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Suntrust Bank-ridiculous Bank Charges Charges on checks you have deposited but THEY haven't collected yet!! Winter Haven Florida
My husband has his business account for his commercial pool service at Suntrust Bank in Winter Haven, Florida. When a hotel, condo, homeowner's association pays him for services, he deposits the check immediately. The money shows up as available in his account within the next day or so. HOWEVER, Suntrust charges him $32.00 for EVERY SINGLE TRANSACTION drawn on that money until they have collected the money from the other bank!!!
He has literally paid thousands in check charges in a week due to this practice!!! How can this even be legal? I can understand them charging him if one of the checks bounces, but NOT ON CHECKS THAT HE HAS DEPOSITED, just because the check hasn't cleared the other bank yet!!!! This is ridiculous and should be illegal. We are in the process of making arrangements to open an account with another bank, but I want everyone to know about Suntrust Bank's EVIL practices.
Lara
Winter Haven, Florida
U.S.A.
31 Updates & Rebuttals
Alex
Orlando,Florida,
U.S.A.
READ THE FINE PRINT CAREFULLY
#32UPDATE Employee
Thu, May 24, 2007
Ok here's why your husband is being charged UCF (uncollected funds fees)"
When you deposit a check you are depositing a piece of paper which legaly authorizes the depositing bank to collect the funds from the checking account owner's bank. If the money hasn't been collected from the payor's bank then you don't technically have the money since the check has not been collected upon, thus the reason for the fee. Now it is somewhat unfair since they make the funds available to you but the company will tell you to read the fine print since they do tell you that funds used that are not collected are subject to the fee- which by the way is only charged to Florida business accounts; don't ask me why, no one at seems to know. Must have something to do with Florida law loop holes.
Big banks operate in a way that will generate the most fees- thats their business nowadays, but if you read the fine print they give you, nothing should come of shock. "Banking shock" only comes as you realize that you were lazy and didn't bother to read the fine print that you got when you opened the account and got dinged up for a fee (or fees). The way to avoid this is to allow the deposit to be collected upon, one mistake consumers make constantly is that they assume that because they deposited the check that they have the money; depositing the check is only one part of the equation. Remember, the check is just a piece of paper, no matter how fancy and how many holograms and watermarks it has- its just paper. Collecting on that paper is the key to obtaining your money.
Now I won't lie and say that bank's don't find ways to "float" money so that its uncollected but thats something you have to take up with your Representatives and Senators as there needs to be regulatory changes at the Federal Reserve, so ranting here isn't going to change it.
P.S. If you don't have the paperworks then just ask for it, they'll send it to you but don't just use it as a paper weight- read it! Oh and the fee is going up to $35 so read!
Joseph F
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Read the Original Complaint Carefully
#32Consumer Comment
Tue, May 15, 2007
I read the first few rebuttals to this person's complaint and it frustrated me. Every rebuttal just wanted to criticize the person like she was a moron. One lengthy response addressed issue after issue about NSF fees. Another corrected her, insisting that the funds were in fact not available.
First of all, the fees this woman was referring to were not NSF fees. She made it clear that the bank just charged her a fee for withdrawing money on uncleared checks. Secondly, if the uncleared check deposit was unavailable, the bank would not have permitted her from withdrawing the money in the first place AND the bank would not indicate to her that the funds were available. If they're not available, the bank tells you they're not available. They don't tell you the funds are available and then charge you NSF fees for withdrawing them.
I agree this was just a sneaky way for the bank to charge fees. The bank must decide how much to trust you and trust your checks, thereby making a certain amount available for withdrawal immediately. The bank could put the check in a drawer and not clear it for 2 weeks, but that doesn't mean they have the right to charge you a fee for withdrawing upon that check if THEY made the decision to make the funds available to you.
At my credit union, all deposits are available for immediate withdrawal. I have deposited a check into an ATM at 1:00 AM and withdrawn money against that check at 1:02 AM. I've done that many times and never once been charged a fee. Why? Because my bank offered to trust me and make the deposit available to me immediately. That isn't the bank loaning me money without interest as one person suggested. That is the bank agreeing to trust that the document I provided them with will be a good one. If the check deposited bounces, then they can charge me a fee for that and NSF fees for all the money I withdrew against it.
