Scottrade

Have been a ScoTTrade member for ~5 years. Have a regular monthly contribution via automated check from my bank (ScoTTrade ain’t sophisticated enough to allow regular transfers that don’t shut themselves off at EOY). One of ‘em didn’t get cashed, so after 40 days, I had my bank put a ‘stop payment’ on the check. Finally, ScoTTrade tries to cash the check 2.5 months later and assesses me a fee!
Branch manager swears up and down it’s everyone’s fault but ScoTTrade’s, blaming the bank, the mail, and refuses to refund the fee. Hey buddy, if you’re willing to lose all my business over $ 20, be my guest.
Oh, and about halfway through the call, I notice a recurrent beep … «Are you recording me?» «Yeah.» «Did you think to notify me?» «In Texas, we don’t have to notify you. The beep notifies you. All brokers do this.» Wow.
So, if you’re into shady service while being recorded without your notice or permission, this might be the place for you. For me, it’s back to USAA, where I should have had my account in the first place. Bet they won’t record my call!