What Should You Do After Depositing a Check?

A deposited check transfers funds from one account to another, typically into your checking or savings account. Your financial institution facilitates this movement of money from the check writer’s bank to your account. Understanding the steps after a check deposit helps manage your finances and ensures timely access to funds.

Confirming Your Deposit and Fund Availability

After depositing a check, verify its successful processing. Most financial institutions offer various ways to confirm a deposit, including online banking, mobile apps, or reviewing receipts from an ATM or teller. These methods show if the deposit has registered in your account.

However, a deposit appearing in your account does not mean funds are immediately available. This is known as fund availability, governed by federal regulations like the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA), also known as Regulation CC. This regulation sets maximum timeframes for banks to make deposited funds accessible. Banks must disclose their specific funds availability policies, often when you open an account.

Banks commonly place a “hold” on deposited checks to ensure the funds clear from the originating bank and to protect against potential fraud. The duration of this hold can vary based on several factors, including the type of check, the deposit amount, and how the deposit was made.

For instance, certain deposits like cash, electronic payments, U.S. Treasury checks, cashier’s checks, and government checks deposited in person generally become available on the next business day. For other types of checks, the first $225 (or $275 as of July 1, 2025) of a deposit is often available the next business day, with the remaining balance becoming available within one to two additional business days.

Extended holds, which can last up to several business days (e.g., typically two to six business days), may be placed on larger deposits exceeding $5,525, checks redeposited after being returned unpaid, or deposits made into newly opened accounts (generally less than 30 days old). Banks also have the discretion to extend holds if they have a reasonable cause to doubt the collectability of the check. If a hold is placed, your bank should provide you with a notice indicating the reason and when the funds will become available.

Managing Your Account and Records After Deposit

Once deposited funds become available, manage your account responsibly. Regularly monitoring your balance through online banking or mobile apps helps ensure accurate reflection of available funds. This practice helps track spending and plan for expenses, preventing accidental overdrafts.

Maintaining meticulous records of your deposited checks is a crucial financial practice. Retain deposit receipts, whether paper or digital, as proof of the transaction.

For checks deposited via mobile app, many banks recommend storing the physical check for about 30 days, until funds have fully posted and cleared. After this period, mark the check “VOID” and destroy it, for example, by shredding.

Regularly review bank statements (paper or digital) to cross-reference deposits and verify accuracy. This helps identify discrepancies or unauthorized transactions promptly. Consistent record-keeping provides a clear financial audit trail for budgeting, tax purposes, or resolving disputes with your financial institution.

Handling Issues with Deposited Checks

Issues can occasionally arise with deposited checks. A common problem is a “bounced check,” which occurs when the check writer’s account has insufficient funds. If a check you deposited bounces, your financial institution may charge a returned item fee. Upon discovering a bounced check, it is advisable to contact your bank to understand the situation and any associated fees.

If a check you deposited bounces, contact the person or entity who issued the check to arrange an alternative payment. A check can still be returned unpaid even after your bank has made the funds available, potentially leading to fees and requiring you to cover the amount. For discrepancies in the deposit amount or other transactional errors, contacting your bank promptly is the first step.

In cases where you suspect fraud related to a deposited check, immediate action is necessary. This could involve checks with forged signatures, altered amounts, or those from suspicious sources. You should contact your bank’s fraud department as soon as possible, providing them with all relevant details and documentation. If direct resolution with your bank is unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with federal agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), depending on the type of financial institution.