How Long Does It Take a Check to Clear? Everything You Need to Know About the Clearing Process

Check clearing times vary by bank, but it can take three and four days to clear a check. During this time, your funds are tied up. Let your bank know when you'll need the money back so they can expedite the return process.

Some checks take even longer. You must deposit all your checks and ATM withdrawals as soon as possible to avoid any hold-ups with your financial transactions. But there's no need to worry if you don't have the time or energy. Many banks in the United States offer internet banking services, making it easy for virtually anyone who wants to move their money around daily without using up any personal time.

If you're planning on using check-cashing services, you must start searching for your nearest location. You can find one by checking out the website or app of any major check-cashing service. There are over 10,000 locations available across the United States. Many offer ATM services or even ATMs at the front desk, making it easy for you to get cash even if you don't have enough money in your checking account to cover an expense.

Some rules to avoid hassle:

People can follow some simple rules if they want to save themselves time and hassle when dealing with checks.

• The first rule is to always use bank checks whenever possible. That way, you won't have to worry about the expense of getting your check processed, and you won't have to wait for it to clear with your bank.
• Your second rule is to make sure that you deposit all your personal checks as soon as possible. That way, your bank will be able to process them much faster than if you wait a few weeks after they've been deposited.
• The third rule, of course, is to always pay attention when it's time to deposit your checks. If you spend more than a week waiting for the check to clear in your own bank account, you can wait up to six months if you don't have enough money to cover it.

Checks are often returned faster if written on a business account rather than a personal account and issued by an internationally-trading financial institution such as Bank of America or Wells Fargo. The US Postal Service also posts online records of all mail sent out to provide a disconnect between delivery time and the arrival time at its destination.

Although check clearing time is a reliable indicator, most banks will clear checks within the same day if they are drawn to the bank's account.

Retail stores use this system when they accept credit cards and debit cards. Credit card information is fed into an electronic system that contains a backup of all transactions. When a suspicious purchase is made, the retailer asks for proof of payment, such as a receipt, then retires it from the system and orders additional checks to cover the purchase. The additional checks are typically issued within 24 hours of shop closure.

When a check is returned to the issuing institution, its central record department reviews the return for any suspicious activity. In some cases, an official looking at the transaction file will contact you to ensure you have jurisdiction over the returned check. If so, your bank will then issue a new check and give it back to you. Otherwise, your bank will stamp "VOID" on the back of the returned check, and that's how you know it can no longer be paid.

The best way to protect yourself from fraud is by knowing what happens in this situation and having an organized system for dealing with checks returned to you. Know where all your money is at all times.

Reasons why it's late

There are instances where checks take some time to clear.

• If a check is expired, meaning that it can't be used to purchase goods and services anymore, it takes seven more business days for the amount to become available from the date of purchase. An example is when you buy something from a department store on the weekend only to find out that the item has been marked down during the week. However, if there are insufficient funds in your account at the time of purchase, you will be held responsible for any costs accrued due to using an expired check.
• Another reason checks take longer than credit card transactions to clear is that you have to notify the bank that you have authorized a third party, such as a child or employee, to sign the check. In these cases, it typically takes 10 days to two weeks for the check's amount to be available in your account.
• If you have insufficient funds available to cover a check you deposit, most banks will place a payment hold on it until sufficient funds become available or until you cover the shortage with other deposits or cash advances.
• The payment hold may be due to insufficient funds in your account. The deposit will be returned unless a stop payment order is placed on the check by another bank. The funds will not be available for withdrawal until the bank receives payment. Your account is credited with sufficient funds to cover the current shortage.