Consumer complaint received 2026-01-12 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: SANTANDER HOLDINGS USA, INC.
State: MA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX ___, XXXX To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my business checking account with Santander XXXX XXXXXXXX, held under the name XXXX XXXX XXXX, to consolidate the full history of this matter and reference my prior unresolved complaint. 

# # # Background and Timeline - On XX/XX/XXXX, my business account was suddenly frozen without prior notice. 
- Since that date, an available balance of USD XXXX has remained inaccessible. 
- Santander XXXX has never provided a court order, legal hold, subpoena, or regulatory directive to justify the continued restriction of my funds. 

I made multiple attempts to resolve this issue directly with the bank through branch visits, phone calls, and email communications. Despite my full cooperation and willingness to provide any documentation requested, Santander failed to provide a clear explanation or resolution timeline.

# # # Prior CFPB Complaint Due to the lack of resolution, I filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) on XX/XX/XXXX : - CFPB Complaint ID : XXXX Santander responded to that complaint with a vague statement indicating that senior management is reviewing the matter. The response did not release my funds, did not identify any legal authority, and did not provide a timeline. The complaint was subsequently closed without resolution and without allowing me to submit additional evidence. 

# # # Santander Executive Office Response This matter was escalated internally and assigned Santander Executive Office Case No. XXXX. 
In a letter dated XX/XX/XXXX, Santander stated that the account was under a fraud review and cited general provisions of the Business Deposit Account Agreement. However, the bank again failed to : - identify any specific transaction or alleged fraudulent activity ; - confirm the existence of any court order or legal hold ; - provide a resolution deadline ; or - release or return the withheld funds. 

The bank is effectively relying on a generic contractual clause to justify an indefinite hold, which is unreasonable and harmful. 

# # # Regulatory Escalation Because the issue remains unresolved, I have also submitted a complaint to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ( OCC ). Despite regulatory escalation, Santander continues to withhold my funds without legal justification or timeline.

# # # Ongoing Harm The prolonged and unjustified retention of my funds has caused severe financial hardship, including overdue rent and unpaid essential living and business expenses. These funds are critical for my familys basic needs and my companys operations.

# # # Requested Resolution I respectfully request that Santander Bank be required to take one of the following actions immediately : 1. Release the full available balance of USD XXXX, or 2. Close the account and remit the funds via cashiers check, or 3. Provide a specific written legal justification, supported by applicable authority, explaining why the funds may continue to be withheld.

At this time, the issue remains unresolved, and my funds continue to be withheld without lawful basis.

Sincerely, _____________________________ XXXX XXXX Authorized Representative XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, MA, 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 explanation