I am going on too long, but the bottom line is that (1) the woman made it precisely clear what the fees were for, (2) the majority of banks do not charge fees like that, and (3) the fee is deceptive and outrageous.
If SunTrust charged me fees like that, I would threaten to take them to small claims court if they did not refund them. I just opened an account with them and they literally screwed up every step of the account opening process which resulted in delaying the process for over a month. All I wanted was a safe deposit box and they even told me those were available at a branch that they were not.
I finally have the safe deposit box and that's all I'm using SunTrust for, but if you want more than that with them, I advise you to reconsider your decision to bank with them.
Kathleen
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Who is exactly is Ken?
#32Consumer Comment
Thu, March 22, 2007
I have noticed your responses now on several of these Suntrust Rip off complaints. Are you an employee of the bank or just someone who likes to play the devils advocate. I myself have dealt personally with suntrust as a customer for the past 7yrs and up until 2006 thought I had a good relationship with this bank until I took out a home equity line of credit. I went to the Federal Reserve Bank with my issues because they were that serious.
At 1st the Federal Reserve denied any wrong doing on the part of this bank but that's because unless you're looking at the documentation as a whole,without taking it out of context, you would have no clue as to what had been done. You can argue issues, you can argue opinions but you can't argue the facts. If someone is telling you their documentation backs up or supports what has transpired, who are you to challenge them?
It seems important to you that this banks actions are defended to the death and you seem to spend a lot of time doing just that. I started off reading about suntrust because of my situation with them, what's behind your interest in this particular bank and other people's issues with it? I've posted my complaint and I can't wait to read your comments and explanations regarding my issues. However, don't expect a rebuttal from me, I've done what needed to be done and I'm confident enough not to
take your opinion as more than that, just an opinion! There is life beyond this website Ken!
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, not sure of your motive here but
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
First of all, the reason I will not give you the name of a specific bank is because of exactly what you did to Dave. You "looked up the policy on a web site"!!! I do not CARE what policy you find written on the internet or on some piece of paper. I KNOW what my bank does. I do not NEED to know what you alledgedly find out from looking it up online. No matter what bank I tell you, you are obviously going to say I am wrong. The fact is, I KNOW what my bank does, and I don't feel any need to PROVE it to you.
Second, we DO still use that bank that we like. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed in an earlier post that I stated that we have ANOTHER account at ANOTHER bank, and we will be moving ALL of our money to this other bank as soon as I arrange for our auto debits to come out of the OTHER account at the OTHER bank.
Third, the bank DOES make money from holding our money.......and they do it by holding the money, knowing we NEED it (a small business is ALL ABOUT CASH FLOW, if you know anything, you would know that), and so they make the money by the fees they charge us!!! Duh.
Ken, I am not sure what your motive is for continuing to argue with me about what I KNOW our other bank does. Anyway, now that I have explained myself over and over, I am dropping this, and will let you have the last word, since that is obviously what you want.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, not sure of your motive here but
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
First of all, the reason I will not give you the name of a specific bank is because of exactly what you did to Dave. You "looked up the policy on a web site"!!! I do not CARE what policy you find written on the internet or on some piece of paper. I KNOW what my bank does. I do not NEED to know what you alledgedly find out from looking it up online. No matter what bank I tell you, you are obviously going to say I am wrong. The fact is, I KNOW what my bank does, and I don't feel any need to PROVE it to you.
Second, we DO still use that bank that we like. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed in an earlier post that I stated that we have ANOTHER account at ANOTHER bank, and we will be moving ALL of our money to this other bank as soon as I arrange for our auto debits to come out of the OTHER account at the OTHER bank.
Third, the bank DOES make money from holding our money.......and they do it by holding the money, knowing we NEED it (a small business is ALL ABOUT CASH FLOW, if you know anything, you would know that), and so they make the money by the fees they charge us!!! Duh.
Ken, I am not sure what your motive is for continuing to argue with me about what I KNOW our other bank does. Anyway, now that I have explained myself over and over, I am dropping this, and will let you have the last word, since that is obviously what you want.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, not sure of your motive here but
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
First of all, the reason I will not give you the name of a specific bank is because of exactly what you did to Dave. You "looked up the policy on a web site"!!! I do not CARE what policy you find written on the internet or on some piece of paper. I KNOW what my bank does. I do not NEED to know what you alledgedly find out from looking it up online. No matter what bank I tell you, you are obviously going to say I am wrong. The fact is, I KNOW what my bank does, and I don't feel any need to PROVE it to you.
