Consumer complaint received 2024-04-30
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY (CA)

This letter is an official complaint against Wells Fargo Bank. The branch in question is the XXXX XXXX XXXX located at XXXX XXXX in XXXX, XXXX XXXX. I have been a long time customer ( over XXXX years ) of Wells Fargo Bank and my account is in good standing. I have a checking, savings account, credit card and XXXX XXXX. 
On XX/XX/year>, I made a deposit at this branch in the amount of {$16000.00}. The item deposited was a cashiers check payable to me. The maker of the check was XXXX XXXX XXXX, which is an institution where I have other accounts. I deposited a cashiers check as these items are normally recognized as guaranteed items. I requested that this check not have an uncollected funds hold placed on it. I was told by the teller that she had to verify the check and get approval. After several minutes, the teller and the branch XXXX XXXX XXXX ) came over to me. The XXXX told me that she was placing a hold on the check. When I questioned her, the response I received was that all checks that are deposited that are over {$10000.00} are automatically held until funds can clear. I questioned this and she further responded that this is a Wells Fargo Bank system requirement that automatically occurs, and my hold would be for four days. After additional questioning by me about what would happen if I deposited multiple checks that totaled over {$10000.00}, she replied that she was not sure if an uncollected funds hold would be required. I deposited the check and left the bank. A hold has been placed on my account for four days. My deposit receipt shows it, and I received an email the following day notifying me of this. 
My complaint is that Wells Fargo Bank has a policy that discriminates against specific customers. While uncollected funds policies are needed and they help protect the bank from potential losses, a blanket policy as outlined above is discriminatory. Consumers, business people and others often have checks over {$10000.00}. A blanket policy to not allow consumers access to their funds for days violates many state and federal banking regulations. I am a professional who is now a XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX. I was also a branch XXXX at XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX which was ultimately purchased by Wells Fargo Bank. I have over XXXX  years of experience in this field. 
My request is that Wells Fargo Bank be investigated for discriminatory practices by having such a policy. This policy is discriminatory for several reasons : Many employees/independent contractors receive and deposit checks that are over {$10000.00}. Does this policy apply to every consumer that banks with Wells Fargo? 
Do managers not have any authority to override such policies when warranted? 
Is this a XXXX policy or a companywide policy? 
Where is this policy posted for consumers to see? 
As a former banker I have worked in many areas where the income level of my consumers would warrant special treatment. Does Wells Fargo not have the capacity to do this? 
I doubt very seriously if this is a practice that happens to every consumer in my situation that banks with Wells Fargo Bank. If that is the case, then to have a local branch XXXX who institutes such policies is overt and blatant discrimination. 
A couple of other notes FYI : I could have wired my money to Wells Fargo Bank form the XXXX XXXX. However, I have to pay a cost to send the wire and Wells Fargo Bank charges a fee to consumers who receive incoming wire transfers. In fact, my commission paychecks go directly into my Wells Fargo Bank account when received, and I am charged a wire transfer fee. This is essentially a junk fee being charged to me as a consumer. 
If I had obtained cash to deposit, the issue would be twofold. First there is the safety and security issue. Secondly, I would be required to complete a XXXX XXXX Report. 
As stated previously, I am a long-time Wells Fargo customer . I had more than actual ( and probably average balances ) to support immediate credit of deposited funds. I deposited a cashiers check. I understand that customer service is not a legal requirement for business. However, discrimination like what I encountered is not acceptable to consumers. 
I have many XXXX, XXXX, XXXX etc. who receive personal and cashier checks over {$10000.00}. Is Wells Fargo Bank in the business of not wanting those types of consumers? 
While I had requested immediate approval which was denied, I did have access to other funds to complete the transaction that these funds were going to utilized for ( payment for a new roof on my home, which was started on XX/XX/XXXX ). 

My personal banking issue will be resolved in a few days, but that is not enough. My request is that this practice of discrimination by Wells Fargo Bank be thoroughly investigated, and a written response be sent to me. I am also available to discuss this matter via a phone call. This response should outline what the policies are, and how they are implemented. It should also include what steps are going to be taken to ensure that this does not happen to myself or anyone else. Please feel free to utilize my specific case as a model. This policy hurts consumers and it is anti customer service. This policy is tantamount to redlining, XXXX XXXX violations, XXXX violations and a host of other problems that consumers should not have to face. I am looking for an explanation, complete clarity transparency, and hopefully a satisfactory resolution. 


Respectfully, XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX cell XXXX and XXXX Account number XXXX