PNC Bank N.A Excessive bank charges for even authorizations still pending Germantown Maryland

Most major banks process that way and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. If you think about it, it wouldn't cause an account to overdraft assuming that the owner didn't spend more than the available amount of funds.

If you want to switch banks, that's up to you. But wherever you end up, you will end up having the same thing happen to you at your new bank. For starters:

1. Every bank has the right to post debits before any credits post. It's all part of the account agreement you signed - and will sign at your new bank.

2. All banks will charge you for reserving amounts against your available balance, even if the money isn't actually spent. The reason is that there is a prevailing assumption the money WILL be spent, and the only thing the bank waits for is the authorization from the merchant.


Your problem is not the bank. It's the use of your debit card. A debit card does NOT work the same way as a credit card, despite what a bank might tell you. The difference between the two is that your debit card accesses your bank account directly each time you use it. A credit card does not. So when you use your debit card to reserve your room at a hotel, it's as if you've just spent the money right there - even if you actually didn't. If you run a tight ship regarding finances, a debit card would not be your friend or an asset in keeping your ship tight.

If you stop using a debit card in the manner you're currently utilizing it, your problems should disappear - regardless of where you bank. You'll stop having problems with OD fees since your debit card causes most of those. Best of luck to you.

A majority of the banks have started to treat "pending" transactions as a purchase. Yes it does not make sense to be hit with fees when you didn't spend that much, but it is legal. So do not think going to another bank will solve this problem.

If you use your debit card it is your responsibility to account for this and make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the "pending" amount. For gas stations they only do this if you pay-at-the-pump, if you go inside this does not occur. For Gas Stations pay-at-the-pump you can estimate about $75 to be held, resturants will generally do 20%-25% over the bill to cover any possible tip, and hotels could be anywhere from $50-$500 per night(depending on the hotel).