Second, we DO still use that bank that we like. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed in an earlier post that I stated that we have ANOTHER account at ANOTHER bank, and we will be moving ALL of our money to this other bank as soon as I arrange for our auto debits to come out of the OTHER account at the OTHER bank.
Third, the bank DOES make money from holding our money.......and they do it by holding the money, knowing we NEED it (a small business is ALL ABOUT CASH FLOW, if you know anything, you would know that), and so they make the money by the fees they charge us!!! Duh.
Ken, I am not sure what your motive is for continuing to argue with me about what I KNOW our other bank does. Anyway, now that I have explained myself over and over, I am dropping this, and will let you have the last word, since that is obviously what you want.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, not sure of your motive here but
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
First of all, the reason I will not give you the name of a specific bank is because of exactly what you did to Dave. You "looked up the policy on a web site"!!! I do not CARE what policy you find written on the internet or on some piece of paper. I KNOW what my bank does. I do not NEED to know what you alledgedly find out from looking it up online. No matter what bank I tell you, you are obviously going to say I am wrong. The fact is, I KNOW what my bank does, and I don't feel any need to PROVE it to you.
Second, we DO still use that bank that we like. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed in an earlier post that I stated that we have ANOTHER account at ANOTHER bank, and we will be moving ALL of our money to this other bank as soon as I arrange for our auto debits to come out of the OTHER account at the OTHER bank.
Third, the bank DOES make money from holding our money.......and they do it by holding the money, knowing we NEED it (a small business is ALL ABOUT CASH FLOW, if you know anything, you would know that), and so they make the money by the fees they charge us!!! Duh.
Ken, I am not sure what your motive is for continuing to argue with me about what I KNOW our other bank does. Anyway, now that I have explained myself over and over, I am dropping this, and will let you have the last word, since that is obviously what you want.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Part Of The Problem
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 24, 2005
With businesses it's a little different. When we take a check from an out of state customer, sometimes it takes 10 to 14 days or MORE to collect our funds. I took a sight draft from a customer, drawn on a Wells Fargo account that took 3 weeks to clear. As for this Check 21, how come a check can clear in hours when we write it but when we need to collect our funds it takes days, if not weeks. I know, the bank's old line about the ckeck may not be good on the other end and they need the extra time to make sure it's good. I understand about available funds versus uncollected funds but that's your cash management problem. You need to find a more friendly bank.
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Part Of The Problem
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 24, 2005
With businesses it's a little different. When we take a check from an out of state customer, sometimes it takes 10 to 14 days or MORE to collect our funds. I took a sight draft from a customer, drawn on a Wells Fargo account that took 3 weeks to clear. As for this Check 21, how come a check can clear in hours when we write it but when we need to collect our funds it takes days, if not weeks. I know, the bank's old line about the ckeck may not be good on the other end and they need the extra time to make sure it's good. I understand about available funds versus uncollected funds but that's your cash management problem. You need to find a more friendly bank.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, now you're just being asinine
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
Don't tell me I am wrong. I have NO problems with Wachovia. I make non-cash deposits in this bank, and 99% of the time the funds ARE available no later than the next day. I don't care how many banks you deal with or how many classes you teach. The fact is, in my case, I have immediate access to my funds, and if they want to hold a deposit, they will tell me that the funds will not be available until a certain date.
And, for the record, I did not call you a name, and I certainly did NOT make any incorrect statements. a*s. There, now I called you name. See the difference?
Robert
Wallingford,Connecticut,
U.S.A.
Another point.
#32Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2005
Some banks will make funds available from a check deposit immediately provided that the customer has another account that has a balance equal to or greater than the amount of the check.
The bank than places a hold in the amount of the check against funds in that other account.
So, though you may have immediate availablity of the deposit funds from the check, there is a hold of funds in the same amount as the check in your other account until the check has cleared.
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
What's the big secret?
#32Consumer Comment
Sun, October 23, 2005
The reason I didn't respond to Dave's Wachovia comment directly is that he is just wrong. Wachovia does not give immediate credit, as a general rule. Check their website.
