Editor's note: Chase and Bank of America have sent letters to their customers in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy. They discuss their work getting ATMs back up and running, reopening branches, and assisting customers.
To our customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: We know the last 24 hours have been tough for many of you, our valued customers, and there may be challenges ahead. We hope you and your families are safe. Our hearts go out to the communities that have been hit the hardest. We want you to know that Chase is standing with you now and as the recovery effort begins.
We are working hard to get some of our Tri-State branches open tomorrow, October 31st, and we have half of our ATMs up and running. Hundreds of our branches are damaged or without power or other services, but we are mobilizing as many portable generators as possible to get centrally located branches open quickly. We're updating our branch locator on chase.com and the Chase Mobile® App frequently so check for details on branches near you. And as always, you can make deposits at ATMs and with your smartphone and do your banking on chase.com or via mobile.
Earlier this week, we announced we will waive or automatically refund a number of fees through October 31st for our customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. As the storm cleanup continues, we are extending those waivers through Thursday, November 1st, and to customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Those fees include:
º Overdraft Protection Transfer, Extended Overdraft, Returned Item and Insufficient Funds Fees for deposit accounts.
º Late fees on credit cards, business and consumer loans, including mortgages, home-equity, auto and student loans.
If you need more specific help, don't hesitate to call us at 1-888-356-0023 or phone your personal banker. We have empowered our employees to be very accommodating to your hurricane-related circumstances in waiving fees, including the early withdrawal fees on most CDs to help customers with their financial situation. We are a national bank, but the Tri-State area is home to many of us, too. We know we can't replace what people may have lost, but we will do what we can to help make the rebuilding easier.
Sincerely,
Ryan McInerney
Chief Executive Officer
Chase Consumer Banking
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Dear Valued Bank of America Customer,
We hope this message finds you and your family safe and well.
While the actual storm may be winding down, it's often in the days after that its effects continue to be felt, as personal finances take a back seat to clean up and repair.
We're here to help in any way we can, one customer at a time. If you or someone you know was affected by severe storms and floods, our Customer Assistance Program can help. You may qualify to:To access the program, please contact us at any Bank of America Banking Center, or via our dedicated number at 855.729.1764 . Our Customer Assistance Program representatives can provide you with individual help and assistance.
- Receive credit line increases on your existing Bank of America Visa® card and MasterCard®.
- Modify or extend payments on loans, credit cards or lines of credit.
- Receive special assistance with lost, missing or late loan or card payments.
- Avoid early withdrawal penalties on bank certificates of deposit (CDs).
- Receive a refund on any overdraft, non-sufficient funds (NSF) and non-Bank of America ATM fees incurred as a result of storm conditions.
Our Banking Center branch locator is also current and up to date so that you know which branches are open. We are trying to open all our branches as soon as possible.
Remember that online banking and our mobile banking app are available as safe, convenient ways to check account status and pay bills during this time.
In addition, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has pledged $1 million dollars in support of relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy including $500,000 to the American Red Cross Hurricanes 2012 Fund.
Our thoughts and support are with you, your families and the communities impacted by the storm.
Sincerely,
David Darnell
Co-Chief Operating Officer
