Instant Transfer - Being told it will take 16 days to clear by my bank

That’s on your bank. They put the hold on it, they are the only ones that can lift it. For whatever reason(s) your bank seems to feel they need that long to be certain the money is not part of a scam or fraudulent activities and forced to surrender the $2900.

If you want resolution of the hold within 16 days you need to convince them the funds are legitimate. I would make an appointment with the branch manager and have a sincere discussion with them.

You’re welcome to contact an Apple Cash Specialist. They’ll confirm what I just told you. Apple Cash is a service that’s administered by Green Dot Bank. Contact an Apple Cash Specialist at Green Dot Bank by calling (877)-233-8552 or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE

https://applecash.greendot.com/termsconditions/

A thirty day hold is the legal maximum it can be held. They really are putting you through the wringer. You can always try a CFPB compliant. But they take 30 days sometime.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

That’ll burn that relationship so, it’s obviously up to you.