How long a bank holds a check depends on what type of check it is and which bank you use

When you deposit a check, your bank does not make the money available right away. Instead, it holds the check for a set number of days while it confirms the check is real and that the account it came from has enough money. During this time, called the hold period, you cannot withdraw or spend that money, even though it shows in your account.

The length of the hold depends on three things: whether the check is from a local bank or a distant one, whether you deposited it in person or remotely, and your bank's own policies. Most holds last between one and five business days, but some can be longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Local checks (from banks in your area) are usually held for one business day, while checks from banks far away may be held for up to five business days.
  • Deposits made at an ATM or through a mobile app often have longer holds than deposits made in person at a branch.
  • Your bank must tell you its hold policy when you open your account, and you can ask a teller what the hold will be before you deposit a specific check.
  • Some checks, like government checks or cashier's checks, may clear faster because they are considered lower risk.
  • If you need the money urgently, you can ask your bank whether it will release part of the deposit early, though it is not required to do so.

The difference between local and non-local checks

A local check is one drawn on a bank in your area or region. Your bank can confirm it quickly because it has a direct relationship with that bank. Local checks typically clear in one business day.

A non-local check is drawn on a bank far away or in a different state. Your bank has to send it through a longer verification process, which takes more time. Non-local checks are usually held for three to five business days. Some banks distinguish between checks from other banks in your state and checks from out-of-state banks, with out-of-state checks held longer.

If you are unsure whether a check is local or non-local, look at the bank name and routing number on the check. You can ask your bank's teller, and they can tell you the hold period for that specific check before you deposit it.

How the deposit method affects the hold

Checks deposited in person at a branch during business hours often clear faster than checks deposited other ways. A teller can verify some information on the spot, which speeds up the process.

Checks deposited at an ATM or through a mobile app have longer holds because the bank cannot verify the check when ready. The bank has to process it later, which adds time. Mobile deposits often have a hold of two to five business days, depending on the check type.

Mail deposits are the slowest. If you mail a check to your bank, add several days for it to arrive before the hold period even begins. For this reason, mailing checks is rarely the fastest option.

What counts as a business day

When a bank says a check will clear in "two business days," it means two working days, not including weekends or federal holidays. If you deposit a check on a Friday, the hold may not start counting until Monday. A check with a two-business-day hold deposited on Friday might not clear until Thursday.

Different banks may count business days slightly differently, so ask your bank how it counts. Some banks count the day of deposit as day one; others start counting the next day. Your bank's hold policy should explain this.

Checks that clear faster

Certain types of checks are considered lower risk and may clear faster than regular personal checks. Cashier's checks are issued by the bank itself, so the bank knows the money is there. They often clear in one business day or sometimes the same day.

Government checks, including tax refunds and Social Security payments, are also usually held for shorter periods because they are backed by the government. Certified checks, which are personal checks that the bank has verified and may provide, typically clear faster than uncertified personal checks.

Even with these faster-clearing checks, your bank can still place a hold if it has reason to be cautious. Ask your bank about its specific policy for each type of check.

What happens if the check bounces

If the account the check came from does not have enough money, the check will bounce. Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. This can happen even after the hold period ends and you have already spent the money, which can leave your account negative.

If you withdraw money based on a check that later bounces, you may be charged an overdraft fee. For this reason, it is safest to wait until the hold period is completely over before spending money from a check deposit, especially if it is a large amount or from someone you do not know well.

Asking your bank to release funds early

If you need the money before the hold period ends, you can ask your bank whether it will release part or all of the deposit early. Banks are not required to do this, but some will if you have a good account history or if the check is from a trusted source.

The best time to ask is when you deposit the check. Explain why you need the money and ask what options are available. Some banks will release a portion of the deposit on the first business day and hold the rest until the full hold period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the money from a check before the hold period ends?

Your bank may show the deposit in your account balance right away, but you cannot withdraw or spend it until the hold period ends. If you try to spend money that is still on hold and the check bounces, you can overdraw your account and face fees.

Why do some checks take longer to clear than others?

Checks from distant banks take longer because they have to go through more verification steps. Checks deposited through ATMs or mobile apps also take longer because the bank cannot verify them when ready. The type of check and your bank's policies also affect the timeline.

What if I deposit a check on a weekend or holiday?

The hold period does not start until the next business day. A check deposited on Saturday or Sunday will start its hold period on Monday. Federal holidays are also not counted as business days, so a check deposited before a holiday weekend may have a longer total wait time.

Is there a maximum hold period my bank can use?

Federal law sets limits on how long banks can hold checks. For most checks, the maximum hold is five business days for non-local checks and one business day for local checks. Your bank's policy should not exceed these limits, but you can ask to confirm.

What should I do if my bank is holding a check longer than it said it would?

Contact your bank and ask why the hold is longer than expected. If the bank cannot explain it or if the hold exceeds the time it promised, ask to speak with a manager. You can also file a complaint with your bank's regulator if you believe the hold is unfair.