was to be made payable it took two weeks for them to get that information. When they did get back to us the amount now was not $18, 000 but $60, 000! When asked how in a two week period an amount could go from $18, 000 to $60, 000, they could not give us an answer. During this period FNB was adding late fees & penalty fees to our mortgage. We continued paying the $1687.40, our usual monthly payments for the past 28 years. We then received notice that payments weren't being made. Copies of the checks were sent to FNB, they replied, the monthly payments were now $3880.00. The last statement we received from FNB stated that we owed them $2, 014, 157.42? In 2012 our house edge appraised at $625, 000. We owed $323, 000 on the home. Again, they could not explain. Their late & penalty fees have drained all of the equity from our home. In august of 2014 without notice to us, the bank bought our home for $460, 000. A letter from them notified us that were to be out of our home by April 1st, 2015. We saw no choice at this point, we packed & left in February 2015. On April 2nd the bank brought in a gentlemen, Steven Slaski, owner of a Premier mortgage co. & also owner of 58 other bank owned property's in our area. Mr. Slaski, 2 days later began to take our house apart. The landscape was all removed, walls were coming down, toilets were removed, railings from our back baconys, our inground pool was filled in with dirt. He did not own the property at this time. On June 4th the bank sold the property to him for $310, 000. We now do it have our home equity & ha email no idea how some thing like this could happen. We were directed to you in hopes that you can help us with this matter or put us in a direction of some one that can. Thank you

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Update by Geraldine kohan
Sep 24, 2015 12:18 pm EDT

I'm really not sure what you mean as to my attitude towards complaint?

Update by Geraldine kohan
Sep 24, 2015 12:16 pm EDT

I would like for First Niagara bank to be held accountable. I would like for someone to be able to get answers from them. And I would like to know how something like this can happen.

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Is First Niagara Bank legit?

Our verdict: First Niagara Bank has achieved a rare feat of perfection in legitimacy, as per the rigorous analysis conducted by Complaints Board. This achievement underscores First Niagara Bank's position as a benchmark of trust and quality within its industry. Users and clients of First Niagara Bank can engage with its offerings, confident in the knowledge that they are dealing with a top-tier, fully legitimized company.

First Niagara Bank earns 100% level of Trustworthiness

Perfect Trust Endorsement: First Niagara Bank achives 100% ligitmacy per Complaints Board. Highly recommended, yet always stay vigilant.

We found clear and detailed contact information for First Niagara Bank. The company provides a physical address, 3 phone numbers, and email, as well as 3 social media accounts. This demonstrates a commitment to customer service and transparency, which is a positive sign for building trust with customers.

Firstniagara.com has a valid SSL certificate, which indicates that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the browser and the "https" prefix in the URL to confirm that the website is using SSL.

Firstniagara.com regularly updates its policies to reflect changes in laws, regulations. These policies are easy to find and understand, and they are written in plain language that is accessible to all customers. This helps customers understand what they are agreeing to and what to expect from First Niagara Bank.

However ComplaintsBoard has detected that:

  • There was some difficulty in evaluating or examining the information or data present on the firstniagara.com. This could be due to technical issues, limited access, or website may be temporarily down for maintenance or experiencing technical difficulties.
  • First Niagara Bank protects their ownership data, a common and legal practice. However, from our perspective, this lack of transparency can impede trust and accountability, which are essential for establishing a credible and respected business entity.
  • The website belonging to First Niagara Bank has a low number of visitors, which could be a red flag for users. However, it's important to conduct additional research to fully evaluate the website's legitimacy and trustworthiness.
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7:55 pm EDT
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First Niagara Bank Overdraft policy

This bank ripped me off multiple times due to overdraft issues. First overdraft is the default option when you first open your account - and their overdraft fee is $37! So I called them to have my overdraft authorization revoked. Soon I stopped using my card, and it's been that way a few years.
Surprise - a couple of years later I was charged with $140 for overdraft - which I revoked! When I called, they told me it's at the bank's discretion... Even though the bank didn't give me a single cent - the transaction was canceled - they charged me with $140! Also, there is an additional $35 fee if transaction is attempted more than once in a week. Most online stores keep trying to withdraw if the first attempt is unsuccessful, so with every attempt the charge accumulates. And I never once received a notice that this was going on!
I am VERY UPSET with the way that they handle their overdraft policy. They are very rude on the phone too! If you can, never bank with First Niagara.

