I deposited a check. When will my funds be available? (2024)

FAQs

I deposited a check. When will my funds be available? ›

Generally, a bank must make the first $225 from the deposit available—for either cash withdrawal or check writing purposes—at the start of the next business day after the banking day that the deposit is made. The rest of the deposit should generally be available on the second business day.

If your deposit is a certified check, a check from another account at your bank or credit union, or a check from the government, you can withdraw or use the full amount on the next business day if you make the deposit in person to a bank employee.

Once you receive a check, you may not have immediate access to the full amount when you deposit into your bank account. Usually, it takes up to two business days for a deposited check to fully clear.

Mobile deposits can take varying amounts of time to clear, depending on several factors including each party's financial institution, account histories and account types. Funds are usually available shortly after deposit but may sometimes take several business days to clear.

In general, you can expect most checks to clear the day after you deposit them, as long as you make the deposit on a business day and during bank business hours. So if you make a deposit at 1:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, for example, the check should clear by Wednesday.

Your bank may hold the funds according to its funds availability policy. Or it may have placed an exception hold on the deposit. If the bank has placed a hold on the deposit, the bank generally should provide you with written notice of the hold.

Bank Policies

Each bank has its own check-clearing policies. Banks may consider your history with them, such as how long you've had an account and if you've bounced checks in the past. If you've had an account with the bank for less than 30 days, your check may take longer to clear.

The fastest way to have access to check funds is to deposit the check in person at a bank or credit union branch. That ensures the deposit is made before the bank's cutoff time, which speeds up the process. Mobile check deposits and those made at ATMs after hours typically take longer to clear.

Many popular banks such as Ally Bank, Axos, SoFi and PNC offer instant mobile deposit availability.

Deposit holds typically range from 2-7 business days, depending on the reason for the hold. For deposits made on weekends, funds are considered deposited on Monday (the first business day), so the hold will go into effect the next business day (Tuesday).

Do checks go through instantly? ›

Most types of checks clear within two business days, though some banks and credit unions are speedier (jump to a list of banks that clear checks faster). Usually the first $200 of a check is made available the business day after the bank receives the check.

An eCheck typically takes three to five business days to process. This is because eCheck transactions use the Automated Clearing House network to transfer funds between bank accounts and such transfers take place in batches, which can add to the processing time.

The funds are typically available after 2 business days. The hold can be longer for out-of-state checks. If you have electronic banking set up on your account and have the bank's app on your phone, you can do the deposit from home. Just scan the check with the app.

Check Type

In-House Checks: If the check is drawn from the same bank where you deposit it, the process may be quicker. Certified and Cashier's Checks: These are considered 'guaranteed funds' and often clear faster than personal checks.

This is because some financial institutions update their accounts a few hours after midnight. However, most banks complete the direct deposit before 6 a.m., allowing many consumers to wake up the next day with the funds sitting in their accounts.

The hold allows us (and the bank paying the funds) time to validate the check – which can help you avoid potential fees in the event a deposited check is returned unpaid. Keep in mind, though, that a check may still be returned unpaid after funds have been made available to you.

Banks place holds on checks for a number of reasons, and it doesn't mean the deposit won't ever go through. Banks often hold large deposits to ensure the payor has sufficient funds in their account, to prevent fraud, or to verify the check's authenticity.