Last November when I was let go from First Data I had the option to get unemployment insurance. I didn’t take advantage of it right away. I just couldn’t rationalize it at the time when I was getting a severance package that would pay me through the next 6+ months. After things didn’t work out in June I finally broke down and signed up. It took a little while for everything to fall into place, but I finally started getting unemployment in early August. But that isn’t the point of this post.

The only option for receiving unemployment was through a Chase sponsored Visa debit card. There was no option to receive payment via check or direct deposit to my personal bank account. After using it sparingly for specific expenses – like gas – for a little while, I started using it more often to pay for parking. Since I’m still living with my brother and guest parking is limited, I’ve been parking across the street for $3/day. Not a big deal considering I’m not actually paying rent right now. And I’m taking a long time to get to the point.

Early last week I noticed all my transactions using the Visa debit card were being charged an extra $.10. Apparently, after contacting Chase, there is an extra $.10 charge on every transaction after the first 2 each month. Doesn’t this qualify as kicking a man while he’s down? I mean, this is my UNEMPLOYMENT pay! Money I’m receiving because I don’t have a job! Well, that’s no longer the case, but do you see my point?! I don’t understand how they can rationalize taking money from people that don’t have jobs. At this point I never want to do business with Chase again… EVER!

Ironically, yesterday I opened a letter notifying me the mortgage I previously had with Washington Mutual is now owned by Chase.  That just makes me sad.