Funny Business

1. Collected a check drawn on The Bank of Montreal from a casino based in England on March 25.

2. Took the check to my bank to cash. Teller put check in for processing through normal means March 26 with proceeds to be deposited into my checking account.

3. Casino called bank on April 21 to determine status of check. Bank said check had been cashed on April 20.

4. On April 27 a wire was deposited to my checking account $100 less than the check I originally deposited.

5. Wrote to casino cashier who checked with Bank of Montreal. Casino cashier assured me the full amount had been sent to my bank for deposit.

6. Upon discussion with my bank, discovered original wire from Bank of Montreal was $40 more than actually deposited into my account. My bank charged $40 to handle the wire. Which means the Bank of Montreal charged $60 for the sending wire.

7. Suggested to casino that customers be fully informed of what getting a check entails in order for customers to make an informed choice.

8. Received the following email back from casino:

Dear Cora
I would advise you to try our card service that costs only $9. In regards to the fees associated with cashing in the check you would have to ask your bank about international checks – and what fees would be associated with it. This would help you to understand the charges and choose the best course of action in the future.
If you have any questions or need help with anything please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind Regards,

9. Still confused, but thinking there is some chicanery going on with the check business. No more checks for payouts!

I'm confused was it a wire or a paper check Cora?

I too reread corabets post a couple times and confused. Corabet, you post states both a check and wire? Either way, sounds like you were paid, just the banks are charging extra for fees.

CoraBets, Well, I'm glad you got paid. Sounds like you got a wire and a check, but either way, The banks and their fees are ridiculous in this business.. I agree with the casino and suggest cardpay.

FYI, my bank charges like $18 for incoming wires, and nothing for cashing checks (including international).

Also, I suggest people use TD Bank if possible... they are Canadian and they don't charge the international fees all the US based banks charge.

Thanks everyone. I received a paper check which I took to my bank. My bank processed for payment. The Bank of Montreal, instead of cashing the check and letting it go through to my checking account, sent a wire instead, thereby costing me about $100.