I opened a new checking account and my bank/credit union won't let me withdraw my funds. Can the bank/credit union do this? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

An account is considered new for the first 30 days after it was opened. The account would not be considered new if the account holder had another established account with the same institution.

Even if your account is not new, the bank or credit union can place a longer hold on deposits over $5,000. The first $5,000 of checks deposited in one day will generally be available no later than the second business day following a deposit. Everything above $5,000 must be available no later than the ninth business day following the banking day on which funds were deposited.

If you make a deposit after the cut-off time identified by your bank or credit union then it can treat the deposit as if it was made on the next business day.

I opened a new checking account and my bank/credit union won't let me withdraw my funds. Can the bank/credit union do this? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

I opened a new checking account and my bank/credit union won't let me withdraw my funds. Can the bank/credit union do this? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

I opened a new checking account and my bank/credit union won't let me withdraw my funds. Can the bank/credit union do this? A bank or credit union is permitted to place a longer hold on deposits for new accounts.

Why can't I withdraw money from my checking account? ›

A bank account freeze means you can't take or transfer money out of the account. Bank accounts are typically frozen for suspected illegal activity, a creditor seeking payment, or by government request. A frozen account may also be a sign that you've been a victim of identity theft.

Can a bank stop you from withdrawing your money? ›

By setting withdrawal limits, the bank can control how much they have to distribute at any given time. Just as importantly, if not more so, withdrawal limits are a security feature. By limiting daily withdrawals, banks help protect their customers against unauthorized access.

How long does it take for a new bank account to become active? ›

For example, the bank may make one or two small test deposits into your new account. You will have to verify these amounts to activate your account, which can take a day or two. Also, keep in mind that there may be a holding period on your initial deposit.

What to do if a bank refuses to give you your money? ›

File banking and credit complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If contacting your bank directly does not help, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint page to: See which specific banking and credit services and products you can complain about through the CFPB.

How do I unrestrict my bank account? ›

To unfreeze your bank account, you must contact your bank to figure out the issue and resolve the underlying problem, such as paying off debts or providing evidence of innocence. Unfreezing an account is at the bank's discretion and is not always guaranteed.

What to do when your bank account is restricted? ›

Here are some general steps you can take:
  1. Contact Customer Support:Reach out to the customer support of the financial institution or platform where your account is held. This is typically the fastest way to get information on why your account is restricted and how to resolve the issue.
  2. Provide Required Documentatio.
Nov 5, 2015

Can banks lock your funds? ›

Can the bank freeze the account? Yes. The bank may temporarily freeze your account to ensure that no funds are withdrawn before the error is corrected, as long as the amount of funds frozen does not exceed the amount of the deposit. Or the bank may simply place a hold on the deposit amount.

How long can a bank restrict your account? ›

How Long Can a Bank Freeze an Account for? There is no set timeline that banks have before they have to unfreeze an account.

Which bank is best for opening an account? ›

Best Savings Bank Accounts of 2024
Sr.No.Bank NameRates of Interest(p.a.)
1State Bank of India2.70% - 3.00%
2Union Bank of India2.75% - 3.55%
3HDFC Bank3.00% - 3.50%
4ICICI Bank3.00%
6 more rows
Mar 13, 2024

Is it better to open a bank account online or in person? ›

Online banks offer higher interest rates on savings products and lower interest rates on loans. If you need to deposit cash regularly, you'll likely want the convenience of a brick-and-mortar bank's ATM network.

Why can't I open a checking account? ›

Common reasons consumers are turned down for a bank account include a history of overdrafts, unpaid bank fees or suspected fraud.

Can the bank ask why you are withdrawing money? ›

Have you ever wondered why bank tellers often ask questions about your transaction? They are doing it for very good reasons! An important part of the teller's job is to protect customers by watching for potential fraud. Some transactions may require verification of identification, which is a government regulation.

Can you sue a bank for not returning your money? ›

You Have A Right To Sue Any Bank That Unlawfully Keeps Your Money, Or Who Fails to Follow Your Instructions For Disbursing It. Banks owe you a duty to only give out funds that you authorize, and to only give out funds in the manner that you instruct them.

What happens if a bank fails and you have money? ›

If your bank fails, up to $250,000 of deposited money (per person, per account ownership type) is protected by the FDIC. When banks fail, the most common outcome is that another bank takes over the assets and your accounts are simply transferred over. If not, the FDIC will pay you out.

Why is my debit card declining when I have money? ›

There are several reasons why a debit card may be declined even if you have money in your account. Common reasons include travel and reaching your daily purchase limit. Stay on top of your cards and consider using budgeting apps to help avoid debit card denial.

Why did my bank decline my cash out? ›

Insufficient Funds: The most obvious reason for a cash out failed error is that you do not have enough funds in your Cash App account to complete the transaction. Bank Declined: Occasionally, the linked bank account may reject the transfer due to security concerns or technical issues, prompting a failure.

How do you know if your bank account is frozen? ›

Basically, any transaction that you attempt won't go through. Also, your bank should send you a notice that the account is frozen. But remember, even though the bank must notify you of an order to freeze your account, it will comply with the order before letting you know.

Why is my bank account not letting me transfer? ›

The bank account you're transferring from may not have enough funds in it to make the transfer. The bank account you're transferring from may be closed. Your first bank transfer has not processed You must wait until your first transfer has processed before making another transfer.

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