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We chose USAA as our banking institution after moving 3 states away. We wanted to keep our original local bank for certain reasons, and USAA allows you to manage other banks and transfer money through their website. We were excited about the opportunity, but didn't realize how much of a hassle depositing money would be.

Our first deposit to open our USAA was a transfer from our old account. There was a hold on the transfer, which didn't surprise me since it was the first time we'd done it. But then things got worse. I found out that depositing cash was pretty much impossible. In fact, the only way I could do it was to go to the grocery store and complete a Western Union which I had to pay $13 for. Not only did USAA NOT reimburse me (they were the ones who suggested the Western Union on the phone), they also put a 3-business day hold on the deposit. I made that deposit on a Friday so we would have money over the weekend. My family had to go ALL weekend without any money. I tried to call their customer service, and they wouldn't do ANYTHING about it.

Sometime after, my wife received her payroll check (not direct deposited at the time). We took the check to a UPS store nearby. USAA put a 5-business day hold on her payroll check! Once again, we were in a situation where we were really counting on the money from that check. We tried calling a couple times, but customer service was extremely unhelpful. They did tell us, however, that the hold is typically because they have to wait on the check's bank to release the funds. So we called up Great Western Bank (who was absolutely wonderful on the phone, BTW) and they were able to verify that they had, in fact, released the funds. When we explained to GWB's customer service rep what was going on, he was amazing. He got USAA on the line in a 3-way call and basically told them "We've released the money already. Just lift the hold so the lady can have her paycheck!" I guess the USAA rep maybe felt cornered, so she actually lifted the hold for us. But she was very nasty about it, saying things like "it will never happen again" and "it'll be noted on your account."

The last straw for us was the most recent transfer. We needed to transfer money from our old account (the one we setup online through USAA's site) to USAA checking to cover a check. So I completed the transfer, and they put a hold on $50.00. Even more frustrating, they changed the hold from a 3-day to a 5-day hold. Now, I've made numerous transfers from that account with no hold, so why they decided to screw me over that day I'm not sure. Then I called up their customer service. Once again, the rep I talked to was NOT willing to help in any way. He told me that USAA does not lift holds. I told him I'd had it done in the past, and he just shrugged it off basically saying that no one at USAA can lift holds. REALLY? I find that EXTREMELY hard to believe.

At any rate, I would NOT suggest USAA. Their customer service is a joke, depositing money is a hassle, and they don't treat their customers equally. As soon as the latest transaction clears, I will be closing my accounts and going someplace where they actually value my business.

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Steven W Sbj

I've had the same issues with deposits, and he same BS about not being able to lift holds. Not sure what benefit they get from holding funds, but it is financially damaging and seems totally random and anti-customer behaviour.

Guest

Wait, so you thought that using a bank with no branches was a good idea when you deal primarily in cash? How did you expect to get your cash to San Antonio without a money transfer service?

Edyth Ptv
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1161696

Actually, we signed up with the expectation of moving to direct deposit. And looking back, I really wish I had done more research.

That part may be on me, but it doesn't negate the fact that USAA was a terrible bank with even worse customer service. It was a joke.

Kind of hard to defend the bank saying "you should have done more research" when the bank has practically no easy way of depositing money, consistently places holds on your money (which, contrary to what others say, is NOT normal), and refuses to be helpful or courteous.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Edyth Ptv

It places hold on your money to make sure it comes from a legit place and not used to fund terrorism. USAA is not a terrible bank you just seem like a horrible customer. Dealing with cash is hard to track when it goes to a bank the bank has to make sure their are no issues such as fake cash or other crimes because that will cost the bank money.

Guest

USAA holds your money over a week when you deposit a papercheck by UPS or mobiledeposit. Take your business elsewhere. Fair warning to all.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1154064

No, it doesn't. All of my paper checks using mobiledeposit are instantly available without a hold.

I've used USAA since before I joined the Army in '97. I've never had any problems with them and their customer service has always been excellent and very helpful.

The only complaint I have with them is the lack depositing cash.

That's not really a huge hassle since I just have a friend write a check and give him the cash. That way you don't have to pay for the money order fee.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1297792

They do put holds on paper checks I use mobile deposit and I have to wait seven day before it clears. Sometime it clear fast but overall I have to wait.

I had to switch bank to navy federal so I can make deposit and withdraws.

USAA was a good bank but now they donโ€™t care about there customers situations. Switch banks cause itโ€™s a pain to go through that hassle for your money.

Guest

USAA was a good bank once upon a time but not anymore. They are in bed with the DOD and linked right up with DEERS so they have a major advantage that Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) and other banks do not have and they know it.

