When a PA Bank Refuses Your POA
By Sean Quinlan, Esq. · Updated January 15, 2025
Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 5608, a Pennsylvania bank must either accept a compliant POA or send a written rejection within 7 business days of presentation.
Acceptance obligation
If the POA is statutorily compliant and the agent provides the standard certification and ID, the institution must honor it.
Permitted rejection grounds
Suspicion of POA invalidity, principal incapacity issues, or non-compliance with statutory form. The bank must state the reason in writing.
Agent's remedy
If a court orders acceptance, the bank pays the agent's attorney fees. This is the leverage that resolves most disputes.
This article is general information about Pennsylvania law as of the update date above. It is not legal advice for your situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific facts, please schedule a consultation.
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