Consumer complaint received 2026-06-10 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: BMO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against BMO Bank for freezing my checking account and withholding {$8900.00} in state-issued payroll funds without explanation since XX/XX/XXXX. This action has caused extreme financial hardship, leaving me unable to afford basic necessities like food, gas, and even forcing me to use my bike rather than my car because I have no gas to get my mother-in-law 's prescriptions in XXXX weather. Timeline of Events : XX/XX/XXXX : I was hired by the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) as an XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) Provider to care for my mother-in-law, who has XXXX. XX/XX/XXXX : After completing mandatory training and enrollment, I attended my orientationa prerequisite for submitting timesheets. XX/XX/XXXX : I submitted 11 back-dated timesheets covering the period from my hire date in XXXX through XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX : I received 11 legitimate state-issued payroll checks totaling {$8900.00} and deposited them via BMO 's mobile app. XX/XX/XXXX : All funds were listed as " available '' in my account. However, my debit card and transfers were declined. Using my BMO app, I clicked on my BMO debit card. An online message stated, " unable to manage this debit card at this time. Please contact customer service for assistance.. XX/XX/XXXX : I visited the only BMO branch in the XXXX XXXX at a personal cost of {$50.00} for an XXXX. My identity was verified by branch staff, and I spoke with the BMO Fraud Department. BMO 's Handling of the Dispute : Despite verifying my identity in person and providing extensive documentation, BMO has failed to release my funds or provide any substantive updates. I have submitted the following multiple times to BMOs Enterprise Fraud Management ( including my Case # XXXX ) : * Copies of all 11 state-issued paystubs. * Emails from my recipient, XXXX XXXX, approving all 11 timesheets. * Confirmation emails from the State Controller 's office for each payment. * Copies of my driver 's license and Social Security card. Regulation CC and Financial Impact : These are state-issued payroll checks drawn on the State of California General Fund . Under Regulation CC, state and local government checks generally receive next-day or second-day availability when deposited into an account held by the payee. While banks may hold large deposits for a " reasonable '' period ( typically 2 to 7 business days ), BMO has held these funds for over two weeks with no resolution. I have contacted the fraud department daily and have been given conflicting information, including being told a resolution would come " that day '' only to receive nothing. I am now facing housing instability and can not provide essential care for my household. Requested Resolution : I request the immediate release of my {$8900.00} in payroll funds. I also request an investigation into BMO 's handling of legitimate state payroll deposits and their lack of transparency during this freeze. This has been the worst experience I have ever had with a bank and the worst part is the BMO fraud department could care less that they are causing extreme financial and personal hardships for me. Not one made an attempt to help me in any way. Absolutely horrible customer service.

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 non-monetary relief