Complaint Review: Woodforest National Bank

I used a Woodforest Debit card to place an order on Amazon, December 22, 2016.  The total charge was $768.19  Amazon pre-authorized the amount, and Woodforest place a "Charge Authorization" hold on the amount - making that money unavailable to me.

On December 23, I received notification from Amazon that my order was cancelled because of inventory availability.  

On January 9, Woodforest was still showing a "Charge Authorization" on the money, and it was not available to me.  At that time I telephoned Amazon and spoke to the Customer Service Mgr.  Amazon sent me an email describing the transaction with authorization numbers, the Mgrs. direct telephone and email address, and the Mgr. clearly stated that the transaction had been canceled and that no charges would result.

I emailed that letter to customer service in The Woodlands, and spoke with a representative from Woodforest who stated that Woodforest policy is to hold that money for 30 days, and that "No letter from Amazon is going to change this policy."

Today is January 15, 2017 - 23 days after Amazon canceled the transaction, and the $768.19 is still unavailable to me because Woodforest will not release it, despite documentation.

Unfortunately, this is normal operating procedure for Woodforest.  They're holding the money - unavailable to me - but they're able to earn interest from the "float" - interest that doesn't come to my account.  I will NEVER use a Woodforest Debit Card for another transaction.  The Financial Pirates at Woodforest are intent upon raking in as much income as possible at the  expense of their customers.

I've researched Governmental actions against Woodforest and learned that one of the largest fines in regulatory history has been directed against Woodforest - a relatively small bank - for inappropriate banking practices by Woodforest.

Any other bank you choose would be a better choice than Woodforest.