What I want to know is why you won't give up the name of the magical bank that always gave you immediate credit? I am preparing my apology for when I get their funds availability policy and re-print it here, saying how they don't hold foreign checks. There must be some reason why you won't tell us what bank it is. Must be an even better reason that you don't still use them.
What you fail to see is that if banks could clear checks instantly, they would. They don't make any money on checks deposited into your account which represent funds in a different bank...until they get the funds into your bank.
As Check 21 comes up to speed, you are going to see a faster clearing of checks, sometimes they will clear within hours of being deposited. The problem up front is going to be that not all banks will initially accept electronic clearing, and your bank will have no way of knowing which do and which don't, so while you will likely see the float time shorten, it won't disappear in the near future.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Forgot one thing
#32Consumer Comment
Sun, October 23, 2005
I forgot to mention that yes, we do have large deposits in our other account. Or at least, just as large as the deposits that we make to Suntrust. And our money is never held.
Also, didn't you see the bank mentioned above?? I believe it was Dave who mentioned Wachovia. That is not a credit union. Also, one of my husband's business aquaintances uses a local bank, and makes large deposits, and they never hold his money. Further, a girl that I know who owns a business that I frequent, has an account at a BANK, not credit union, and her money is also always available.
The technology to clear checks immediately is available. Banks just don't want to use it.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, you didn't read above???
#32Consumer Comment
Sun, October 23, 2005
You didn't see the other poster who mentioned a bank? Hm. You must be reading selectively. And I know of more than just the above-mentioned bank. Why would I lie about that? I have nothing to gain from that. I have an account at another bank that does not do what Suntrust does. Large deposit, small deposit. Doesn't matter. You can disagree all you want. As you can see, others have said the same thing.
I'm not the only Suntrust customer unhappy with their policies. If you feel they are fair, you use them. We are moving our money to a bank (yes a bank, not a credit union) who does not do what Suntrust does.
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Note to Dave
#32Consumer Comment
Sat, October 22, 2005
It's a shame that adults cannot carry on a thread here without someone like you jumping in, calling names and making incorrect statements.
First, ler me establish my bona fides. While I do not work for a bank, I have consulted with banks for the last 26 years in item processing. (yes, check clearing) I also teach a college level course in Principles of Commercial Banking.
All banks are required by federal law to apply certain guidelines to funds availability. They also establish their own guidelines, which they must publish. If they deviate from their posted guidelines (for whatever valid reason) they are required to notify you of this in writing.
They are also free to relax the guidelines, i.e to give faster credit. They often do this for their best cutstomers, and by this you may assume customers who carry large balances and/or do major lending with the bank. Since they are making their margins on the loans, they will eat the cost of giving faster availability.
In processing the deposit, a teller can also give immediate credit. They will do this for their mother, but you have to understand they take the ehat if a check is returned causing a loss, so that isn't a common route.
To Jennifer, I asked Lara to name the bank who gives her immediate credit. Of course she didn't, I didn't really expect that she could come up with one. You couldn't either. You jumped in with the name of a credit union. Credit unions are NOT banks! (just ask them)
But still, it was worth a shot,and after all, they look like banks, so this morning I called the Gettysburg Office and asked what their policy is.
On check deposits, if the check is drawn on the credit union (which means it is really a share draft) you get immediate credit. If it is a local check, you get $100 immediate credit. The rest will be available the next business day. A non-local check gets $100 immediately, the rest in 5 days. Government checks are immediate.
So, if you never deposit large checks, I can see why you might think you always get immediate credit. Also interesting to note that they don't pay interest on this account unless your balaance is more than 5K. Not the typically great deal you get at credit unions.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
I don't know why Suntrust never makes our money available.
#32Author of original report
Sat, October 22, 2005
Thanks Jessica. I have researched and do know of another bank (our other account), but right now we have a lot of things tied up in Suntrust (automatic debits, etc), so until I have time to worry about switching all of that over, I can't completely close that account. It's going to happen, though.
I don't know why Suntrust never makes our money available. They used to. And it's not because of overdrafts. We've only had overdrafts since they started with the "yes, your money is available" tactic........and then we found that no, it's really not available. Clever of them. When we first opened the account, the didn't have that policy. It was either available, or not. No "yes it's available, but OOPS, not collected. Here's your $32.00 fee". I've even asked the teller. "Is this check I am depositing going to be available tomorrow morning?" She will always say "yes, it sure is!" But they will never tell you to be careful, because it's not COLLECTED and you will still be charged.
