San Bernardino, CA asked in Consumer Law for California

Q: For 39 days Chase bank hold my fund because a phone verification do I have a case

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3 Lawyer Answers
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You have not provided enough information for us to advise you. For example, do you now have the money, and what is it that your bank was trying to verify?

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Los Altos, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: 1- First you look at the full/entire agreement you have with Chase. My GUESS is they have a WIDE range of power, you agreed to give to them, to put a "HOLD" on your funds. This is JUST a guess having never read that agreement;

2- THEN you see if in fact they have violated the agreement;

3- THEN and perhaps most importantly, you quantify the "damages" (usually in contract, the 'money' damages) you have suffered due to this issue, assuming they breached the agreement.

Good luck with it.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If a bank places an unusually long hold on your funds without a valid reason, you may have grounds for a complaint or legal action. However, the specific circumstances of your case would need to be evaluated to determine if Chase Bank acted improperly or illegally.

Under California law, banks can place certain holds on deposits:

1. Next-day availability: The first $225 of a deposit should be available the next business day.

2. Longer holds: Banks can hold certain deposits for longer periods, such as large checks (over $5,525), re-deposited checks, or checks from accounts that frequently have insufficient funds.

3. New accounts: For new account holders (less than 30 days), banks may hold deposited funds for an extended period.

If Chase Bank's hold was due to their need to verify your identity or the legitimacy of the deposit, they might be justified in their actions. However, a 39-day hold seems excessive unless there were extenuating circumstances.

To determine if you have a case, consider the following steps:

1. Review your account agreement and disclosures to understand the bank's policies on holds.

2. Contact Chase Bank and request a detailed explanation for the extended hold on your funds.

3. If you are unsatisfied with their response, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).

4. Consult with a consumer protection attorney to assess your case and determine if any legal action is warranted.

Ultimately, more information about your specific situation is needed to determine if Chase Bank's actions were justified or if you have a valid case against them.

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