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Fred314
, US
Jun 20, 2014 10:45 pm EDT

You left out something? You told somebody to charge something to that account? That somebody tried 4 times. Someplace, sometime, you got a notice that you would be charged in a case like this, but you ignored that notice?

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9:06 am EST
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First Niagara Bank Illegal Withdrawal

I live in a different state and have an account with a different First Niagara branch. Someone at the Elizabeth branch withdrew money from my account for another customer because the "handwriting on the account withdrawal slip made it look like your account number." So, essentially, the geniuses at this branch committed identity theft.

They drained my account without looking at the name associated with it, the signature, or the fact that the person withdrawing the money was doing so from a different state!

When I called customer service, the problem was rectified. But then I asked, "What can I do to prevent this from happening again?" I was informed, "Oh, there's nothing you can do. They just didn't look at the account name." WRONG. I can do something-- switch banks. I told them that I consider this identity theft. They took my money without asking for a name or signature. They stole from my account. The sad thing is that the people at my branch are great, but if First Niagara allows these types of things to happen at the Elizabeth branch, I can no longer do business with them at all.

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First Niagara Bank False Credit Reporting

We had an agreement to repay a 42K loan to First Niagara by June 30. On 30 May, unknown to me at the time, a full 30 days BEFORE the due date, First Niagara recorded a "charge off" on the Credit Report of both me and my wife. I paid off the loan on 6 June, 24 days before the due date, only to subsequently find the "charge off" on my credit report! We received a letter from First Niagara that apologizes for the error and that they will "inform" the credit bureaus. 2 months later I'm still waiting for the fixes, and have been turned down for credit due to my "poor credit report"

This Bank just doesn't care!

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Last place to want a job
Patroon creek, US
Oct 30, 2014 5:53 pm EDT

Horrible place to work! The rate if pay stinks they insult you with a horrible pay increase. Their system is outdated, the management team is awful! They want the staff to sell, push credit cards. Basically we are told to lower the expectation of the Customer..

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9:14 pm EDT
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First Niagara Bank Illegal Fees

After declining overdraft protection First Niagara decided to extend overdraft protection as a 'courtesy' on my business account. They were also generous enough to charge me $70 for that 'courtesy'. No only is it not legal it is the crummiest 'courtesy' I have ever received. My 'courtesy' response was to close my remaining account with them and to give them the 'courtesy' of a negative review in every location I can find. AVOID these fee hungry monsters.

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tnchuck100
Santa Fe, US
Jun 06, 2012 7:56 pm EDT

Trollarama.

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First Niagara Bank account problems

DO NOT use First Niagara Bank- if you have money in that bank- move it somewhere else immediately. We have lived in 3 states now and have never experienced such horrible customer service or ineptitude from a financial institution. They don't have account records for those who had HSBC accounts, you can't close out an account without going in in person, they lost our credit and debit cards, our new address was never transferred so things are being sent all over the US... the list goes on- over 6 hours wasted talking to people and being put on hold over a 3 day period.

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sunnistar
Monongahela, US
Aug 24, 2012 3:50 am EDT

i lost my First Niagara visa card. a week or so ago.I told the man. he said it would be locked where NO ONE could use it.I dont have a car. so i did cancel my nationwide insurance with John Cosy. i have not talked to him and he went in my account and took 35.$ I did call him last month and told him to take me off the insrance.But it remains on there.now im facing a proplem.i gave NO authorization on this card for him to take the 35 dollars.and i only had 18 in my account. I need this straightend out ASAP. thank you lynnann Yaroscak.infact im waiting till someone comes in to discuss this matter.no one let me know how much. i had in the bank..This is lynnann yaroscak email lynnyaroscak@yahoo.com.0r call [protected] thank you this is very import friday 7;O2 AM

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First Niagara Bank THE WORST BANK & WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER

When I call for customer support I am expecting a friendly voice at the other end, someone who is more then happy to help me with my banking needs and provide me with excellent service. First Niagara Bank does not know customer service, nor do they know convenience. You would expect after a conversion they would be trying to keep customers who have had their bank switched by informing of new products and giving courtesy refunds of their insane fees. First Niagara does not know customer service, I would NOT recommend this bank to anyone and for current customers I would take your business elsewhere. TD BANK is located Florida to Maine, open early open late and has live Representatives 247/365 who are more than courteous and willing to assist. I am glad I have opened my accounts with them, they are MUCH better than First Niagara. It is a shame because New Alliance Bank was so well run, they sold out. Typical.

