Technically, once a check clears, it can’t be reversed, meaning the payer cannot get the funds back. The only exception to this is if the check payer can prove that identity theft or fraud has occurred, in which case they may indeed get their money back.
When discussing the ins and outs of check clearing and potential reversals, it can be helpful to understand how checking accounts work, typical clearance times, and exceptions to the rule. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Check Deposit Reversal?
- How Long Does It Take for a Check to Clear?
- How to Know If Your Check Cleared
- Understanding the Check Clearing Process
- How Long Can a Bank Hold a Check?
- Factors That Affect Hold Times
- Personal Checks vs Government-Issued Checks
- Cases of Fraud
- What to Do If a Deposited Check Is Reversed?
Key Points
• A check deposit reversal occurs when a bank reclaims previously deposited funds, often due to stop payments, insufficient funds, or fraud.
• Reversals can lead to negative account balances, potentially triggering overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees for the account holder.
• Account holders must resolve reversals to secure expected funds and restore positive balances, often dealing with the check’s issuer.
• Understanding the check clearing process is crucial, as funds availability varies, impacting financial control.
• Many checks clear quickly, but some may take a week or more, requiring attention to actual fund availability.
What Is a Check Deposit Reversal?
A check deposit reversal can refer to several ways that a bank takes back money that was previously deposited into a checking and savings account. This can happen when a check is returned due to a stop payment notification, insufficient funds, or bank fraud.
When a check reversal takes place, it can result in a negative bank account balance, which can trigger overdraft or NSF fees. The account holder needs to take steps to resolve a check deposit reversal and see if they can secure the funds they were expecting and, if necessary, bring their account back from a negative balance.
reverses the original deposit, often resulting in a negative balance or a returned check fee, and leaves the account holder to resolve the issue with the check’s maker or the bank.
How Long Does It Take for a Check to Clear?
It typically takes between two and five business days for a check to clear once it’s deposited in a checking and savings account, but some banks will process it more quickly. In general, the first $275 is made available in one’s account the next business day after a check is deposited, and then the rest of the check will be made available in the next four days.
If one or more checks total more than $6,725 for deposit in a single day, it could take up to seven to nine business days (or sometimes longer) for the full amount to clear because the bank will want to ensure the check will clear before processing it.
The time it takes for a check to clear can depend on several factors, including the relationship the account holder has with the bank, the amount of money already in their account, and the amount that the check is for. Also, if you, say, mobile deposit a check after the cutoff time on a Friday night, it may not begin processing until the next Monday morning, slowing the process down a bit.
Note that check clearance rules apply to paper checks only. If you receive money or pay bills electronically by an ACH payment, a different set of guidelines will apply.
How to Know If Your Check Cleared
In order to know for certain that a check has cleared, look at your bank account information on your financial institution’s website or app to see if the funds are pending or available. You might also contact the bank and ask them to see if the check bounced.
You might also inquire about whether your financial institution offers tools that can help you track checks and alert you when they clear. You may also benefit from other options, including a budget planner app, debt payoff planner, and credit monitoring.
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Recommended: What Is an Outstanding Check?
Understanding the Check Clearing Process
When a check gets deposited, there are a few steps involved in processing and clearing it. First, the bank makes a request to take the funds out of the check payer’s account. Typically, the bank actually deposits funds into the payee’s account first as pending, as long as the check is not flagged as risky or there’s another reason that it might not clear.
In the event that the funds aren’t available in the payer’s account, the check “bounces.” In that case, the funds are then withdrawn from the payee’s account, and, if the account winds up with a negative balance, fees can be applied.
How Long Can a Bank Hold a Check?
The length of time that a bank will hold a check depends on a few factors, including the amount of the check, the bank the check is coming from, the relationship of the payee to the bank, and more. If both the payer and the payee use the same bank, the clearing time will be shorter. Usually it takes two business days for a check to clear, but it may take up to seven days or possibly longer.
The time that it takes for a check to bounce varies depending on the bank’s size and technology. Larger banks with more technological capabilities will know more quickly if a check has bounced. It will take longer for a smaller bank to process bounced checks.
Incidentally, the amount of time a check is good for is typically six months, or 180 days, after it’s written.
Factors That Affect Hold Times
In certain cases, a “risky” check may take up to seven business days (or sometimes longer) to clear. The following reasons can cause this to happen:
• Insufficient funds in the account
• Checks larger than $6,725 or multiple checks totaling more than $6,725 deposited in a single day
• Accounts younger than 30 days
• Repeated overdrafts associated with the account
• Checks from international banks
Personal Checks vs Government-Issued Checks
While it takes between two and five business days for personal checks to clear, banks are required by law to make funds available from government checks and U.S. Treasury checks within one business day (meaning by the next business day).
Certified checks and cashier’s checks are both types of checks that are typically made available within one day of deposit. A certified check is a check where the money is taken out of a checking account, ensuring that the funds are available in the payer’s account. Generally a certified check is required for making larger transfers. With a cashier’s check, the money is taken out of the bank’s account, also ensuring that the funds are available.
Note: If depositing a certified or cashier’s check, determine whether you need to use a special deposit slip for next-day availability. Some banks follow this procedure.
Cases of Fraud
Scams and fraud involving checks can occur. With scams, like overpayment scams, the account holder is responsible for repaying any funds owed and fees if they have deposited a check that didn’t clear. And if an account holder writes a check to a scammer and it has cleared, that money likely cannot be recouped.
Worth noting: If a person knowingly deposits a bad check, there can be legal consequences.
But with fraudulent checks, there’s hope: If, say, your checks were stolen from you and/or identity theft is involved in their use, alert your bank immediately, request a stop payment, dispute any transactions that have taken place, and request a credit. You may have to file additional paperwork relating to the incident, but you may be able to get your money back. The same holds true if you believe you received a fake or counterfeit check: Contact your bank and appropriate authorities.
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What to Do If a Deposited Check Is Reversed?
If a deposited check is reversed, contact your bank to find out what happened, and reach out to the check issuer to request a new form of payment.
Also stay alert to your account balance. If you have written checks against the amount you thought was available and/or have autopay set up, you could wind up with unpaid bills and penalties. Overdraft protection may help you avoid this scenario.
The Takeaway
Check deposits can be reversed in some situations (such as a check that bounces or one that is suspected of being fraudulent). That’s why it’s important to understand the process for depositing checks and having them clear. Many checks clear in a day or two, but some can take up to seven days or longer, so it can be wise to pay attention to when funds actually become available to stay in control of your finances.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
How can a check clear and then bounce?
If a bank doesn’t see any red flags that a check might bounce, they may go ahead and transfer funds into the payee’s account. However, it may turn out during their processing that funds weren’t available from the payer, so then the check bounces.
Can a bank reverse a check deposit?
Technically, a cleared check cannot be reversed. But if a check bounces, the bank can remove funds they had deposited into the payee’s account.
Can you dispute a cleared check?
If identity theft has occurred or if a check is fraudulent, then a cleared check can be disputed. If the bank finds the evidence to be believable, the funds may be returned to the account.
Can I redeposit a check that was returned?
You can redeposit a check that was returned for non-sufficient funds if you feel reassured that the check will now clear.
How can I protect myself from fraudulent checks?
A fake check can be poorly printed, use thin or shiny paper, have smooth instead of perforated edges, and have mismatched or incorrect bank name and address information. Also be wary of checks that overpay you or ones you were not expecting.
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