Getting upset here...

[LillFilly]

So I made a purchase at a place that just opened, and apparently they are having issues with their credit card machine.

A week ago I made a purchase on credit/debit. The machine worked. For some reason that charge didn't show-up until a week later.

This week I made a 2nd purchase and for the first 2-swipes the machine read 'batch error.' so the Manager called the machine company, who did some troubleshooting and got the machine working again. The 3rd swipe went through. He said the machine keeps doing this, but the company just said 'it happens sometimes.'

I went to the bank right after and noticed I had WAY less money than I was supposed to. Apparently, the first 2-swipes registered and the money was pending to be removed. The 3rd one cleared. The bank told me I would have to talk to the machine company and there was the chance the money would just be credited back automatically, and that if I only signed 1-slip I could not be liable for those payments.

So I called the Manager to let him know and he was thankful and appologetic. He called the company who said I'd have to talk to my bank. He told me if the money was not credited back he would give me the cash.

So I checked today and it looks like one charge was credited, but the other is still pending. Unfortunately the bank's site is down and I can't get an update.

Over $300 is a LOT to just suddenly not have access to in your account, because it's being held until it either clears or doesn't.

[KiaKat]

Unfortunately, in this case, you're dealing with a series of automated systems that cannot easily be overridden. And the only people who can do an override all work at your bank. The hold is on their end, not on the retail or merchant services end.

Both the merchant services company and the retail outlet are stuck in this situation. As much as the situation is frustrating and incredibly annoying for you, their hands are tied.

There are always a few bugs when a system is first set up. It might be their terminal, in which case the thing should be replaced, or it might be that the computers aren't processing incoming charges correctly, which just happens, and usually requires a bit of work to overcome.

I'm sorry this happened to you, and I definitely know how frustrating not having access to your money is, but this is just one of those fluke things that happens.

[wagegoth]

Your bank is passing the buck. It is their responsibility. Go to the manager. Call the customer service line. Make them follow up.

The manager at the store will be charged a fee if the bank has to do a chargeback, so it saves him a chunk to give you the cash back.

[Arm]

It is all on your bank's end. In some cases, I can understand not removing the hold.... but in any case where you have three identical transactions, only one of which actually went through, any human looking at the process should be able to tell that the other two are failures that need to be voided out.

Usually the holds clear automatically after five business days. That may wind up being what happens to you.

I have that problem a LOT... from failed internet transactions to a hotel that suddenly decides to make a hold of 125% of the projected room charge before I even check in...

I'm fortunate that my bank will usually work with me on that and clear the holds when I say so. I'm less fortunate that they use magic bank-math to determine my 'available balance' and start doing overdraft charges (excuse me, 'convenience fees'... convenient for whom?) any time I go below their imaginary line. Which they always give *back* once I harangue them about it, but still. You win some and lose some, with most banks.

[PepperElf]

it's not easy getting the money back
i had to do that once for a purchase. it didn't go through because the address wasn't right at the bank (something they were told to change) but then i couldn't make the purchase after fixing the addy issue cos the original purchase was still tied up in "pending"

the bank said the company had to send them a fax that they weren't going to take the money
the company sent the fax and the bank was like "what fax"

they finally just credited me back the money so i could make the purchase