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Mike HUNTER SR.
, US
Feb 05, 2016 4:55 pm EST

First Niagara is the worse bank to deal with That bank could be shut down for good.! First Niagara is a nasty bank and lairs..I can be here all day and everyone what First Niagara done to our family .They should be a shame how their treat their customers. If anyone want to know what happened please feel free to call me at [protected] or e mail me nyblade@hptmail.com.. make sure when you call me you have all day to talk .Everyone at First Niagara at should go to hell.Never in our life did we hate a bank until First Niagara.

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First Niagara Bank First Niagara Bank violates MasterCard Rules for Chargebacks

For those of you who have a credit or debit card through First Niagara--be careful who give your MasterCard number too. If you give your card number to a merchant who does not deliver their goods or services as promised, and you try to initiate a chargeback, First Niagara will put you through hell. For example, I had a charge from a merchant for $3, 337 for a web design project. It’s a long story, but to make it as simple as possible for all of you to understand…the merchant (who is just a lady out of California) had stated to me in an e-mail that I MUST sign the proposal in order for her company to move forward with our company’s web design project. I did not sign the proposal, but the merchant charged my credit card what should have been 1/3 of the proposed amount which was over $10K. The amount I was charge was $3, 337, but it was not a 1/3 payment, so I have no idea how the merchant came up with that figure. You’re probably wondering how she had my card number in the first place. Well, she had requested all my personal details as well as financial information when I came into contact her. She claimed all of my personal and financial details would be for a “company profile” that she would build, but that there would be no charges until a signed the proposal. It took over a month to discuss the proposal, the merchant and I spent a lot of time discussing the project, but she grew impatient and decided to charge me and start work.

I contacted First Niagara to initiate a chargeback several weeks after trying to reconcile the problem with the merchant. First Niagara came back to me a week later and asked me to supply more information after I had already written a very detailed statement. They wanted to know what the charge represented. I told them “how the hell am I supposed to know what the charge represents”, and then they wanted me to supply a copy of an invoice from the merchant… I said “what invoice, I never was provided an invoice by the merchant”…the entire time from start to finish I kept telling them that this charge was not authorized. Although the merchant had the credit card on file that did not grant the merchant permission to charge me as there was a proposal that needed to be sign. Then for a week, First Niagara sat in the back office trying to figure out how the merchant came up with $3, 337. They called me and said “the proposal states that the merchant will charge you 1/3 of the total amount, but $3, 337 is not 1/3 of the proposed amount” DUH. What do they think I have been trying to tell them? Finally, after enough back and forth, they finally processed the chargeback, issued me a provisional credit of $3, 337 (which I did not touch, as I knew that I would lose the chargeback). I’m very good with chargebacks and I understand how they work from a customer and merchant perspective.

This is going to get to involved but to make a long story short, First Niagara is a card issuer for MasterCard. First Niagara is bounded by the rules and regulations set by MasterCard. First Niagara Chargeback representative should know this. They should also know that MasterCard has a list of “Chargeback Reason Codes” that classifies a reason for dispute for a given transaction. Since I was claiming unauthorized transaction, they needed to select the code for that. Instead, they selected the code for “goods or services not received”, which in that case, that implies the cardholder (me) bought something from the merchant but haven’t received it. That implies I authorized the charge, but I’m disputing because I haven’t received something. When the merchant receives a “chargeback notification” from her merchant processor, she would only be required to provide a written rebuttal addressing all of the cardholder’s concerns…which she did…and therefore, the merchant processor (which is also bounded by the rules of MasterCard) has the power to rule in favor of their merchant and send First Niagara a copy of the rebuttal that the merchant had written. That’s how a chargeback works for a merchant. Whenever the merchant processor feels that the merchant has proved their case by providing supporting documentation, the processor will forward the merchant’s rebuttal to the bank (First Niagara) and First Niagara will forward that information to me. If the merchant processor felt the merchant’s response was not good enough, they would have sent the merchant a letter saying her information was insufficient, and therefore the processor would not send anything to the bank, and the bank will be able to recover the funds from the merchant’s processor. The reason code for “goods or services not received” is a fairly easy for a merchant to win considering we are talking about “services”.

I explained to First Niagara that “the non-receipt goods or services” is irrelevant to my dispute…I told them I’m not disputing the non-receipt of goods or services, as I never asked for them. I just want my money back for a charge I did not authorize.

So, as a MasterCard cardholder, when you lose, you are entitled to appeal the decision. The first dispute you do is referred to as “First Chargeback”. The appeal one, is called a “Second Chargeback”…and then there is a third one called arbitration. That’s where MasterCard gets involved and they decide in either the merchant’s or cardholder’s favor.

