Nationwide — Michael Waller, a 64-year-old businessman from Kansas City, is suing Commerce Bank alleging he was discriminated against at two of the bank’s locations while trying to open business accounts. Waller, who is Black, claims he was denied service and was even falsely reported to the police.
The problem began on June 20, when Waller visited the Antioch location in Overland Park, where he already had a personal account. He went there to open two business accounts but was told his paperwork was incorrect on that day and the next day that he returned.
After returning with the correct documents on June 27, Waller alleged a bank employee questioned him why he couldn’t open an account closer to his home. The employee then refused service and reported him to the fraud department. Waller said the police were called as he and his fiancée were leaving the bank.
“Plaintiff was shocked and afraid for his safety and that of his fiancé,” the lawsuit said.
Later that day, Waller went to the Troost Avenue location in Kansas City to file a complaint and try again to open the accounts. He said Burdett, the branch manager, told him he was not eligible to open business accounts at any Commerce Bank location. It was reportedly based on the decision of the bank’s Kansas City investigations department.
Waller claimed that the bank ignored his complaints even when he went back to the Overland Park location to close his personal account. He also said Bronson dismissed his concerns when he escalated the issue over the phone.
Waller said he suffered emotional distress from the incident and lost business opportunities due to delays. He later opened accounts with another bank without issue.
“The conduct of Defendants was outrageous and evidenced an evil motive and/or conscious disregard for the rights of Plaintiff and others,” the lawsuit said.
Most recently, Waller has been issued a Notice of Right to Sue as the Missouri Commission agreed that his rights had been violated. The case is ongoing, with a court conference set for March 3, 2025. Commerce Bank has yet to comment on the lawsuit but plans to respond legally.