For now, I just micro-manage the account. Go online daily to check the balance. Try to figure out if our deposits are available yet. Some are held for several days!! It's hard to run a small business when you have to wait 5 days for your money!!
Well, at least the CEO of Suntrust has made good money off of us. >rolling eyes Lara
Jessica
Hanover,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
here is your bank KEN
#32Consumer Comment
Sat, October 22, 2005
OK, Ken, you asked for the name of a bank, here it is. BELCO Community Credit Union in Harrisburg, PA.
This was my bank for 3 years, and even with personal checks, funds were always immediately available.
The bank I am with now, however, is pulling this same thing with the nsf. So my suggestion to you Lara, because this is what I will be doing from now on, is to buy a safe and pay your bills with money orders and use cash at stores.
I understand that with your business account yuou cannot do this, so research some banks in your area to find the obne that suits your needs the best.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, see the 2 posts above your last
#32Consumer Comment
Sat, October 22, 2005
Well, there you have it. I am not the only one who knows of banks that DO make your money available right away.......proving that a bank can function without ripping off it's customers.
Suntrust (and the other banks with the clever little scam) just wants to find a way to hold your money longer, thereby making more money for themselves.
Has anyone seen that funny commercial where the customer at the bank is charged a "conversation fee"?? I think Suntrust is the reason that commercial was made.
A month or so ago, I had an "account analysis fee". I still haven't found out what that was. It's the only time we've had it. I assume it had something to do with the time I went in and asked a question about my account! Conversation fee maybe??
At my other bank, if I make an error on a deposit slip, the teller will correct it and have me initial the slip. I made an error on a deposit slip a few weeks ago with Suntrust. Guess what? I was charged a $6.00 "deposit correction fee"!!! I have never heard of that! I honestly had to laugh.
Does anyone realize how much money the "big guys on top" are making? Do you realize how quickly these little fees add up, when you consider the thousands and thousands of customers the bank has? THAT is why these fees and clever tactics exist. So the executives can sit at their desks and count money, without ever having to actually work for a living.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Ken, you moronic side is showing....
#32Consumer Comment
Fri, October 21, 2005
All banks are different, but their polices are pretty much the same. Whether or not they give you immidiate credit for a deposit is based on your relationship with the bank.
If your account has been in good standing, and an established account, then most banks will honor your deposits immediately, even a check in most cases (at least with me). But, if you have had bounced checks, overdraft fees, low or negative balances, they will hold your deposits as per their written aggreement. It is all up to the bank, and, don't forget, it is up to the teller. You always need to check your deposit slip, it will tell you if the funds are available or not. (Deposit Effective Date).
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
How about this?
#32Consumer Comment
Fri, October 21, 2005
You tell me the name of the bank that gives immediate credit, and I will call them and get a copy of the Funds Availability policy. I will publish it here.
If their policy states that they give you immediate availability on *all* check deposits, I will eat humble crow. The ball is in your court.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
I have to agree with Lara
#32Consumer Comment
Fri, October 21, 2005
I bank with Wachovia, and when I make a deposit, the money is available immediately for my use. But I also agree with her on the other point, because I had the same problem with Citizen's Bank, you make a deposit, and they say the funds are there, but they aren't... it's phatom funds.
They do that so they CAN incur fees from the customer, knowing that a good percentage of the country will over-spend their current balance, thinking that the deposit is covering the difference.
Sheila
Graham,North Carolina,
U.S.A.
I'm with you, Lara
#32Consumer Comment
Fri, October 21, 2005
Lara, I totally understand your position. These other people posting seem to think you did not have sufficient funds in your account. I agree, if the bank says x amount of money is available, it should be exactly that - available.
The bank I deal with here in NC makes deposits available by close of business on the day it is made. Any deposits on which they will place a hold (extremely large checks from individuals for example) are clearly noted on your deposit slip, along with the day the hold will be lifted.
So to Ken, yes there are definitely banks making deposits readily available. If the check does not clear, then heavy fees for bounced checks do accumulate.
The banks don't lose.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
100 % available - It's all set up to make money for the people on top. Just like all big business.
