Bank of America Outage Leaves Thousands Unable to Access Funds

A major technical failure hit Bank of America on Friday. Thousands of customers reported being unable to see their current account balances or complete transactions. The widespread outage caused significant disruption for users across the United States.

According to Downdetector, problem reports surged to over 3,000. The issue tracking service noted the problems began around 7:17 pm EST. This left many customers frustrated and unable to manage their finances.

Widespread Customer Frustration and System Errors

Many users took to Downdetector and social media to voice their concerns. One customer stated their mobile app was only showing balances from the previous business day. Another reported that both debit and credit card transactions were failing.

The bank’s system displayed a specific error message for many. It read, “Temporarily unable to display some accounts and/or latest balances.” The message assured customers that technicians were working to resolve the issue quickly. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago were among the most affected areas.

Broader Impact and Immediate Fallout

The outage prevented essential banking activities. Customers reported being unable to use Zelle or transfer money between accounts. This immediate loss of access to real-time financial data caused considerable anxiety.

The bank’s customer service lines likely experienced high call volumes. While standard troubleshooting steps like password resets were suggested, the problem originated from the bank’s side. This meant individual user actions could not resolve the widespread service disruption. The event highlights the growing public reliance on always-available digital banking services.

The Bank of America outage serves as a sharp reminder of digital banking’s vulnerabilities. Customers were left in the dark during a significant service failure. Such incidents underscore the importance of having alternative financial access points during technical disruptions.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the Bank of America outage?

The exact technical cause has not been officially disclosed by the bank. Bank of America only acknowledged the issue and stated that their teams were working on a resolution. Initial reports pointed to problems with the bank’s internal systems.

Which services were affected by the outage?

Customers reported issues with mobile banking, balance updates, and transaction services. Specific problems included failures with Zelle transfers, debit card payments, and accessing real-time account information. Online banking portals were also impacted.

Were credit cards affected during the outage?

Yes, some users reported that their Bank of America credit cards were not working for purchases. This was combined with the inability to see current balances or recent transactions on credit accounts. The problem appeared to be system-wide.

How long did the banking disruption last?

Reports started flooding in around 7:17 pm EST on Friday. The full duration of the outage was not immediately clear. Service was gradually restored as technicians addressed the underlying technical fault.

What should customers do during a bank outage?

Keep a record of any important transactions you need to make. You can try using an ATM for cash, though functionality may be limited. Contact customer service for urgent issues, but expect potential delays due to high call volume.

Trusted Sources

Downdetector, Associated Press