Bank of America Service client

Calling Bank of America for customer service questions or concerns can be tedious as wait times tend to be long. As a longtime customer of Bank of America and parent of a teenager, I decided to find out what banking options are available for students and teens. 

Upon calling, I was greeted by an automated recording letting me know that recent increased call volume was causing higher than usual hold times, and an associate would be with me as soon as possible. The recording also directed me to opt for self-service banking options on Bank of America's website or at local ATM machines. No other menu options were offered but I had some time to spare so decided to wait. 

While on hold listening to some pleasant music, the automated recording returned periodically to let callers know about Bank of America's products, accounts and online banking support. The recording also encouraged me to continue holding as all associates were assisting other customers and my call would be answered in the order it was received. 

By now, I'd been waiting on hold for at least 10 minutes, and considered hanging up to try again. Another recording informed me that I could access assistance through Bank of America's mobile banking app, which I don't currently use but considered getting the app while waiting on hold to see if that would lead to faster service. The recurring recordings continued to encourage me to keep holding as an associate would be with me soon. 

Finally, after close to 20 minutes of waiting, a customer service rep was on the line, apologizing for the wait and asking how they could help me. I explained my request of trying to find the right account to get my teenager started with banking and saving. The rep shared about Bank of America's Advantage SafeBalance Banking program that allows students and adults under age 25 to open a checking account without a monthly fee. Account holders receive a debit card to use at any bank or ATM in addition to being able to pay for checks if they'd prefer to use those.

Students and teens can also enroll in online banking with this kind of account, the rep explained, and have the ability to open a savings account as well. I asked the rep how to begin the process for opening an account and he suggested scheduling an appointment at a nearby branch to get started or applying online at the specific link he provided. I thanked him for his time and headed to the website to read about the process, which was anticipated to take about 10 minutes online. 

While the rep was helpful in providing the basic information I needed, the wait time was outrageously long so callers should be prepared to on hold for a while.