Monday is just as sunny as it was Sunday but it feels different. Today my mission is to wrangle with the Axa bank. Since signing up I have had more problems than successes. I was recommended the bank because it is an international bank that has an English-speaking phone line. So far that hasn’t mattered much.

It is hard for Americans to open bank accounts. The documentation to execute this was enormous. At this bank, I was able to open a checking account and get insurance for home, health, and car so at first I thought I was lucky. Also, the English-speaking helpline is available between 2-5 pm, Monday thru Friday. The Brits working that line are so friendly. No matter that they sound like 15 year old interns who rarely can execute a solution in one step.

This bank has branches but they don’t have money. The bank is entirely utilized online. Obviously that sounded easy and accessible when I signed up. It is a hellish nightmare. There are two different platforms: web based and the mobile app. They don’t work harmoniously.

I lost my bank card in early December. I successfully blocked the card online. It took over a month to successfully order and replace the card. Don’t ask. I got the card last Thursday in the mail and carefully followed the directions that told me how to activate it. I wrote down my new passcode and even photographed it for good measure. Then I went to the grocery store. Declined.

I came back home and signed into my account online, only to find that the new card was now blocked. I began the process of requesting that my card be unblocked and got caught in a web spiral that prompted me to develop a new password and eventually got me locked out of my account. I am fuming.

So today, I will begin the process of undoing whatever mistake I have made, getting access to my flipping money and trying to find a new financial institution. I actually look forward to speaking with the friendly interns even if they can’t help. I will be patient, kind and hopeful. At least for the morning. In the afternoon the fighting will commence.