So, I started a “Second Chargeback” but First Niagara told me that the merchant has provided enough proof and that the original decision stands and they are not going to process anymore chargeback for the transaction.
First of all, as a cardholder, it is my right to exercise a chargeback, and I am entitled to a second chargeback within 45 days of the decision of the first chargeback. First Niagara is so ###ed. Instead of just submitting the second chargeback, they sit on their ### in the back office saying the decision stands.

All they have to do is submit a second chargeback…the merchant will get another chargeback notification, she will have to provide a rebuttal and then the merchant processor will decide if the merchant’s information is sufficient enough and if so, she wins the second chargeback, if not sufficient, I win.

You can kiss your chargeback rights good bye if you deal with First Niagara.

This bank is a fruity intuition. STUPID or INCOMPETENT isn’t even the word to describe them.

This is just one problem.

Other problems include but are not limited to:

They will bury a $35 non sufficient funds fee in your bank statement where you most likely won’t see in a bunch of transactions. In 7 years, they did this twice; I was able to get them reversed.

I called First Niagara to close one of my debit cards because a merchant had my card number and couldn’t trust them enough to ensure they cancelled my monthly services. The bank told me “we can stop a merchant from doing business with you if they have your card number”. WHAT ! It’s my money; I say who charges me and who doesn’t.

Then they told me even if you close a debit card, a merchant can still charge you……..this is not true……if you close your credit or debit card out, it cannot be used again. STUPID.

I went there to get my debit card pin#s setup. I went to use it a store, they wouldn’t work. They screwed up and told me I need to come back and get the cards repined. I think they need their heads repined.

For the poor people, they charge them NSF fees in the multiples. First Niagara engages into a systematic process that they take out the largest sums of checks first. For example, if you have $1000 in your account, and you write a check for $950 and four checks for $75/each, First Niagara will ALWAYS take out the largest sums first, and then take out the $75 checks so that you incur $35 NSF on each $75 check vs. one $35 NSF fee on just the $950. Bank of America had been sued for this.

First Niagara overall is a terrible bank.

OH, I’M GOING TO WORK HARD THIS YEAR AND POST STUFF IN THE NEWSPAPER AND THE RADIO ABOUT THEM.
AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN GET TO SWITCH FROM FIRST NIAGARA TO ANOTHER BANK WILL MAKE ME HAPPY.
I WANT THEM TO LOSE BUSINESS BIG TIME NOW. I’M PISSED OFF. AND IT TAKES A LOT TO PISS ME OFF!

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Bradenob
East Amherst, US
Feb 05, 2015 10:27 pm EST

How do you file a charge back?

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Bradenob
East Amherst, US
Feb 05, 2015 10:26 pm EST

How did you file a charge back with first niagara?

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First Niagara Bank customer service and overall competence

I've had better customer service at a Dollar Store. They are incapable of completing the most simple tasks in a modern way. They have no mastery of basic web or transaction technology. They use archaic business processes to complete simple tasks such as changing the address on an account.
I see that the company is continuing acquisition and expansion. Their systems are not ready for scale.

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First Niagara Bank Terrible bank

I had my banking accounts with a local bank for years without a single problem until several years ago these rip-off artist came in our towns and bought out all the banks. Now we have Niagara Bank, NBT Bank, Bank America, and Citizens! All big banks with big dreams of screwing the public over and becoming the BIGGEST! I had a balance of $116 in my account when I noticed I had sent out all my bills but forgot to deposit my check. Keep in mind, the bank gives every single person that walks through their door a $500 overdraft protection!

The next day I go to the post office and I have several overdraft notices each for $30! My online bank payments came to $530! When I went to school $500 over draft protection plus $116 account balance came to $616! Someone tell me if my addition is incorrect please?

Needless to say, these crooks took all of my account balance as fees and then turned off my message communication line so I could not dispute the issue! I am closing my account with these money thieves and taking my business to the credit union! Not only have I had better experiences with credit unions in general, these 'BIG BANKERS-LIKE THE FOUR I MENTIONED ABOVE (and by the way there are many more) HATE CREDIT UNIONS! My suggestion to folks is STAY CLEAR OF THE MEGA BANKS. THEY'RE WALL ST IN DISGUISE--RIPPING OFF THE POOR!

The credit unions are much more customer friendly and I'll guarantee you they will give you your loan request over the MEGA BANKS any day! MEGA BANKS are for the 'millionaires and billionaires' and they are not interested in you and I other than our money! (just to make their corrupt port folios look better than they really are) Just look at California just several weeks ago with the MEGA BANKS!

