What Does It Mean If a Check Was Skipped on a Bank Statement?

Discovering a check number missing from your bank statement can be concerning. A “skipped check” occurs when the sequence of checks on your statement has a gap, or a specific check you recorded does not appear to have cleared. While this may raise concerns about your funds, several common reasons explain why this happens.

Common Reasons for a Skipped Check

A frequent reason a check appears skipped is that the recipient has not yet presented it for payment. Checks can take varying amounts of time to be deposited and processed, or the payee might be holding onto the check.

Another common scenario involves checks clearing out of numerical order. Banks process checks as they are received, meaning a higher-numbered check might clear before an earlier one if deposited sooner.

Occasionally, a bank’s internal processing or display system could cause an error in how transactions are presented on your statement, such as a check clearing without its number. It is also possible the check never reached its intended recipient, getting lost or misplaced. Finally, the discrepancy might stem from an error in your personal record-keeping, such as misrecording a check number or overlooking a voided check.

Investigating a Skipped Check

When you notice a skipped check, first review your financial records. Examine your check register, digital payment logs, or budgeting applications to confirm the check number, amount, payee, and issue date. This helps identify any immediate errors in your personal tracking.

Next, contact the payee to ask if they received, deposited, or misplaced the check. Their response can provide insight into whether the check is still outstanding or if there was an issue on their end.

Also, examine your bank statement for the missing check number or for a transaction of the same amount that cleared without a listed check number. Reviewing your online banking portal or transaction history can reveal pending transactions or offer a more detailed view of cleared checks.

Taking Action on a Skipped Check

After investigating the reason for the skipped check, take specific actions. If the check is uncashed or cleared out of numerical sequence, patience is often the appropriate response. Most checks clear within one to two business days, though some funds might be available sooner. Banks typically make at least $225 of a deposited check available by the next business day.

If your investigation suggests the check was lost or never received by the payee, issue a stop payment order with your bank. This formal request prevents the original check from being cashed if it resurfaces. Banks typically charge a fee for stop payment orders, ranging from $15 to $36, with an average around $30 to $35. Written stop payment orders are effective for six months and can be renewed, while oral orders are effective for 14 days unless confirmed in writing. After placing a stop payment, issue a new check to the payee.

If you suspect a bank error, contact your bank’s customer service or fraud department immediately, providing all details gathered during your investigation. If the issue is an error in your personal record-keeping, simply correct your records and monitor your account activity.