Open Letter to Santa Barbara Bank and Trust:
I have been banking with you since 2007. I moved to your bank because of the [higher] fees and [inferior] customer service of the “big banks.” I do not take your new fees lightly.
When “bank transfer day” happened in November 2011, I spoke highly of Santa Barbara to my friends and colleagues, due to your lack of unnecessary and exorbitant fees. I still keep an old Chase account around in order to have national access to a bank when I travel. What is ironic is, now my fees are nearly non-existent on my Chase account (with the way I use it) and will be skyrocketing on your account. You are chasing away middle- and low-income customers in favor of large, low maintenance depositors.
This is a despicable practice. I will be closing all three of my accounts with you, and my dad will be closing his business and personal accounts. In addition I will be asking all of my friends to do the same.