How long a check takes to clear: Quick summary
Here’s how long it generally takes for a check to clear:
Usually within two business days for personal checks but up to seven for some accounts.
Usually one business day for government and cashier’s checks and checks from the same bank that holds your account.
The first $200 or so of a personal check is usually available one business day after the day you deposited the check.
How long does it take to clear a check?
When a check clears, it means that the funds have moved from the payer’s bank to the payee’s bank, and usually the funds become available to the payee not long after.
The length of time that it takes for a check to clear will depend on whether your account is in good standing, and how long you’ve been a customer of the bank. Most types of checks clear within two business days, though some banks and credit unions are speedier (jump to a list of banks that clear checks faster). Usually the first $200 of a check is made available the business day after the bank receives the check.
»MORE: Where can I buy cheap personal checks?
A business day is a weekday that isn't a bank holiday. For any deposit, the clock starts on the business day a check is received, before the institution's cutoff time. It varies by bank, but for checks deposited at physical locations, a bank's cut-off time must be 2 p.m. or later; for those deposited at ATMs or elsewhere, a bank's cutoff must be noon or later. Here's an example of the two-day standard:
Cashier’s and government checks, along with checks drawn on the same financial institution that holds your account, usually clear faster, in one business day.
» Cash management accounts: See our top picks for these high-APY checking-savings hybrids
Why might a check take longer to clear?
In some cases, checks can be held for up to seven business days. (For example, if you deposited on a Monday, the check might take until Wednesday of the following week.) Delays usually occur because:
You’re depositing a large amount in checks — generally more than $5,500 — in a single day.
Your account has been open for less than 30 days.
Your account has repeated overdrafts in the past six months.
Your bank believes the check won’t be paid, for whatever reason.
Your bank or credit union should tell you if it’s holding your check for an extended time. If you aren’t sure when the money will be available, check the deposit receipt or ask the teller if you’re depositing in person. Even with a hold, generally the first $200 of a check is credited to your account after one business day, so you can have earlier access to at least some of your money.
So what’s the holdup?
To process a check, your bank or credit union needs to acquire the money from the payer’s checking account. If the account is at another financial institution, the check is typically sent to a clearinghouse that handles the request.
The process can take a few days. If the check isn’t deemed “risky” — it’s less than $5,525, your bank account has been open for more than 30 days, there isn’t a history of multiple overdrafts, and there’s no reason to believe the check is fraudulent — your financial institution may decide to credit your account before the check technically clears.
If it later learns the check can’t clear — because the payer’s account is overdrawn, for example — your institution could take the money back out of your account. Be sure to read your deposit agreement and disclosure forms for your institution's policies.
Banks and credit unions that clear checks fast
Some banks and credit unions make funds available faster than the two-day standard. Here are some of the larger institutions with same-day or next-business-day availability on personal checks. This assumes the checks aren’t being held for one of the reasons above.
Alternatives to checks
The time it takes for a check to clear depends on the check itself and the status of the bank account. But it’s usually a matter of days, not minutes.
Direct deposits, wire transfers and P2P transfers are generally faster. Consider asking the payer for direct deposit or to wire the funds if you’re expecting a large amount. You could also ask the payer to send you money using a mobile peer-to-peer payment app. Transactions are inexpensive and fast — and unlike checks, there’s no need for pen and paper.
FAQs
A personal check typically clears within two business days. Some banks can clear them faster.
How long does it really take for a check to clear? ›
How long it takes for a check to clear. Usually, it takes about two business days for a check to clear. That can vary from check to check, though. It's important to review your financial institution's deposit agreement, which will specify how long they typically hold checks for.
How long does it take a normal Cheque to clear? ›
Generally, it takes three working days from the time you deposit the bank cheque, until the proceeds are available as cleared funds in your account.
How long does a bank hold a check over $100000? ›
“Large transactions usually have a hold period of two to seven days to verify the authenticity of the check and the ability of the payor to meet the obligation,” Thompson said. “A bank can make the hold longer under special circ*mstances, but that is fairly rare.”
Why do checks take 3 days to clear? ›
A bank may hold a check longer if it's an unusual deposit, such as if you've never deposited a check from that payer before. A check may take also longer to clear if it's for a larger amount or is from an international bank. Checks from foreign banks usually require longer hold times because they take longer to verify.
Can a cheque clear the same day? ›
How the Cheque Imaging process works. If you pay a cheque in pounds into your account on a Monday, you will see it in your account the same day. It counts towards any interest and you can use the money on Tuesday by 11:59pm at the latest.
Can a check clear the same day? ›
In most cases, check funds will become available within two business days. Sometimes, your funds may become available on the same day that the check is deposited. Federal law requires financial institutions to make the first $225 of a larger deposit available the next business day.
Do bank checks clear immediately? ›
Most types of checks clear within two business days, though some banks and credit unions are speedier (jump to a list of banks that clear checks faster). Usually the first $200 of a check is made available the business day after the bank receives the check.
Why do banks hold checks for 7 days? ›
The hold allows us (and the bank paying the funds) time to validate the check – which can help you avoid potential fees in the event a deposited check is returned unpaid. Keep in mind, though, that a check may still be returned unpaid after funds have been made available to you.
Why do some cheques take longer to clear? ›
Some checks may take longer to clear, including checks greater than $5,000, checks deposited into a new account or an account with a history of overdrafts, or previously bounced checks. You can learn about your bank's specific policies by reviewing your account agreement.
Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like.
Is depositing $2000 in cash suspicious? ›
Banks report individuals who deposit $10,000 or more in cash. The IRS typically shares suspicious deposit or withdrawal activity with local and state authorities, Castaneda says. The federal law extends to businesses that receive funds to purchase more expensive items, such as cars, homes or other big amenities.
Can I withdraw $20000 from bank? ›
The amount of cash you can withdraw from a bank in a single day will depend on the bank's cash withdrawal policy. Your bank may allow you to withdraw $5,000, $10,000 or even $20,000 in cash per day. Or your daily cash withdrawal limits may be well below these amounts.
How long do checks take to clear RBC? ›
Under the "Account Details" section, select "Deposit a cheque." You need to scan and upload a clear photo of the front and back of the cheque. The platform will then process the deposit, which can take 1-2 business days. However, if you deposit it before 6 PM (EST), the funds should be available the next business day.
How long does it take for a $300 000 check to clear? ›
Typically, it takes about two business days for a check to clear. However, the clearing time may vary depending on factors such as the bank's policies, the check amount and the account history.
Do checks ever clear on weekends? ›
Do checks clear on Saturdays? Business days don't typically include weekends or holidays. That means a check deposited Friday night after business hours will be treated as if it were deposited Monday morning (if it isn't a holiday). Some financial institutions may advertise extended business hours or days.
Does it really take 10 days for a check to clear? ›
Generally, it takes two to five business days to get all the funds from a check into your account. However, some factors might hold up the check-clearing process, like the status of your account or the place where you deposited the check.
What makes a check clear instantly? ›
Government Checks: Checks from federal and other government agencies generally clear faster. In-House Checks: If the check is drawn from the same bank where you deposit it, the process may be quicker. Certified and Cashier's Checks: These are considered 'guaranteed funds' and often clear faster than personal checks.
Does a certified check clear immediately? ›
Federal regulations require banks to make funds deposited in an account by cashier's, certified, or teller's checks available for withdrawal not later than the business day after the banking day on which the deposit takes place, the same as for cash deposits, but only if certain conditions are met.