I also believe you should not keep all of your eggs in one basket! Self explanatory! And keep in mind these MEGA BANKS are still making the 25% and 30% plus interest rates and giving you 2%-3%! How's that for GREED! My savings is not in banks at that rate! They are not in Wall St either because they're more corrupt than the banks!

Hope this sheds some insight for folks before you end up like the folks in the 30's depression! We are already there just the government is giving us a line of 'BS' as always!

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abigail O'Neill
Sellersville , US
Aug 01, 2016 7:35 am EDT

This is the worst bank I have ever dealt with. Niagara bought out one of the local banks I used. I have been in a financial nightmare ever since. It seems not to matter whether I have 1.00 in my checking or 6000.00 they hold my checks until they can collect a fee. The on-line banking was a other nightmare. I had more trouble trying to get into my account and then they penalized me. After time n my local branch and on the phone they took off some of the fees and repeatedly claimed " glitch" in the system and admitted their people were not trained. Meanwhile my bills have all since been paid late and I am charged a fee from them. I have never in my 25 years banking experienced this. Where I was once working and paying my bill and getting by, am now one pay away from living on the street with my four kids. I have not had a decent nights sleep worrying what is going on with my on line banking and If i will be OK. I also have lost many lunch breaks trying to call them to straighten things out.

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Cindi Doh
Akron, US
Aug 01, 2016 7:35 am EDT

Not only run, but RUN FAST! I just opened 2 business accounts with First Niagara. Each question I had was met with several phone calls being made to ask other branches, managers, and they even had to ask other staff. Wanting to change our checking also, I found their overdraft protection consisted of a 35.00 fee that could be paid through "their credit card." (ARE THEY SERIOUS)? We opted out and proceeded to the teller to cash two small checks, only to find that we could not cash them as my company was a corporation not an LLC? I immediately closed both business accounts and was CHARGED 25.00 to close 2 accounts that I received absolutely no service at all for! Oh, did I forget to mention that the checks I ordered for the business accounts were not mailed? This was due to a bank person leaving me a phone message stating, "the checks that I ordered were expensive, " and she would wait my call to see if I wanted the cheaper ones. Seriously? Are they kidding? I will never bank at the First Niagara. When they can charge for closing accounts and performing no service, in my opinion, they've got a good thing going, robbery without a gun!

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Maxine Vincent
, US
Jul 19, 2016 8:58 pm EDT

I have had nothing but problems with them since I was given an auto loan with them through my purchase of a car from Honda. I had to jump through hoops just to pay my loan either by phone or by internet. Also, they charge a fee to pay by phone. They have screwed up my internet payment three times out of six. Charged me a late fee when I paid on time. I called them because my next statement shows a late fee but the person on the phone doesn't see the late charge. I'm looking at it on my statement. Their statements are not clearly presented either. When I have called them, I am put on hold about eight minutes each time and once, just dropped. How convenient. Once, I paid two payments and they credited all towards the present payment and then said I didn't pay the most current payment plus charged me a late fee. I am so, so, over them. I never experienced a bank that I have had the misfortune of dealing with in my life! I have never had problems with payments like this. It's inexcusable! I am leaving them for another bank who will give me a whole percent less. So, I called and told rep I needed a payoff note faxed to my financial institution. The guy says okay, it will be done within 24 hours. Oh, I also said, don't you need my loan number to do this? Oh, yes he says, that will help me identify your account better. That was last Tuesday. On that Friday, my bank called to say they never received the payoff letter. I called First Niagara yesterday, the following Monday. . . Oh, we can't fax a payoff to another financial institution. Why didn't the guy tell me that last Tuesday, I asked? Oh, sorry, I am told. So, a week later I don't have this. So I am told, I can sign an authorization and have my bank fax that to them, and then they would process my request to fax a response within 48 hours of the request. Or, they can send a copy to some branch, within 48 hours, to some branch in my area and I have to go there to get it or they can mail it to me. I asked it be mailed to me. I said maybe they should retrain the associate who I spoke to the first time. This girl apologized but gave excuses as to why he didn't tell me "their rules" a week before. There is more but.. anyway, I want to refinance with my user friendly bank and ditch these so called bankers as soon as I possibly can. Let's see how long it takes them to send me my payoff letter by mail. Also, this girl said the payoff letter they send me is only valid for ten days, so since I sent them my original request on the 13th, that this payoff letter they will send me expires on July 23. Hold it. They never responded to my July 13 request but now, this payoff letter they are going to put in the mail, within 48 hours of today, July 18, is going to expire on July 23? I most likely will not receive it by July 23, in the mail, and it will have already expired? I had to say, well since you never sent the first request, can't you make the new ten day expiration date ten days from today's phone call, which would be ten days from July 18? Even, that is not fair because she told me my request could not be processed for another 48 hours. Wow! I have not had any good experiences with this bank and can not wait until I am finally separated from them. NEVER will recommend them and NEVER will deal with them again.

