Complain about a product or service

Blockbuster Late Fees

Blockbuster • Late fees • Misleading Claims • Blockbuster Online • Insider's View --- News • Blockbuster Abandons Customer Data on NYC Street • Loss Of Late Fees Hurts Blockbuster • States Settle With Blockbuster • New Jersey Sues Blockbuster • Blockbuster "Eliminates:"Late Fees • Blockbuster Settlement

Henry of Kannapolis, NC December 30, 2008

Henry of Kannapolis NC (12/30/08)
I had not rented from Blockbuster in over 4 months and out of the blue a 30 charge showed up on my bank account from them. I checked specifically with the store I rented from and from one possible other location and there was no information on why the charge was applied to my debit card. If this had been a credit card it might be possible to have the credit card company fight it, but since it's not it looks like i'm at a loss. I'm still pursuing the matter with Blockbuster, but at this point I have not heard anything back from them and I had already made up my mind that I would NEVER rent from them again due to other reasons. I cannot believe this company is still in business.

The charges they applied to my checking account unexpectedly and unjustifiably led me to overdraft my account and pay a total of 75 for a movie I do not have nor did I ever have past its due date.

Laura of Oakville, CT December 30, 2008

Laura of Oakville CT (12/30/08)
Returned videos to the store only to find out that my account was charged and excessive amount of money for their used videos. They used to send out reminders if you were late now if you are late they charge your account 4 times more than video costs. It would be one thing if they charged you a used video price but the fee that they charge is a lot more than a brand new video.

This practice they are doing is unfair, unethical and they are stealing customers money without their knowledge. The only way you will know is if you go over your bank statement carefully.

Tim of Charlotte, NC December 30, 2008

Tim of Charlotte NC (12/30/08)
In the first 10 months of 2008, my household spent about 160 at Blockbuster. Those will be the last dollars that the organization ever receives from me. I rented two movies towards the end of November. As we got busy with the Thanksgiving holiday the movies crossed my mind but Blockbuster's No Fee Policy provided some relief. Back into the swing of things, I returned the movies a few days later.

About a week later, my wife and I found ourselves purusing the shelves at BB and walked to the counter for our 14 evening (3 rentals). The gentleman behind the counter told me I owed 42 in late fees. I was shocked, embarassed, and confused. As it happened, my credit card had just expired and he asked for my new card number to make the charges. I left without paying, and without the three movies.

This week (about a month later), I received a letter from a collection agency in the mail. So this morning I went down to talk to the store manager. They have over 3 drawers, probably 300 titles, of movies that represent situations just like mine. I explained the situation and asked her to waive the fees. I tried to put it in her terms - that I can pay 42 and never come in again, or they could waive the fee and I may continue to spend 160 annually. Seems like a no brainer.

The best she could offer is to cut the fee in half. She charged me 21, and then asked me if I'd like to trade in the movies for a 3.75 credit...are you kidding me? Blockbuster, goodbye. It was expensive knowing you.

Samantha of Spring Valley, CA December 23, 2008

Samantha of Spring Valley CA (12/23/08)
I was charged full prices for the used movies/games I rented. I had done this before and they simply credited me back - they have that no late fees but if over 30 days you pay a re-stocking fee. WELL - they changed the policy in August apparently. So all of sudden I get 161 charge on my account - I return the movies THE DAY THEY CHARGED MY ACCOUNT. They said they put them to aside and I need to come get them. So I'm paying Full Price for used merchandise.

AND for 2 - the policy clearly states that you have 10 days AFTER the purchase date. Well they charged my account on the 12/20 but they claim they charged it 12/17 - I returned the items 12/20-12/21. That is still with in 10 days of the purchase date if we count the day THEY say they charged my card or the date I say. It's still well with in but their argument is they don't know why it took soo long to charge my card because it should have been charged a while ago. That's not my problem - I consider the date they charged me the purchase date and I'm WELL WITH IN the STUPID 10 day policy they didn't tell anyone about except in the first month. I told the guy - so anyone who didn't rent a movie that month just wasn't notified at all? There just out of luck? I'm so mad that they aren't even crediting people the first time it happens to them after the POLICY CHANGE in small print.

So I'm out 161 3 days before Christmas in the middle of a recession with 3 kids. Nice.

Deborah of Mesa, AZ December 17, 2008

Deborah of Mesa AZ (12/17/08)
Returned a movie less than a week of renting it and a couple weeks later a charge of 25 appeared on my bank statement. When asked what this was they told me I had to buy the movie that I had over 30 days late but DID return. They would not give me my money back and shoved the used movie in front of me telling me it was now mine. It wasn't even a good movie but now I own it. I was NEVER told of this nor allowed anyone to use my card whenever they felt like it.

My return was not over 30-days....my guess is an employee forgot to scan it back in and I paid for it. I will never set foot in a Blockbuster again. Employees are rude and they change their rules without notice. I signed up with Blockbusters when they first began. I used a different credit card then. When used a different card they obviously took my information and kept it in their computer. Is this not against the law without my consent? Then they just charge my account late fees and make me buy movies. NEVER AGAIN!! You should do something about this company. They have ignored all my calls and emails.

Stolen account information and lost money.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |