Bank experience leaves me feeling short-changed

On Tuesday I presented my bank debit card for payment in a restaurant.

On the first attempt the card was declined by the bank. Knowing I had sufficient funds in my account I asked that a second attempt be made. On the second attempt it was accepted. The restaurant suggested I take both ‘declined’ and ‘accepted’ paper slips for my records.

When two days later I checked my accounts I noticed two debits for exactly the same amount and date. I followed the card instructions and spoke to a supervisor who checked out my story, and having done so assured me that my account would be refunded accordingly. This would take five working days. The explanation I was given was that the bank system “always does it this way”. So they decline it, debit you, accept it, debit you, hold the double amount for five days and then refund you half.