How Long Do Deposited Checks Take To Clear

Here's How Long It Takes for a Check To Clear at Your Bank

How Long Does It Take
Reasons For a Hold
Fastest Ways To Access Funds

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When someone cuts you a check, you might want that money to be available as soon as you deposit it — but banks need to verify every check's validity before they can release the funds. How long a check takes to clear depends on the bank. It usually takes about two business days for a deposited check to clear, but in some cases, it can take up to five days for funds to become available.

Find out how long it takes a check to clear depending on the financial institution, why a check might be on hold, and the fastest ways to access your funds.

How Long Does It Take for a Check Take To Clear?

Typically it can take two business days for a check to clear, but can vary. Here's a quick look at how long it takes for major banks and retailers to clear or cash checks:

GOOD TO KNOW

Different factors can affect how long it takes a check to clear, such as your standing with the bank and the amount of the check. But the Expedited Funds Availability Act of 1987 requires that the first $200 of a deposit be made available to depositors by the next day.

Why Your Checks Might Be on Hold

The following factors can affect the time it takes for a check to clear and how long you have to wait before you can access the deposited money.

Large Deposits

The 1987 law that gives you rapid access to the first $200 of your deposit also delays clearance for deposits of more than $5,000, which it categorizes as large deposits. The length of time a check is held depends on the amount, type of check and institution, but two to seven days is typical.

Suspicious Transactions

Because deposits are held for bank verification purposes, if there's something suspicious about your check, you might have to wait longer for your funds. For example, if your check is dated six months or more in the past, it might warrant further scrutiny.

Varying Bank Policies

The amount of time a check takes to clear can vary based on bank policy. Most banks will credit funds to your account the same business day if you make your deposit before the daily cutoff time; however, you might not be able to withdraw the money immediately.

History of Overdraft

How long it takes a check to clear is also dependent upon the account's overdraft history. If the account has repeatedly overdrawn during the previous six months, the financial institution may delay making the funds from that check available.

Insufficient Funds

For the check to clear, the payer must have the funds available. As the payee, it is your responsibility to make sure the check is good for the amount. If you deposit a check and it is later found insufficient — that is, the depositor's account balance is inadequate to cover it — the bank can reverse the funds.

KEEP IN MIND

If you're a new account holder, you might have deposit restrictions — particularly if you make large or repeated deposits — so the bank can identify if there is fraudulent activity involved.

What Are the Fastest Ways To Access Funds From Checks?

If you need to access the funds from a check as soon as possible, you'll want to consider how long it takes for a check to be deposited through the methods that are available. Here are a few ways to ensure the speedy delivery of a check into your account.

Set Up Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the most efficient way to receive a recurring check — such as your paycheck — and it gives you the quickest access to your funds, as well. When you set up a direct deposit, money gets transferred from another bank directly into your account. Your bank doesn't have to verify the incoming funds again after the first deposit, and the money is typically available the same day.

Make a Mobile Deposit

Making a mobile deposit is another fast way to get your check to clear. Most major banks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Capital One, offer apps that enable you to take a picture of both sides of your check, enter relevant information, and send it to the bank. Funds from mobile check deposits are often available the next business day.

Put Your Good Customer Status to Use

If you're a longtime customer and haven't had any deposit issues, your bank might reward you with shorter clearance times. If you have a history of being reliable, your bank might trust you enough to speed up the process.

Use an Online-Only Bank

If you have an account at an online-only bank, you can typically remotely upload checks via the bank's app to make deposits, which is much faster than mailing in the check or wiring the funds. Ally Bank's eCheck Deposit service, for example, enables you to deposit checks electronically.

This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.

After earning a B.A. in English with a Specialization in Business from UCLA, John Csiszar worked in the financial services industry as a registered representative for 18 years. Along the way, Csiszar earned both Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Adviser designations, in addition to being licensed as a life agent, while working for both a major Wall Street wirehouse and for his own investment advisory firm. During his time as an advisor, Csiszar managed over $100 million in client assets while providing individualized investment plans for hundreds of clients.

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