Consumer complaint received 2025-11-06 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal complaint against Wells Fargo Bank for placing an unlawful and unreasonable hold on funds from a check deposited into my mobile app checking account. When I received the check from my customer and in front of her how mobile banking operated so I showed her how the check was deposited on XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX XXXX. The Wells Fargo app provided me with an acknowledgement receipt of the deposit stating that all funds would clear and be available by XX/XX/XXXX which was the next business day. 

After closing the app and leaving the customer and got into my truck I reopened the Wells Fargo app and noticed that my account was overdrawn. So I called customer service to find out what the problem was with the deposit. The agent stated that their system was just running slow and I'd see the funds available in a short time and I explained that I was broke, my gas light being on, and hadn't eaten all day. I had been working and living on fumes for days waiting to finish this job so I could afford to pay my bills, buy food, and gasoline. The agent assured me that my debit was ready to use and funds would be available for purchases. So go get gas and buy whatever you need. 

So I went to XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX  using the last little bit of gasoline I had left in my tank. As usual the place was busy so I patiently waited in the food line to place my order. I was so hungry I could have eaten my debit card if I didn't need it. When I placed my order for a while pizza ( take home for another meal ) I also ordered a hot dog and wanted it now not being able to wait for the whole pizza. The total was {$11.00} and when I used my Wells Fargo debit card the transaction was denied, with over 10 people XXXX  waiting behind me to place their orders I tried again, and again, and again. Each time with the hope of acceptance and the ability to finally get some food. To no avail, embarrassed, I apologized to the cashier and had to face each one of those people waiting in line. Embarrassed doesn't even begin to explain the anger and frustration, the hunger, I felt. So I found a little corner and called Wells Fargo again. This time being treated like I had just robbed their bank and attempting to make a quick getaway. They were so rude, and although I was reserved and being as considerate as I could was told that I was XXXX out of luck for 10 day hold on the deposit. They also didn't believe that I was told the funds were available for use. 

Despite this, Wells Fargo has not released any funds and continues to hold the entire balance until the XXXX of XXXX, even though I was informed that the check had already cleared. 

This wrongful hold has placed me at serious financial risk. I urgently need access to these funds to pay for most of my bills which are due between the XXXX and the XXXX of each month. I wasn't able to make it to my second job yesterday having no food or gas. I left my truck their at XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  and walked home. I had a very high value meeting this morning that I had to cancel, and couldn't work at all today or until they release my funds. I have had this account since XXXX with Wells Fargo. Not 1 deposit has ever been returned unpaid. Every single obligation has been met and the costs associated with this failure to release funds is especially difficult when times are the toughest to make ends meet. 

If Wells Fargo does not release the funds immediately, I struggle every month to make ends meet and have gone weeks without pay and counting XXXX 's, returning items I could, cans bottles for gas money and all to finish this job so I could get paid only to have my bank of many years put a 10 day hold on my money that I earned the hardest way. I'm near 30 days behind on most bills. I face the losses no matter which way I turn. The added costs of the days I can't work due to Wells Fargos actions constitute misrepresentation, breach of contract, and possibly overwhelming and financial harm that i.may not be able to overcome.

I respectfully request that your office investigate this matter and require Wells Fargo to immediately release my funds, cover the added costs they have directly caused and prevent further harm.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation