Real Estate Blog - Wow, I’ve been “inactive” and I didn’t even know it. You may be inactive too and in for a big surprise!

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Wow, I’ve been “inactive” and I didn’t even know it. You may be inactive too and in for a big surprise!

I tried to log into my bank account online the other day, and my login and password didn’t seem to work. No problem, I had been locked out several times in the past for entering the wrong password too many times so I gave tech support a call.

What I was told by tech support astounded me. Since I hadn’t logged on in over 60 days my online access was canceled. I would have to go to the bank and apply again, and the process would take 3-5 days.

WOW! I was deleted for only 60 days of inactivity. Mind you, the bank account had been in continuous use, only the online access went dormant. I know that it’s a security thing, but 60 days is NOT a very long time.

Now, think of all of the online accounts that you have created over the years. Consider all of the web sites on which you have obtained registered access as you have surfed your way around the Internet.

How many of them have you NOT logged on to in the last two months? My guess is over 75% of them, maybe more. Two months is not a very long time when determining whether or not a customer is coming back or not.

But we live in a fast-paced world these days, and if you snooze, you lose, so I went to the bank and reapplied for online access.

Because I have to watch those balances a little more closely these days!

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Posted by Richard Weisser - Coweta Fayette Real Estate - Newnan homes for sale on 10/29/2009 06:48 AM

Comments (22)

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22 Comments on Wow, I’ve been “inactive” and I didn’t even know it. You may be inactive too and in for a big surprise!

OCT

I've never heard of online access being canceled that way for a bank account!

I was asked to change my password the other day. I sure hope I remember my new one.

I've noticed it on social network sites, I haven't visited in a while, and then don't remember.

I know it is a hassle, but it is for your security.

Richard.....you just reminded me to check online on the status of a couple of credit cards that I have not used in a year.....they have zero balances, so I never bother with them!!

Hi Richard,

Wow I am surprised about being deleted after 60 days of no on-line use! Anything is possible today and with the fraud going around I'll take the inconvenience. Last year our bank noticed us 3 drafts that were not normal came in on one of our accounts and did they did not pay them but held them and called us. The total of the 3 checks were just over $10k. We had to change all our account numbers and 3 months later it happened again! We now have a password we use on any transaction but no more bank fraud! We live in a world where if people put time in developing an idea rather than using their time figuring out how to take from others they could really be a valuable asset

One of our banks here has that rule.... I changed banks because it is an account that I do not access that often, but need to when I need to! I see their point, but!

I can understand what they're trying to do Richard, but it's just not the right way of doing it. But, then again, banks haven't been doing things the right way in a while now.

Penny...

It surprised me, that's for sure! THX

Missy...

Yeah, but it seems like they could reactivate the old account without the need to re-apply ... don't you think? Thanks for the comment.

Barbara...

Can you lend me one? lol and thanks!

Richard I can see the bank's point, but 60 days is relatively short. I guess its also their way to get customers using the bank site. Thanks for the heads up. I will check my account. I haven't logged on in quite a while.

Dorie...

Great to hear that your bank was looking out for you! You have a realo keeper there. Thanks for the comment.

D & D...

Also, the account itself can go dormant in six months. Wow, and thanks.

Gabe...

I think they should "deactivate" it but not terminate it. Thanks for the comment.

The bank reminds me of the folks who clear the table while you are still finishing your meal, a bit pre-emptive!! Wow.

Interesting Richard. Some might call me nuts, but I check my bank account and master card every single day. Imagine what a thief can do in one hour with your account number let alone in one day.

Richard:

That happened to me recently with an account that I had at Bank of America. Due to inactivity, it would not let me transfer funds anymore. I had to set up a new "trial" transfer with my other bank to set it up again. I did this and it didn't work. I did it three times and was on the phone with them about it. Finally, I physically went to the bank (yech!) and took my money out. Too many problems...

60 days??? That's crazy! I use online banking on a regular basis, but there are some logins that I don't frequently use. I don't think I've had one terminated for inactivity though.

Richard: The world is very fast paced, isn't it? I guess sixty days is supposed to be an eternity now. That's nuts.

Richard - I recommend logging in as often as possible. Last year when I had my account hijacked I found out within hours by logging in on a holiday and stop any further damage. In todays electronic world, it's important to stay on top of sesnitive information and accounts.

Richard,

I never thought about this. Thanks for the heads up!

I would have thought that as a courtesy to their clients, the bank would have at least sent you an email reminder before deleting your online account.

I log into my account once a week just to be doing so and make sure that everything is alright. I can see where it would be easy to go a couple months without worrying about it though.

I don't do on-line banking. I know 2 people who are very computor literate that have had problems. A dummy like me should just walk into the bank!

Wow, 60 days, that is amazing. And I am with Gabe, not like the banks make good rules and regs, LOL. Guess you will be logging in a bit more often, or else get used to going down to the bank and driving them nutz every 61 days, LOL.

OCT

This doesn't surprise me. My bank canceled my debit card because I didn't use it in 30 days. (Actually, I had never used it - in 10 years, but I tried just for the heck of it). I had to go to the bank and get a new card, but when they told me I had to use it once every 30 days, I decided I didn't really need it. That was 2 years ago. Still don't need it.

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