#32Author of original report
Fri, October 21, 2005
That's simply not accurate, Ken. There is at least one bank that DOES make your check deposits 100% available. We have another account, as I mentioned, and they do make our money available, all of it, with no penalty, immediately. We've had an account with them for about a year now. I can put a check in today and use my debit card, drawing on that money, 5 minutes later. Their is only one balance, not three, and the money shows up in that balance immediately. I also know of one other bank, at least, that does this. So you can't say that NO banks do, because I know for a fact that they do.
Not only that, with the technology we have today, the banks have the ability to clear your check right away. A law was even passed regarding this. When I asked at Suntrust why they were not doing this yet, they said that it was being "tested" at one or two banks, and wasn't officially in effect yet. The banks WANT to hold your money longer. He actually went so far as to tell me that when it does happen, the bank will FIND SOME WAY, to make the money another way!! This was a loan officer at Suntrust!
I've even had checks that we know cleared the other bank, but Suntrust had not made available yet.
It's all set up to make money for the people on top. Just like all big business. The big guy behind the desk who does next to nothing, is wealthy......while the hard working man on the bottom struggles to pay his bills. It's sad.
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
You are just plain wrong...
#32Consumer Comment
Thu, October 20, 2005
But I suspect you will find that out the hard way at your next bank. No bank gives you 100% immediate availability on check deposits.
I know of a bank that tried it, as a marketing tool, and they had to back off it because of huges losses. At any rate, good luck.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
Not quite true
#32Author of original report
Thu, October 20, 2005
No, our funds were AVAILABLE. Trust me on this. If you ask for your "available balance" at Suntrust, they WILL include the money you deposited before 2 p.m. the day before in that figure!! They even have 3 balances listed if you go online to check it. Current balance, available balance, collected balance..........
So, before we started micro-managing our checking account, we were paying all of these fees, assuming that somehow our money was not available yet, even though we were told that it was. We had no idea that although they were saying "yes, it's available".....we would still be charged!!! It's all clever wording to make money for the bank. It encourages you to spend the money, because the unsuspecting customer hears "it's available", but they don't say "but wait, it's not collected". Why else would they have "current balance, available balance, and collected balance". Why not just say that the money is NOT AVAILABLE???
When I complained to the bank, the teller told me that many people have complained about the same issue.
We have another account at another bank. This never happens with that account. 100 percent of my money is available immediately after I deposit it. I can go home and check it online and immediately see the money there, or use my debit card and spend the money, with no penalty.
This is the reason we are moving all of our money out of Suntrust into another bank. I am so sorry that you are puzzled as to how we have managed to run our business. We have done fine (for 15 plus years), and have never run into this issue until recently, and ONLY with Suntrust. I don't know about ALL other banks, but I do know of at least two others who do NOT do this. You think it is ridiculous of me to expect my money to be available the next day? Apparently these other banks do not agree with you.
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Availability
#32Consumer Comment
Tue, October 18, 2005
Lara, your funds were NOT available. That's why you are being charged, the funds hadn't been collected yet.
When you deposit a check, your bank accepts it for collection. The actual cash is still sitting in an account in another bank. Why do you think that cash should be immediately available to you? In effect, you are expecting the bank to float you an interest-free loan until the check clear.
Someone suggested that you ask the CSR to call the bank that the check is drawn on. I suspect they will not do this because it not only ties people up, but is still no guarantee that the check will still be good by the time it clears.
When the bank charges for a NSF, it not only means Not Sufficient Funds, it also includes Not Sufficient Collected Funds. It is puzzling to me how someone can be running a business and yet not understand how banks and checks work.
Lara
Winter Haven,Florida,
U.S.A.
My response to the rebuttal
#32Consumer Comment
Tue, October 18, 2005
I am not talking about NSF fees. The funds are AVAILABLE. The entire amount is available. A clever way to encourage you to USE the money........but you still get charged.
We have another account with another bank, and this does not happen with them. I can deposit a check, and ten minutes later I can use my debit card, and the money is available, WITH NO CHARGE TO ME! This is the way it should be.
Suntrust makes it available, but you get charged to use it! They even did this to us on a check drawn on their own bank! As if they didn't know if the funds were there or not!
Sorry, but not all banks do this. I have used lots of other banks.....as I mentioned, we have another account with another bank.
Suntrust has been in trouble for things similar to this in the past. Their corporate execs are out to steal the hard-working public's money.
