The marina where I have my boat docked has my debit card on file for payment every month. This arrangement has worked perfectly for a year, with no issues.
However, this month the transaction somehow was posted twice. I have online banking and view my bank status on a daily basis. It showed two $213.00 transactions from the marina in a pending status. I called Wells Fargo and alerted them to this fact. They said once one transaction posted the other would probably "fall off". Fair enough. I waited the required 3 business days and one transaction did indeed post and the other is still listed as in "pending status".
I then called the marina and spoke with the person who handles the payments. She stated when she ran my card numbers for the first time, the transaction did not authorize, she did not get an authorization code. They are required to get an authorization code before my account is considered paid. Well, that makes sense. She then ran my card numbers a second time and received an authorization code.
After receiving this information from the merchant, I then called Wells Fargo back as I was instructed. Mind you, I waited the 3 business days and waited to see if the transaction would "fall off". When it didn't, called WF again, stating the transaction is still in a pending process. I explained to the young man what happened... That the first time the card was ran there was no authorization. It was authorized the second time around. He then proceeded to tell me that although an authorization code was not given, it does not mean that the transaction was not authorized. What? I told him that makes no sense whatsoever. Why would the bank authorize something and not give a code? Why was there a code the second time? He could not give me an answer, and connected me to a debit card specialist. They stated that while it is still in "pending" status that nothing can be done about it. I was then told that it could stay in pending status up to 10 days! They have $213.00 of my money in limbo!
My complaint/concerns about WF banking practices is this:
1. Why process a transaction without giving the merchant an authorization code, making them believe the transaction did not go through?
2. When it is obvious to anyone looking at my account (that includes WF customer service... They saw right away it was a double posting) why can't provisional credit be issued?
3. Why was I told the first time I called that a pending transaction could last up to 3 business days, then told up to 10 the next time I call?
4. How long can a transaction be held in a pending status? Indefinitely? Is there some law against this? If not, there should be.
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