How to Sue US Bank

SEND A DEMAND LETTER.

Small claims courts generally demand that you first attempt to resolve your issue with the person you’re suing (the “defendant”) on your own before filing a claim. So, if you want to sue US Bank in small claims court, you must first send them a demand letter.

You can write your letter in a few lines. Tell US Bank who you are (your name, address, phone number, and account number), what the problem is, and what you want them to do about it. The entire letter might be only a few sentences long; remember that you’re simply checking a box before submitting your real claim.

When you’re done writing, you need to mail a hard copy of the letter, preferably as certified mail or some other service that allows you to confirm delivery, to their legal address.

US Bank may receive mail at this address. (Check your contract to confirm the correct address for legal notices):

U.S. BANCORP
c/o THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY
CORPORATION TRUST CENTER
1209 ORANGE ST
WILMINGTON, DE 19801

If you would like examples of demand letters or more information about how to write them, you can find an excellent guide here.

FILL OUT COURT FORMS.

In order to sue US Bank in small claims court, you’re going to need to fill out some paper work.

Each state has a set of forms that need to be filled out to file a claim, and sometimes counties will provide additional forms. The correct forms for your location will be available for free on your state court’s website.

Make sure you fill out enough forms – most states that require you to file forms by mail or in-person will ask for 3 or 4 copies. If you don’t have the right number, they will not accept your claim.

FILE YOUR COMPLAINT FORM WITH THE COURT.

When you’re done filling out the court forms, it’s time to give those forms to the court. This process, called “filing” can be a bit tricky.

Many courts will require you to physically come to the courthouse during specific hours and days to hand-deliver the forms to the court’s clerk. Other courts may allow you to file by mail, fax or (for a few courts) online.

All courts will require you to pay a filing fee before they allow your to sue US Bank in small claims. This fee, which will be published on your court’s website, can sometimes be waved if you are low income based on certain requirements.

When you file your forms, the court clerk will provide you with a stamped copy of the forms and a court date. Keep it safe and bring it with you on the day of your hearing.

“SERVE” YOUR FORMS ON US BANK.

If you’ve made it this far – good work! Suing US Bank in small claims can be a long and tough process.

Once you’ve filed the documents necessary to bring your lawsuit against US Bank, you must notify them of the suit. This is known as “serving” US Bank. You must deliver a copy of your filed papers to US Bank in order to do this.

Look at your court’s website for instructions on how to properly deliver your forms to US Bank, or search for “[your state] small claims service of process”. Courts have many strange rules about how to serve a defendant, and your claim will be dropped if you do not follow them perfectly. So be careful!

SHOW UP FOR YOUR COURT DATE.

When the court clerk gives you a court date (after you file your forms), make sure to put it on your calendar.

Make sure you know which courthouse to go to. Bring your copy of your filed forms, and any other evidence that backs up your case against US Bank.

Sometimes, US Bank will not show up to oppose you. If that happens, take advantage of the situation to focus on your side of the story.