Scott
Richmond,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Not harping or bashing, just some advice from someone with experience.
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 17, 2005
Lara,
I have worked for several different banks, and the general practice is the same at almost every bank. All checks are subject to verification when presented for deposit.
Did Suntrust make a certain amount immediately available when a deposit is made? My current bank (not Suntrust) does this, usually it is up to $500 depending on the size of the check. If this is the case...
If you or your husband use the available funds up ( ATM withdrawls, debit card transactions )before checks you have written off of the deposit begin to post, you are going to get burned again and again with NSF fees, no matter what bank you are at. I had to learn the hard way about this, and saw it hundreds of times when I worked in banking.
Also, does your bank post transactions in a certain order. A lot of banks will post transactions from the highest dollar amount to the lowest. If the funds are used up to pay for the higher items, then the lower items will get hit with overdraft fees of NSF fees.
Can you clarify your availability of funds when you make a deposit? Do they make ALL deposited funds available to you, or is it a certain dollar amount... Even if this is the case, if you use up the funds before the checks come in, you will run into the same problem.
The best advice I can give is three things:
(1) When you husband deposits a check, ask the branch representative to call the issuing bank (i.e. If the check written to your husband from a Bank of America account ) and verify if funds are available to cover this item. Sometimes that can speed up the hold on a deposit and it may post that night and full availability the next business day.
(2) If this is convienent, take the check to the issuing bank, cash the check, and then deposit the cash in your Suntrust account. As long as you do this within your banks' cutoff time, the monies will be available to cover any items presented that night.(
(3) Banks have the right to hold a check for as long as is indicated in your disclosure of fees and funds availability when you opened your account. Genenally speaking, a hold is placed on a deposited check if (A) The check is from out of state. (B) If the check is for an unusually large amount, more so than your standard deposits. (C) If the account holder has a negative account history (frequent overdrafts, etc.. The final reason is why I left banking, because I think that reason is not good. You are penalizing someone who has had a few problems.
Speak with a branch representative about the disclosures of fees and funds availability. If they are not willing to go over it with you, then by all means, find a bank who will. Good Luck, and if I can be of any more help, please feel free to respond.
Scott
Richmond,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Not harping or bashing, just some advice from someone with experience.
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 17, 2005
Lara,
I have worked for several different banks, and the general practice is the same at almost every bank. All checks are subject to verification when presented for deposit.
Did Suntrust make a certain amount immediately available when a deposit is made? My current bank (not Suntrust) does this, usually it is up to $500 depending on the size of the check. If this is the case...
If you or your husband use the available funds up ( ATM withdrawls, debit card transactions )before checks you have written off of the deposit begin to post, you are going to get burned again and again with NSF fees, no matter what bank you are at. I had to learn the hard way about this, and saw it hundreds of times when I worked in banking.
Also, does your bank post transactions in a certain order. A lot of banks will post transactions from the highest dollar amount to the lowest. If the funds are used up to pay for the higher items, then the lower items will get hit with overdraft fees of NSF fees.
Can you clarify your availability of funds when you make a deposit? Do they make ALL deposited funds available to you, or is it a certain dollar amount... Even if this is the case, if you use up the funds before the checks come in, you will run into the same problem.
The best advice I can give is three things:
(1) When you husband deposits a check, ask the branch representative to call the issuing bank (i.e. If the check written to your husband from a Bank of America account ) and verify if funds are available to cover this item. Sometimes that can speed up the hold on a deposit and it may post that night and full availability the next business day.
(2) If this is convienent, take the check to the issuing bank, cash the check, and then deposit the cash in your Suntrust account. As long as you do this within your banks' cutoff time, the monies will be available to cover any items presented that night.(
(3) Banks have the right to hold a check for as long as is indicated in your disclosure of fees and funds availability when you opened your account. Genenally speaking, a hold is placed on a deposited check if (A) The check is from out of state. (B) If the check is for an unusually large amount, more so than your standard deposits. (C) If the account holder has a negative account history (frequent overdrafts, etc.. The final reason is why I left banking, because I think that reason is not good. You are penalizing someone who has had a few problems.
Speak with a branch representative about the disclosures of fees and funds availability. If they are not willing to go over it with you, then by all means, find a bank who will. Good Luck, and if I can be of any more help, please feel free to respond.
