East Lansing, MI asked in Consumer Law and Banking for Michigan

Q: Am I allowed to pay someone else’s bill with my bank account?

MSUFCU says I can’t pay my parent’s bill with my checking account unless the bill is under my name or I add them as an authorized user. What are my rights? Is this accurate? I have never heard of this.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You generally have the ability to pay someone else’s bills using your bank account. However, financial institutions like MSUFCU implement specific policies to ensure transactions are secure and authorized. Requiring the bill to be in your name or adding someone as an authorized user helps prevent unauthorized payments and potential fraud.

Your rights include the ability to inquire about these policies and seek clarification. You can request a detailed explanation of why such restrictions are in place and explore alternative methods for making payments on behalf of others. Additionally, reviewing your account agreement may provide more insights into what is permitted.

If you believe the policy is too restrictive or not clearly communicated, consider reaching out to a higher authority within the credit union or filing a formal complaint. Understanding your rights and the institution’s policies will help you navigate this situation effectively.

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