10 U.S. Companies Employees and Customers Really, Really Hate
In today’s competitive market, company reputation hinges on customer satisfaction, employee treatment, and ethical practices. Yet, some giants consistently fail, earning spots on lists of America’s worst companies. This article ranks the top 10 based on consumer complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, employee reviews from sites like Glassdoor, and high-profile scandals. Data draws from aggregated consumer feedback, regulatory filings, and public sentiment as of recent analyses. These companies span telecom, retail, airlines, social media, and banking, highlighting widespread issues like poor service, hidden fees, privacy breaches, and unethical behavior.
Understanding these rankings helps consumers make informed choices, avoid pitfalls, and push for better accountability. Let’s dive into the countdown, starting from number 10.
10. Sprint
Sprint, the telecom provider now merged into T-Mobile, tops the list for customer frustration in wireless services. Consumers frequently report billing errors, dropped calls, and deceptive advertising about coverage and speeds. According to CFPB data, Sprint faced thousands of complaints on unauthorized charges and service disruptions. Employees echo this, citing high-pressure sales tactics and inadequate training on Glassdoor reviews.
Key issues include:
- Hidden fees in bills that confuse customers.
- Poor rural coverage despite marketing claims.
- Long hold times and unhelpful customer support.
Despite the merger, legacy Sprint customers still deal with unresolved accounts, making it a persistent headache.
9. Sears
Once a retail icon, Sears has plummeted due to declining service, product quality, and store conditions. Customers complain of out-of-stock items, rude staff, and warranty denials. BBB profiles show unresolved disputes over appliances and deliveries. The company’s bankruptcy in 2018 exacerbated issues, with gift cards honored sporadically and loyalty points lost.
- Shabby stores with empty shelves.
- Delayed refunds and shipping problems.
- Employee layoffs leading to understaffed locations.
Sears’ fall serves as a cautionary tale for retail giants ignoring customer needs amid e-commerce shifts.
8. DISH
DISH Network, a satellite TV provider, ranks high for installation woes, billing disputes, and contract traps. Users report technicians not showing up, signal blackouts, and early termination fees. CFPB logs over 10,000 complaints annually on deceptive practices. Employee turnover is high due to commission-based roles pushing unwanted upgrades.
- Frequent service outages during weather events.
- Confusing bill structures with surprise hikes.
- Difficulty canceling services without penalties.
As cord-cutting rises, DISH struggles to retain loyalty.
7. Spirit Airlines
Budget carrier Spirit Airlines is infamous for nickel-and-diming passengers. While fares are low, add-ons for bags, seats, and water pile up costs. Complaints flood the DOT about cancellations without refunds, cramped seats, and rude gate agents. In 2024, Spirit faced lawsuits over systemic delays.
- Ultra-low-cost model leading to bare-bones service.
- High cancellation rates without accommodations.
- Nickel-and-dime fees exceeding ticket price.
Spirit appeals to price-sensitive flyers but alienates with unpredictability.
6. Facebook (Meta)
Facebook, now Meta, draws ire for privacy invasions, misinformation spread, and addictive algorithms. The Cambridge Analytica scandal and endless data breaches eroded trust. Users hate ad targeting, fake news, and account suspensions without appeal. Employee whistleblowers revealed internal tolerance of harmful content.
- Data privacy failures affecting billions.
- Algorithmic bias amplifying division.
- Poor moderation of hate speech and scams.
Despite dominance, regulatory scrutiny mounts globally.
5. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo secures fifth place amid ongoing scandals. The fake accounts crisis led to $3 billion in fines, with employees opening millions of unauthorized accounts. Recent CFPB complaints hit 117,173, with 3.25% unresolved—the highest rate. BBB grade: F. Issues persist in mortgages and overdrafts.
| Metric | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|
| Total Complaints | 117,173 |
| Complaints per $1B Deposited | 84.43 |
| Unresolved % | 3.25% |
| BBB Grade | F |
- History of regulatory fines.
- Slow complaint resolution.
- Mobile app glitches.
4. Comcast
Comcast, the cable and internet behemoth, is loathed for monopolistic practices, throttling speeds, and customer service nightmares. FCC complaints label it America’s least-loved ISP. Billing gouges and forced bundles frustrate users. Employees report toxic cultures.
- Data caps and speed throttling.
- Endless phone loops for support.
- Merger attempts stifling competition.
Comcast’s dominance breeds complacency.
3. United Airlines
United Airlines ranks for safety lapses, overbooking dramas, and poor handling of disruptions. The 2017 passenger removal video went viral, damaging reputation. DOT fines for tarmac delays and animal deaths pile up. Customers dread legroom and fees.
- Overbooking forcing removals.
- Chronic delays without compensation.
- Baggage fee hikes.
United lags competitors in reliability.
2. Equifax
Credit bureau Equifax shocked with the 2017 breach exposing 147 million Americans’ data. Slow response and denied free freezes fueled outrage. Ongoing lawsuits claim negligence. BBB complaints focus on error disputes unresolved.
- Massive data breaches.
- Inaccurate credit reports.
- Poor victim support.
Equifax symbolizes corporate irresponsibility.
1. Bank of America
Claiming the top spot, Bank of America drowns in complaints: most overall at 85,000+, unauthorized accounts, and fee gouging. $250M fines for double-dipping rewards. BBB: F. Overdraft practices hit vulnerable customers hard.
| Bank | Total Complaints | Complaints per $1B | Unresolved % | BBB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | 85,462 | 113.08 | 0.43% | F |
- Fee-heavy accounts.
- Scandal-prone history.
- Unresponsive service.
How We Ranked These Companies
Rankings aggregate CFPB complaints (2018-2025), BBB scores, Glassdoor ratings (<3>
America’s Worst Companies at a Glance
| Rank | Company | Main Complaints | BBB Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bank of America | Fees, accounts | F |
| 2 | Equifax | Breaches, errors | F |
| 3 | United Airlines | Delays, overbooking | A- |
| 4 | Comcast | Service, billing | F |
| 5 | Wells Fargo | Scandals, complaints | F |
| 6 | Privacy, content | B | |
| 7 | Spirit Airlines | Fees, comfort | B- |
| 8 | DISH | Contracts, outages | C |
| 9 | Sears | Retail service | D |
| 10 | Sprint | Billing, coverage | C- |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a company one of the worst in America?
High volumes of unresolved complaints, low BBB/Glassdoor ratings, regulatory fines, and public scandals.
Can I avoid these companies?
Yes—switch to credit unions for banking, regional airlines, or privacy-focused social apps.
Are these rankings current?
Based on data up to 2025, including recent CFPB and class actions.
How do banks rank so high?
Large customer bases amplify complaints; metrics like unresolved % highlight poor service.
What should I do if affected?
File with CFPB, BBB, or join class actions via sites like TopClassActions.
References
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Complaint Database — CFPB (U.S. Government). 2025-01-01. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/consumer-complaints/
- Better Business Bureau Profiles for Major U.S. Companies — BBB.org. 2025-12-31. https://www.bbb.org/
- Class Action Settlement Notices — TopClassActions (via Penny Hoarder). 2025-10-27. https://topclassactions.com/
- Federal Aviation Administration Airline Consumer Reports — FAA/DOT (U.S. Government). 2025-06-01. https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer
- Glassdoor Company Reviews Aggregate — Glassdoor. 2025-11-15. https://www.glassdoor.com/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