Scott
Richmond,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Not harping or bashing, just some advice from someone with experience.
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 17, 2005
Lara,
I have worked for several different banks, and the general practice is the same at almost every bank. All checks are subject to verification when presented for deposit.
Did Suntrust make a certain amount immediately available when a deposit is made? My current bank (not Suntrust) does this, usually it is up to $500 depending on the size of the check. If this is the case...
If you or your husband use the available funds up ( ATM withdrawls, debit card transactions )before checks you have written off of the deposit begin to post, you are going to get burned again and again with NSF fees, no matter what bank you are at. I had to learn the hard way about this, and saw it hundreds of times when I worked in banking.
Also, does your bank post transactions in a certain order. A lot of banks will post transactions from the highest dollar amount to the lowest. If the funds are used up to pay for the higher items, then the lower items will get hit with overdraft fees of NSF fees.
Can you clarify your availability of funds when you make a deposit? Do they make ALL deposited funds available to you, or is it a certain dollar amount... Even if this is the case, if you use up the funds before the checks come in, you will run into the same problem.
The best advice I can give is three things:
(1) When you husband deposits a check, ask the branch representative to call the issuing bank (i.e. If the check written to your husband from a Bank of America account ) and verify if funds are available to cover this item. Sometimes that can speed up the hold on a deposit and it may post that night and full availability the next business day.
(2) If this is convienent, take the check to the issuing bank, cash the check, and then deposit the cash in your Suntrust account. As long as you do this within your banks' cutoff time, the monies will be available to cover any items presented that night.(
(3) Banks have the right to hold a check for as long as is indicated in your disclosure of fees and funds availability when you opened your account. Genenally speaking, a hold is placed on a deposited check if (A) The check is from out of state. (B) If the check is for an unusually large amount, more so than your standard deposits. (C) If the account holder has a negative account history (frequent overdrafts, etc.. The final reason is why I left banking, because I think that reason is not good. You are penalizing someone who has had a few problems.
Speak with a branch representative about the disclosures of fees and funds availability. If they are not willing to go over it with you, then by all means, find a bank who will. Good Luck, and if I can be of any more help, please feel free to respond.
Scott
Richmond,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Not harping or bashing, just some advice from someone with experience.
#32Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 17, 2005
Lara,
I have worked for several different banks, and the general practice is the same at almost every bank. All checks are subject to verification when presented for deposit.
Did Suntrust make a certain amount immediately available when a deposit is made? My current bank (not Suntrust) does this, usually it is up to $500 depending on the size of the check. If this is the case...
If you or your husband use the available funds up ( ATM withdrawls, debit card transactions )before checks you have written off of the deposit begin to post, you are going to get burned again and again with NSF fees, no matter what bank you are at. I had to learn the hard way about this, and saw it hundreds of times when I worked in banking.
Also, does your bank post transactions in a certain order. A lot of banks will post transactions from the highest dollar amount to the lowest. If the funds are used up to pay for the higher items, then the lower items will get hit with overdraft fees of NSF fees.
Can you clarify your availability of funds when you make a deposit? Do they make ALL deposited funds available to you, or is it a certain dollar amount... Even if this is the case, if you use up the funds before the checks come in, you will run into the same problem.
The best advice I can give is three things:
(1) When you husband deposits a check, ask the branch representative to call the issuing bank (i.e. If the check written to your husband from a Bank of America account ) and verify if funds are available to cover this item. Sometimes that can speed up the hold on a deposit and it may post that night and full availability the next business day.
(2) If this is convienent, take the check to the issuing bank, cash the check, and then deposit the cash in your Suntrust account. As long as you do this within your banks' cutoff time, the monies will be available to cover any items presented that night.(
(3) Banks have the right to hold a check for as long as is indicated in your disclosure of fees and funds availability when you opened your account. Genenally speaking, a hold is placed on a deposited check if (A) The check is from out of state. (B) If the check is for an unusually large amount, more so than your standard deposits. (C) If the account holder has a negative account history (frequent overdrafts, etc.. The final reason is why I left banking, because I think that reason is not good. You are penalizing someone who has had a few problems.
Speak with a branch representative about the disclosures of fees and funds availability. If they are not willing to go over it with you, then by all means, find a bank who will. Good Luck, and if I can be of any more help, please feel free to respond.