A bank can typically hold a check for 1 to 5 business days, depending on factors such as the check amount, the type of check, your account history, and whether the bank needs extra time to verify the funds. In some cases, such as very large deposits or new accounts, a hold may last even longer, but banks are generally required to follow federal regulations governing check hold periods.
Key Takeaways
- Banks typically hold checks for 1-5 business days, although certain situations can extend holds under federal law.
- Federal rules under Regulation CC set when banks must make deposited funds available, although exceptions such as new accounts or suspected fraud can extend hold times.
- For large check deposits, banks may make the first half available by the second business day, while the remaining balance can be held until the seventh business day or later if the deposit qualifies for an exception hold.
- If you need money sooner, ask your bank about its funds availability policy or consider payment methods like direct deposit or wire transfers.
Waiting for a check to clear can be frustrating, especially if you need the money right away to cover bills, rent, groceries, or an unexpected expense. Understanding when your funds should become available can help you plan ahead, and if the wait is too long, there may be other borrowing options that can provide faster access to cash while your check is on hold.
If you’re wondering how long banks hold onto checks, the answer varies based on your situation, but banks must generally follow federal funds availability rules.
How Long Can a Bank Legally Hold Your Money?
For some, checks may seem like an old-fashioned way to pay for things, but checks are still quite popular. In fact, over 21 million checks were written in 2021 alone!1 There are a few laws in place that determine the amount of time that a bank can hold a check. Here are the major laws that you should know about:
Regulation CC
Regulation CC offers a guideline for banks for holding deposited funds, including checks. Banks are required to follow this regulation. It also states that banks and financial institutions must disclose to customers how long these holds will last.
The Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA)
Under Regulation CC, the EFAA was passed in 1987 to take care of concerns that consumers had about how long a bank is allowed to hold funds. They have specific day limits for different kinds of deposits, including checks.
Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act
The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act passed in 2003, also under Regulation CC, enabled banks to send electronic checks to each other. This allowed many banks to offer new services to customers.
A Timeline for Check Holds Allowed From Banks
The amount of time a bank can legally hold your check will depend on the type of check you are depositing and your deposit method. Under Regulation CC, banks must provide a reasonable period to make funds from a customer’s account available, which generally ranges from one to five business days.
It shouldn’t be surprising that banks, like other financial institutions, operate during standard business days and hours—Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Keep those hours in mind when you consider how long it will take to access your check funds. Here are the timelines for different types of checks that banks must follow:
| Check Type | Typical Funds Availability |
| Personal Paper Checks Under $200 | Most common type of check. Next business day for branch, in-network ATM, or night deposits; up to the fifth business day for out-of-network ATM deposits. |
| Personal Paper Checks Over $200 | The first $225 is generally available the next business day, with the remaining funds by the second business day. Out-of-network ATM deposits may take up to 5 business days. |
| Mobile Check Deposits | There are some limitations to the types of checks you can deposit via your phone. Depending on the bank, availability is often immediate or by the second business day. |
| Cashier’s Checks, Teller Checks, and Certified Checks | Cashiers, tellers, and certified checks are more secure and are prepaid for. Typically available the next business day when deposited in person, or by the second business day through an in-network ATM or night deposit. Out-of-network ATM deposits may take up to five business days. |
| Postal Service Money Orders, Local Government Checks, Federal Reserve Checks, and U.S Treasury Checks | Checks issued by government agencies and are generally very secure. Usually available the next business day when deposited in person, or by the second business day through an in-network ATM or night deposit. Out-of-network ATM deposits may take up to five business days. |
How Long Does a Bank Hold a Check Over $10,000?
For a check over $10,000, banks may hold part of the deposit for up to seven business days if it qualifies for a large deposit exception under Regulation CC. Typically, the first $225 is available the next business day, up to $5,525 by the second business day, and the remaining balance by the seventh business day.
Can There Be Additional Hold Times?
