Firearms business checking account denied

[LastManArms]

After 48 hours since last speaking with the bank, I called to see where the status of setting up a meeting with the branch manager and auditor was at. Evidently the branch manager has been in non-stop conference calls since Monday and the rep I have been working with hasn't been able to talk to the manager to set it up. She said she promised she would get a time setup to talk. Are bank managers really that busy? I'm going to call every day now. Squeaky wheel gets oiled, right?

[Dave Timm]

Some banks are just anti 2A and related business. mcmillan rifle co got dropped by their bank because of the business they are in. I have a firearms training company on the side and have had great success and service from Bremer. Also several employees have taken training from me and lie the fact that I carry in their bank, even though its posted. Several employees disagree with corporate on their banks being posted.
My personal opinion above

[Rand McNally]

After 48 hours since last speaking with the bank, I called to see where the status of setting up a meeting with the branch manager and auditor was at. Evidently the branch manager has been in non-stop conference calls since Monday and the rep I have been working with hasn't been able to talk to the manager to set it up. She said she promised she would get a time setup to talk. Are bank managers really that busy? I'm going to call every day now. Squeaky wheel gets oiled, right?

Just curious, but is there a reason why you are wasting your time with this? Obviously they don't want your business, so I would find another bank.

[Leech]

After 48 hours since last speaking with the bank, I called to see where the status of setting up a meeting with the branch manager and auditor was at. Evidently the branch manager has been in non-stop conference calls since Monday and the rep I have been working with hasn't been able to talk to the manager to set it up. She said she promised she would get a time setup to talk. Are bank managers really that busy? I'm going to call every day now. Squeaky wheel gets oiled, right?

Just curious, but is there a reason why you are wasting your time with this? Obviously they don't want your business, so I would find another bank.

Most gun owners do not give in easily to the antis so I commend "LastManArms" for his tenacity as it helps us all. Little drops make a big ocean.

My advice to LastManArms is to sink his teeth in deep and not let go. Force the issue by demanding a written copy of their company policy and submit it to the State Department of Commerce along with a formal discrimination complaint. If the bank does not have a written policy then someone with an agenda is playing God and you need to go higher in the chain of command. Of course there is always the possibility the bank employees do not know what the heck they are talking about and need to be educated. Educating the gun ignorant is also something responsible gun owners do to protect our right. If you go with another bank, you are telling US Bank they are right, you are wrong and we all loose a little more turf.

[Motoman]

After 48 hours since last speaking with the bank, I called to see where the status of setting up a meeting with the branch manager and auditor was at. Evidently the branch manager has been in non-stop conference calls since Monday and the rep I have been working with hasn't been able to talk to the manager to set it up. She said she promised she would get a time setup to talk. Are bank managers really that busy? I'm going to call every day now. Squeaky wheel gets oiled, right?

Just curious, but is there a reason why you are wasting your time with this? Obviously they don't want your business, so I would find another bank.

Exactly! I want to do business with a company that appreciates my business. That includes banks that are posted. Legal discrimination, sure. But I won't give them my business. Most banks aren't posted, and don't restrict accounts of firearms related businesses. Why not give your business to them?

[XDM45]

@LastManArms

My son in law is a general manager at a US Bank, I can make contact for you if you want and give him your info. Send me a message if you're interested. Perhaps your results will vary from your current experience with them.

[LastManArms]

UPDATE!!! SUCCESS!!!

The branch manager called me today. She was really cool and wanted to better understand my business plans. Turns out she is "firearms friendly" and attends gun shows! She has been swamped and apologized for this taking so long. There is no policy against firearms businesses at US BANk that she is aware of but is a touchy area with auditors. I experienced the same thing with my homeowners insurance and had to fight that as well. (another story) There is some stuff about Internet businesses, but she wasn't super clear on all those details except they have had issues around liability and Internet businesses. She said she would work on it and get back to me. She called back in an hour and said they WILL open my account and will inform the rep to proceed with it when I come in.

Thank you to everyone for your offers of contacts, advice and support.

[LastManArms]

After 48 hours since last speaking with the bank, I called to see where the status of setting up a meeting with the branch manager and auditor was at. Evidently the branch manager has been in non-stop conference calls since Monday and the rep I have been working with hasn't been able to talk to the manager to set it up. She said she promised she would get a time setup to talk. Are bank managers really that busy? I'm going to call every day now. Squeaky wheel gets oiled, right?

Just curious, but is there a reason why you are wasting your time with this? Obviously they don't want your business, so I would find another bank.

Excellent question, thank you. Two reasons:

1. I will not be discriminated against without making a big deal about it. (I'd probably make a good liberal too) This unfounded fear and hysteria around firearms needs to be fought.

2. Switching banks is a pain with all the automated electronic funds stuff personally and with my wife's business I have setup and everything else about this bank has been awesome. I was shocked to get this resistance initially.

[brad3579]

Good job of staying on them and glad to see this all worked out for you.
US Bank can be a real pain in the ass sometimes with their business banking.

[darnzen]

I'm glad it worked out for you as well. I'm not sure how they stand on 2A issues or gun ownership, but I worked with Wells Fargo and they didn't react negatively to the gun business. In fact, most of the people I dealt with said "Oh cool!" when I told them what the business was. I was able to get an SBA loan, line of credit, checking / savings, payment processing, and payroll services.

They are not the best bank in the world as far as pricing and fees, but I appreciate the support thy have given me.