A friend wrote me a check to repay a small debt. The financial institution that the check is drawn on has released the funds, but my credit union is still holding the funds. Can it do this?

Yes. Your credit union may still hold the funds per its funds availability policy. Or it may have placed an exception hold on the deposit.

In many cases, if you know that the funds have been released by the paying financial institution, give this information to your credit union and request an early release of your funds. If you believe that your federal credit union is holding your funds in excess of the time allowed, file a written complaint with the NCUA’s Consumer Assistance Center.