Although the standard check deposit hold times usually go up to five business days, there are certain situations of reasonable cause where banks can increase the hold time for checks. Here are some of those scenarios:
| Scenario | Description | Hold Time |
| Bank Accounts with Excessive Overdrafts | If your bank account has had several overdrafts in a short time, banks and other financial institutions can hold your checks. | Several days (usually around seven) |
| Large Check Deposits Over $5,000 | For any checks deposits over $5,000, the first $5,000 will be available on the second business day, and any leftover amount will be available later. | First $5,000: Second business day. Remainder: Seventh business day or later |
| Re-deposited Checks | Re-deposited checks are checks you will get back because they could not be deposited the first time. Insufficient funds can often be why this happens, and you will have to wait to deposit it again. | Usually until the seventh business day |
| Emergency Situations | Sometimes due to natural disasters, banks and other financial institutions may be out of commission. If you deposit a check, it won’t be processed until the bank can continue work and business. | Varies, until the bank can resume operations |
| Potentially Uncollectible Checks | If a bank thinks the check you are depositing is fraudulent, if it is post-dated, or your account does not have enough funds, you will have to wait for them to verify things. | Seven days or more |
| New Account Holders | A financial institution may hold checks and other deposits for new accounts—usually accounts under 30 days old. | Nine days or longer |
Why Do Banks Hold Checks?
Banks hold checks for many reasons. Here are a couple:
- To ensure that a check will be paid. Anyone can write a check; it won’t be until the check is deposited that the bank will know whether the issuer’s bank account has sufficient funds.
- To verify that the check is legitimate. Check fraud happens all the time, and it can take a while for financial institutions to verify information.
How Long Do Banks Hold Large Checks?
Banks can hold a check over $10,000 for up to seven business days under federal funds availability rules. For Regulation CC purposes, the large deposit exception generally applies to deposits over $5,525.
Faster Ways to Cash Your Check
You should consider cashing your check at an ATM or in person at your local bank if you need to access funds quicker than a deposit. You may even do this at your same bank, assuming you have sufficient funds available in your checking account and a valid Government-issued ID. Although cashing a check is fast, you may not have access to the full amount right away. If you need funds sooner, quick cash loans, personal loans, installment loans, or cash deposits may help.
Banks Holding Checks: FAQ
How long can a bank legally hold your money?
In most situations, banks can legally hold deposited funds for up to 5–7 business days. New accounts (generally under 30 days old) or exception holds may result in longer delays.
What is the difference between a check and a money order?
A check is a written order to pay that is connected directly to a checking account, while a money order is a prepaid piece of paper that acts like a guaranteed check.
What happens if a bank holds a check longer than allowed?
If a bank holds a deposited check longer than permitted under federal regulations or its own funds availability policy, it may face regulatory consequences. You may be able to file a complaint or pursue legal action, depending on the circumstances. Extended holds can delay access to funds and may lead to issues such as missed payments or overdraft fees.
Can a bank refuse to cash an old check?
Yes. Banks may refuse to cash a stale-dated check, which is generally one that was written more than six months ago. If this happens, contact the person or business that issued the check to request a replacement.
What is my bank’s funds availability policy?
A bank’s funds availability policy explains when deposited money will be available in your account. It outlines whether funds are available the same day, the next business day, or after a longer hold.
It should also explain when exception holds may apply, such as for large deposits, new accounts, suspected fraud, or repeated overdrafts. If your bank delays access to your funds, they must notify you so you know when the money will be available.
The Bottom Line from CreditNinja
Banks will have unique holds for different check deposits, and they must follow federal guidelines for these holds. The average holding time ranges from the same day to five business days but can take longer, depending on different situations. Before choosing a bank to work with, it is essential to look for flexibility. You will get all that information on benefits when you apply for a checking account.
It’s also helpful to know that cash deposits and wire transfers are much faster, usually without hold times. Consider those options if you don’t want to wait for bank holds for available funds.
References:
- Federal Reserve Payments Study (FRPS)
- Funds Availability And Your Bank Account: What You Need To Know
- How long can a bank or credit union hold funds I deposited? | CFPB
