Damn WaMu

I've ranted before on why I hate Apple Computer--sorry, I mean Apple, Inc.: they're an evil corporation just like Microsoft.  The only difference is they put a smiley face on it.  I like my bullshit straight up.  Bill Gates never pretends he's saving the world; "Yes, I'm a rich nerd and I want to make money off of you."

So when I say Washington Mutual is like Apple, it's not a compliment.  Banks are in the business of taking as much of your money as possible, and giving back as little as possible.  It's their reason for existing.  Most banks are honest about this.  WaMu advertises "no hidden fees," when in truth they have a million hidden fees.  "Oh, but they're not really hidden, they're all right there in the fine print."  Thansk a fucking lot.  I've had this conversation with WaMu employees several times.  A few months ago I almost canceled with WaMu and went to Wells Fargo instead.  But as I walked into the bank to close the account, the teller joyfully told me that they had a new type of checking account that essentially fixed all my complaints.  So I stuck with them, which I kind of regret because there's literally a Wells Fargo across the street from my house and there's no WaMu in Upper Haight or Cole Valley.  Not even an ATM.
I recently noticed a suspicious charge in my checking account.  Turns out it was when I ordered internet access in the hotel room in Reno so Aaron could check his bar results.  The company that managed the hotel wireless is based in Vancouver and so I got an international charge on my account.  I realized this while I was on the phone with WaMu customer support and I asked the girl to cancel the dispute.  She did.  A few days later my card gets declined at a restaurant and I get a letter saying my card's been canceled.  So I call them and politely ask, "what the hell?"

Turns out the girl I talked to did her job correctly.  In fact, this new customer service girl has no explanation as to why my card was canceled.

"But you don't just randomly cancel cards, right?  There has to be a reason?"

"That's correct, sir.  But I'm not seeing any reason for this cancelation."  All she could do was send me a new card.
Lucky for her--and WaMu--she apologized and said she'd send me a new card.  And I have to learn a new PIN.  Could she change my pin over the phone?  No.  Can I do it online?  No.  Is there anything I can do other than drive a couple miles to the nearest bank during business hours and have it done manually?  No.

And I get to wait 7-10 business days.