A plea about a fee

DEAR HARRY: I own a retail store in the suburbs. For many years, I have had a credit line with my bank with no charge to "keep it open." Then they started imposing a $100 annual fee. Now, they are upping it to $500. That's unconscionable!

I sent the following letter to my branch manager and the chief honcho at the bank: "I have a credit line with your company. Last year, I was charged a fee of $100. This year, you notified me that you were going to charge me $500. Why? That's a 400 percent increase! Isn't the interest you get on my account enough? Where's the loyalty to your customers that have been with you for years? I have a number of accounts with you (personal as well as business), and I'm already working on going elsewhere. It's amazing how many local businesses that have been dealing with you are thinking of doing the same thing. I'm writing to my congressman and senators to enroll their help." Anything else you would recommend?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: That sure is a whopping increase, and I don't blame you for burning up.

Get all your ducks in a row with another bank (banks?). Although it appears to be within the bank's legal rights, it sure is a lousy business practice. It's a response to the limits being placed on many bank fees by recent regulation. Remember that your bank is your antagonist, not your friend.