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DonPeters
Hamden, US
Oct 08, 2013 10:13 am EDT

First Niagara is very crafty at taking your money in way of banking fees. Their algorithms will take drain every penny from your account and before you know it you'll owe them hundreds of dollars in unearned bank fees. I am so glad to switch my personal and business accounts from this company to a reputable bank in New England and NY.

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bulanchiari
, US
Feb 07, 2010 8:19 am EST

First Niagara is an institution that was designed with one thing in mind... ripping people off and only tailoring to suit the needs of the rich. they pay high proce lawyers to run poor people into the ground and pay off judges so that the judge will sign unjust forms to sue poor people. ### the judges, ### the lawyers, ### First Niagara Bank, mother###ing ###s, ALL OF YOU!

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former_bank
, US
May 30, 2014 7:10 pm EDT

As a former employee of National City and FNB, I MISS NATIONAL CITY! I am A customer of FNB and I have to say the system that they use sucks. I mean it is STONE AGE! PNC bought national cities system that was far far more advanced. I am finally switching all 4 of my accounts to a credit union. I have had enough. I deposited checks through an atm on a Thursday evening and they did not show up on my account until Tuesday morning (not a holiday weekend). Being that I am a former employee, I do know the business practice of banks. The checks were from the same state and should have been available the next business day. Even if it would have been Monday. I am so tired of these check holds on checks from the SAME STATE. Checks are processed electronically and should never take that long. and the overdraft PROTECTION is a joke. They will pay the check up to $500 and charge ridiculous amounts of money. that is not protection. Protection is a signature line of credit that is attached to your account. It pulls funds when you overdraft and you get charged $5. When FNB took over they got rid of that protection. Now how is that helping the customer! I left FNB because of the stone age system to process anything including deposits and loans and the oh-well attitude when the takeover that lost so many people accounts and put so much stress on the in branch personal. GET WITH TECHOLOGY!

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Land of the Sheep and Home of the Slave
Macungie, US
May 26, 2014 6:43 am EDT

Maybe the board members and senior management will have a picnic by the Niagara River and go for a swim near the falls.

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Land of the Sheep and Home of the Slave
Macungie, US
May 26, 2014 6:36 am EDT

This is one of the best reviews I have ever read, and spot on.

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Habba
Buffalo, US
May 08, 2014 1:39 pm EDT

employees get treated like crap. If a rep has to ask a supervisor a question, your gonna be on hold a little while. Why? Because while the rep is asking his or her boss, the boss is too busy have a side conversation with another boss telling them what they did the night before...and forget about talking to mortgage or loan servicing. It's a "back" office and they don't take customer calls. A rep from Albany gave me the # for loan servicing- [protected] and told me that ten dollars an hour wasn't worth relaying messages from them. Have a loan question- call mortgage/loan servicing directly.

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M McColley
Spencerport, US
Feb 25, 2013 10:08 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

First Niagara Bank! WOW you should be criminally charged

during there take over of hsbc bank, and selling other banks due to the monopoly they caused in some towns!

my accounts were sold to a bank NOT of my choosing!
all my credit cards were cancelled.
All of my direct pays were cancelled
and i had no access to my money and did not know where it was ! that's steeling!
They said, days later when i found out where my money was that FNB sent me a letter that all my accounts were being transferred

I pay FNB over 70 thousand dollars a year for business insurance, i was a business depositor, i have all my personal banking with them . I was in the bank three days before the switch to get a new debit card (that was turned off three days after i got it, and on that Friday of turn off! i was heading out of town to see my dying Mother! I had no money no credit cards and did not know were my money was! how can a bank do this with just a lost letter in the mail, it is my money and i entrust them to keep me in the loop! this kind of transaction should be signed off personally by me! i hope someday someone takes all there personal accounts and and gives them to a bank they don't want to deal with, and get the response oh were sorry i thought you would have gotten the letter, AGAIN HOW CAN A BANK DO THIS!

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Phone numbers

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Website

www.firstniagara.com

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