Checking or savings account -- Problem caused by your funds being low -- Complaint #18047633
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 18047633
Company: Bank Of Hawaii Corporation
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-Product: Checking account
Issue: Problem caused by your funds being low
Sub-Issue: Overdrafts and overdraft fees
State: Hawaii
ZIP Code: 96734
Date Received: 2025-12-01T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2025-12-01T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
I have been trying to stop Bank of Hawaii from charging me overdraft fees for close to a decade now, enough is enough. If I remember correctly, XXXX has already been subject to a class action lawsuit for this very same behavior not too long ago. Clearly they did not stop doing it, and lets be clear. They are aware theyre doing it, theyre aware that what it is, is STEALING. I have repeatedly told the bank that if my account balance is EVER insufficient for ANY transaction, I do NOT want overdraft coverage! I do NOT want you to cover the missing XXXX, and then charge me {$30.00} for it!!! Obviously!! Yet they have been stealing from going back as far as XXXX, when I opened my account. Opting out is made unnecessarily difficult ( in-person, paperwork ) and even after doing this successfully, XXXX continued treating my account as if I were opted in. Over the years I when I saw an nsf charge, Id call the bank ( long waits on the phone, or go to the bank in person ) but the way XXXX has this set up ( by design ) is to discourage people from contesting illegitimate fees by making the process as uncomfortable as possible. The effort to get the stolen money back, is not worth the money that was taken. Despite Bank of Hawaiis best efforts to make it as difficult as possible, I officially opted out in XX/XX/XXXX, and this is clearly shown in my XXXX account. Since opting out in XXXX XXXX has continuously charged ( stolen ) overdraft fees, and are still actively doing so. ( The last overdraft fee I see in my count is from XX/XX/XXXX ). Under Regulation E, banks can not charge overdraft fees on debit/ATM transactions without an affirmative opt-in. I NEVER opted in I opted OUT. This is another example of the of Bank of Hawaiis dishonesty, and disregard for their customers. A service that youre charged for ( covering for transactions if account is insufficient ) is NOT something you can just charge without permission. Why do XXXX DEFAULT everyone to OPT IN? Very very dishonest. This does not appear to be an isolated mistake but an ongoing pattern. XXXX has a history of issues with dishonest overdraft practices, and what I experienced seems consistent with systemic or even criminal misconduct. I have all supporting documents, which will be presented when appropriate. This has been a constant nagging XXXX for me for TEN YEARS, always worrying if something unexpected would charge to my account, the countless hours wasted trying to talk to customer service, the domino effect several of those fees had, its not just a {$30.00} fee when it sets off a chain of events that ends up costing thousands. This is not simply some accidental overdraft fees. This is clearly a deliberate scheme, which is working exactly the way it was designed to. Aside from the return of my stolen money, I anticipate an offer of compensation, that reflects the years of mental and financial XXXX this has had on me. My decision of whether or not to file a lawsuit will be determined by Bank of Hawaiis response to this, by how their tone is, what they offer as compensation, what they have to say for themselves about still doing this despite being caught doing it before. Im aware that a lawsuit will be extremely costly, however, this has become about much more than the money they stole.. This is personal for me. I trusted them, and they literally stole from me ( along with what must be tens of thousands of other customers Im sure, please do a search in your transactions for NSF FEE, you may be shocked at how much money has been stolen from you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #18047633 about?
Complaint #18047633 was filed against Bank Of Hawaii Corporation regarding Checking or savings account specifically about Problem caused by your funds being low. It was received by the CFPB on 2025-12-01T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Bank Of Hawaii Corporation respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with explanation". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Checking or savings account) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Bank Of Hawaii Corporation?
Yes, visit the Bank Of Hawaii Corporation company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/bank-of-hawaii-corporation to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.