Consumer complaint received 2025-01-07 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a formal complaint against Fifth Third Bank for placing an unjustified 45-day hold on a valid U.S. Treasury check , blocking access to my business account, and failing to provide clear or timely communication. This issue violates multiple federal regulations, Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) provisions, and banking obligations, causing severe financial and emotional distress. 

Timeline of Events XXXX. XX/XX/XXXX : A Fraud Department representative informed me that the funds would be released by XX/XX/XXXX. 
XXXX. XX/XX/XXXX : I visited the branch and was informed by another Fraud Department representative via phone that verifying the check with the IRS could take up to 45 days. 
XXXX. Branch Vice President Request : I provided the following documents to the Fraud Department as requested : IRS Form 1040 A letter from my congressional representative about my tax return Other supporting documentation Despite my compliance, I remain locked out of my account and without access to my funds. 

Violations Identified Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) Violations XXXX. UCC 4-202 : Banks must exercise ordinary care in handling items for collection. The unexplained delay and lack of transparency constitute a failure to meet this obligation. 
XXXX. UCC 4-215 : Once a check is provisionally accepted, the bank is responsible for clearing or rejecting it promptly. The prolonged hold without justification breaches this obligation. 
XXXX. UCC 3-104 : Treasury checks are negotiable instruments, requiring diligent handling under UCC guidelines XXXX The extended hold is contrary to the prescribed standard. 
XXXX. UCC 4-103 : Banks can not impose unreasonable delays or policies that conflict with regulations governing negotiable instruments.

Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR ) Violations 1. 12 CFR 229.10 ( c ) ( 1 ) ( i ) ( Regulation CC ) : U.S. Treasury checks must generally be made available by the next business day. Holding a Treasury check for 45 days violates this rule. 
XXXX. 12 CFR 229.13 ( d ) : Banks must provide written notice explaining the reason for any extended hold. I only received a hold letter after visiting the branch and requesting it, which fails to meet the regulatory requirements. 
XXXX. 12 CFR 7.4002 : Holds causing overdrafts or fees due to delayed fund availability could result in violations of fee regulations. 
XXXX. 12 CFR 208.36 : Member banks must process transactions fairly. Arbitrary delays and blocking account access without justification breach these guidelines. 
XXXX. 12 CFR 21.11 : If the hold is due to fraud concerns, the bank must file Suspicious Activity Reports ( SARs ) and resolve the issue promptly. Transparency is required, which has not been provided. 
XXXX. 15 U.S. Code 1691 ( Equal Credit Opportunity Act ) : If these delays disproportionately affect me as a member of a protected class, Fifth Third Bank may also violate anti-discrimination laws. 

Impact of Fifth Third Banks Actions XXXX. Financial Harm : Several bill payments have bounced due to the hold and account block, incurring late fees and penalties. 
I was forced to request a returned item letter and a printed hold letter from the branch because I can not access my account online. 
XXXX. Operational Disruption : As this is a business account, the inability to access my funds jeopardizes my companys operations. 
XXXX. Emotional Distress : The conflicting explanations from representatives and lack of transparency have caused undue stress and hardship.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation