How Long Does It Take For A Check To Clear?

What is the typical check clearing time?

A check typically clears within 2 business days after deposit. This means if you deposit a check on Monday, the funds should be available in your account by Wednesday, assuming both days are business days (not weekends or holidays).

Federal regulations require banks to make the first $225 available by the next business day for most deposits. The remaining balance follows the bank’s standard hold policy, usually releasing within 2 business days. However, this rule doesn’t apply to new accounts within their first 30 days.

According to Bankrate’s analysis of major bank policies, most financial institutions follow this 2-day standard, though specific timing can vary based on when the check is deposited and individual bank policies.

How do different deposit methods affect clearing time?

In-person branch deposits

Depositing a check in person at a bank branch is often the fastest method. If deposited before the bank’s cutoff time (which cannot be earlier than 2 p.m. by federal law), the check typically becomes available within 1 to 2 business days.

There are a few factors that might cause a check to clear faster than two days. Banks are generally required by law to make the first $225 of a check deposit available by the next business day. For example, if the check is deposited on a weekend, it’s considered to be deposited on Monday, so the first $225 of the check will be available on Tuesday.

Mobile check deposit

Mobile check deposit, which allows you to deposit a check by taking photos of it through your bank’s mobile app, typically takes the same amount of time as an in-person deposit, though it may take a bit longer to process in some cases.

Mobile check deposits come with cut-off times, too. At Bank of America, for example, a mobile check must be deposited by 9 p.m. ET (for Eastern and Central time zones) or 8 p.m. PT (for Mountain and Pacific time zones) for it to clear by the next business day. 

ATM deposits

ATM deposits at your own bank typically clear within 2 business days. Deposits at ATMs owned by other banks may take longer — up to 5 business days in some cases.

Which types of checks clear faster?

Some checks are designed to clear more quickly because they carry lower risk:

Reasons your check deposit might be delayed

If a check is taking longer to clear than your bank’s typical processing time, it’s probably because the bank placed an extended hold on it. The bank will likely notify you of any holds on the deposit receipt (if the check is deposited at a branch) or the deposit confirmation screen (if the check is deposited through an app). The institution may also notify you by text notification, email or mail if a hold comes up after the time of deposit.

Some reasons a financial institution may extend a check’s hold include:

• There’s reasonable cause to believe the funds are uncollectible (such as suspected fraud).
• The check has been redeposited.
• The check amount exceeds $5,525. (Note: Only the amount that’s over $5,525 can be held for longer.)
• The receiving account is new or has been repeatedly overdrawn.
• The check is from an international bank.

In these cases, the financial institution may hold the check for up to a week, after which the funds will clear or the check will bounce.

Other ways to send money to someone

There are a few alternatives for sending money that are quicker than depositing a check.

• Wire transfer: If a domestic wire transfer is initiated before the institution’s cut-off time, then the funds are typically available in the recipient’s account within the same day. Wire transfers typically come with high fees, though. A domestic outgoing wire transfer fee averages about $26, according to Bankrate’s research.
• Money order: Though similar in appearance to a check, money orders are paid upfront and are guaranteed not to bounce due to insufficient funds. Since the money order is prepaid, there’s no waiting period for funds to clear, and the recipient can often access the funds immediately upon cashing it.
• Zelle: Over 2,000 financial institutions offer Zelle through their mobile apps or online banking system. It’s a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service that allows you to digitally send and receive money, typically within minutes.
• Other P2P services: If you or the other person involved in the transfer can’t access Zelle through your bank, consider using a third-party P2P payment app, such as Venmo or PayPal. These services may offer an instant transfer option for a small fee.

How to avoid check deposit delays

To ensure your checks clear as quickly as possible:

1. Deposit before cutoff times: Make deposits early in the day
2. Use mobile deposit for convenience: But verify your bank’s cutoff time
3. Maintain good account standing: Avoid overdrafts and returned items
4. Verify check information: Ensure all details are correct before depositing
5. Keep deposit receipts: Track when funds should become available
6. Review your bank’s deposit agreement: Understand specific hold policies

Bottom line

In most cases, a check should clear within one or two business days. There are a few cases in which a check might be held for longer, such as if it’s a large deposit amount or an international check.

Make sure to review your bank’s policies for what to expect in terms of check hold times. It’s important that the check clears before those funds are spent so you don’t incur any fees.

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