Depending on what your rank is, determines what kind of customer service you get. They should just go ahead and change the name of the bank from USAA to the Bank of the Department of Defense because that is what they are.

Guest

The system decides what checks to put hold on randomly based on banking history. The hold cannot be lifted by an employee.

Also transfers, wires and direct deposits cannot be held. U can deposit cash at the usaa ATM's and I have always had friendly and exceptionally helpful service from them.

We have them for banking, insurance, and both car loans. They are great for us!

Guest

Pissed Off,

You are not doing yourself any favor exaggerating your issue. I seriously doubt you cancelled your trip over the inability to get $500 from your account.

You don't carry any credit cards that you could have used to obtain cash or pay for goods and services? I suppose that if you don't, THAT'S why USAA won't trust you and holds your deposits.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-753033

your an *** or a USAA employee to make a *** comment such as that. Let it be your money and you dont have a credit card or a high limit for that matter, but let me guess you are rich B****

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-753033

Not everyone chooses to screw themselves over with credit cards. If you can't pay cash, you don't need it.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-837788

I have mixed feelings about USAA. There have been more positive interactions than negative.

However, the negative ones were EXTREMELY frustrating and inconvenient. As for the holds, I was informed by customer service that at the time of deposit, I was given the option to accept the hold or cancel the deposit and go elsewhere. That was a blatant lie. Once the deposit is made and a hold is in place, there is no turning back...no option to reverse.

The purpose of the hold is supposed to protect USAA obviously. But it supposedly protects you as the consumer as well, from having to deal with the awful consequences of spending money before other parties check clears. btw, if you change anything in your profile (i.e. phone number, email address, etc) USAA does not allow you to use Zelle or any other transfer options for 14 business days.

ONCE AGAIN I was not made aware of this until AFTER the changes were made. Even customer service admitted this was an avoidable inconvenience ...to stay or go is still up in the air for me

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-753033

You're full of *** j 99 c. We have had our acct several months.

No problems. Use our cards for our teenagers to use when they're at the mall or out of town. An occasional hold on the acct of 100 dollars here 15 dollars there. Anyhow I go to deposit a 200.00 check to put funds on the cards for my kids.

And it holds all 200! I make instant transfers all the time so I thought well I'll do an instant transfer instead .. nope. held 100%.

I'm so glad my kids weren't out of town and depending on the card to do something.

It's nothing for me to put 40 here or 50 on there in the transfers. Anyhow I won't be using them anymore !they suck!!

Guest

Very interesting.

I use Deposit @ Mobile and have instant -- no holds whatsoever -- on deposits of up to $10,000 per day. Unless you aren't a full member, are not credit qualified or have some other issues I cannot imagine why your deposits would incur holds.

There must be some key factors you are withholding in your post.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-753031

While I appreciate your response, I can assure you I have not withheld any important information pertaining to our situation. We don't use mobile banking as we do not have smartphones - we live in the dark ages.

We are full members. If, by credit qualified, you mean that we carry credit cards, we do not. Many years ago, we made poor choices with credit cards and have since stuck with cash and debit cards.

That is not to say that we have bad credit. On the contrary, we have had credit scores high enough to give us good rates on a mortgage and auto loans.

Guest

At first USAA boned me with renter's insurance, then charged me twice(no stress- only 7.99) for the same bill, dual payment- and would not correct it. USAA is good until you need something done, then they're useless.

A brainwashed *** suggested that I open an account with USAA, and after 5 years it was a big mistake.

Guest

Here it is, Veteran's Day weekend 2013. I am a 22 year Air Force vet, and planned a camping trip with my family this weekend.

We loaded up the truck and camper and headed to the ATM to take out some cash. It seems USAA has our funds on HOLD????? What????? I called and spoke with 2 representatives and neither of them would release the funds so we could enjoy our weekend at the lake.

It seems USAA has OUR funds on hold until November 15th because we deposited a money order earlier in the week. Thanks to USAA, we have had to cancel our camping trip that we take EVERY YEAR to spend time with our fellow Air Force veterans. Your institution is not vet-friendly as advertised. I can't wait until we close our accounts.

JERKS!!

I hope YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND, cuz you definitely ruined ours.

Guest

When you signed up for USAA you had to sign a depository agreement which states that your funds are subject to hold and in most cases will be held for some amount of time. In your depository agreement between page 27-30 it states how long your funds are allowed to be held according to federal regulation cc.

Guest

Obviously YOU didn't do your research and then you blame the bank because they don't have a service that you need???? Had you done your research you wouldn't have had issues.

Another case of someone *** blaming someone for the research they should have done themselves.

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