Consumer complaint received 2025-08-12 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Re : Formal Complaint Regarding Unauthorized Hold on Certified Check Funds Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding an egregious delay in the release of funds from a certified check I deposited at your Bank of America branch located on Capital Mall in XXXX, California, XXXX XX/XX/year>. I received the certified check from XXXX XXXX XXXX, which is the bank of my attorney, following the settlement of my legal matter. The certified check was issued for the remainder of the funds from the settlement, less my attorneys fees. 

Upon depositing the check, I received a client receipt and a notice of hold indicating that {$6400.00} of the deposited funds would be available on XX/XX/year>, with the remaining {$90000.00} scheduled for release on XX/XX/year>. However, when I attempted to access the {$6400.00} on XX/XX/year>, I found that the funds had not been released, causing an unexpected and severe inconvenience as I was unable to pay for my vehicle registration. 

I immediately contacted Bank of Americas customer service, which was directed to an XXXX number on the back of my debit card. After a prolonged wait time of approximately XXXX minutes, I spoke with a representative named XXXX, who indicated she was located in Florida. XXXX placed me on hold multiple times, but after numerous calls, it became clear that no resolution or actionable information was forthcoming. 

I requested to speak with a supervisor, and was transferred to another representative named XXXX, who also confirmed that my certified check funds were being held due to an " additional hold. '' When I inquired further, I was told that no contact had been made with XXXX  XXXX XXXX to verify the funds, even though XXXX  XXXX XXXX is available to provide such verification Monday through Friday during business hours. 

I further explained that my check was a certified check, and as such, should not have been subject to such an arbitrary and unexplained hold, particularly given the lack of communication with the issuing bank. I also requested to speak to a XXXX or someone in a higher position, but XXXX refused, stating that he could provide no further information beyond what he had already disclosed. 

I have been left without a satisfactory explanation for the continued withholding of my certified check funds, which is causing me significant inconvenience and hardship. There is no written or documented reason for this hold, beyond the hold receipt, which fails to clarify the matter. 

I am requesting an immediate and thorough investigation into the handling of this deposit and the reason for the continued hold on my certified check. I also ask that you provide me with a clear, written explanation of why these funds have not been released as indicated, and that Bank of America make the necessary efforts to verify funds with XXXX  XXXX XXXX to expedite the release of my full check amount. 

Please note that if I do not receive a response within XXXX business days, I will escalate this matter to relevant regulatory authorities and pursue further action. 

I look forward to your prompt resolution of this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX

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 monetary relief