Wachovia Bank
Debit Hold Larger Than Bar Tab Paid in Cash Caused Returned Check

Last Wednesday evening I went out for dinner and drinks with a friend at a local pub and gave the bartender my Wachovia debit card to "start a tab" but informed her that we would be paying cash. When we were ready to leave we were presented with the bill and paid it in full with cash.

When I checked my balance online at Wachovia the next day I was surprised to see that not only was there a "hold" on my account for the pub but it was for more than the price of our drinks and meal. I immediately called the pub to inquire. The manager said that Wachovia bank does this all the time. Not only will they put a one (1) to three (3) day hold on the funds from the amount of the bill that you paid cash for BUT Wachovia adds an additional 15% withholding as they figure in the tip for you! In the meantime a check I had written previously was RETURNED to my doctor as insufficient funds because of the hold that Wachovia put on my funds! In essence, I ended up not only paying double the amount of the pub bill for 3 days, I was socked with a $35.00 returned check fee and I have no idea what the doctor's office is going to charge me. Today is a holiday and the bank and doctor's office are both closed but you can bet I'll be at the banks doors at 9:00A.M. Tomorrow!

I am at a loss as to how Wachovia can legally do this. On Saturday I went to a small, local bank here in Richmond, Virginia (First Market), explained to them what Wachovia did and they were appalled. I opened an account with First Market immediately and cannot wait to rid myself of the crooks called Wachovia Bank.

Company: Wachovia Bank
Country: USA
State: Virginia
City: Richmond
Site: wachovia.com

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