A check is a written, dated, signed document that tells the bank to pay a certain amount to the recipient. It’s a way to transfer funds from the payor to the recipient. While paper checks aren’t as popular as they used to be, you may still receive the occasional check as a birthday gift from a relative or as a tax refund.
It usually takes about 2 business days for a check to clear, though it may take more or less time depending on the circumstances. For example, government checks may only take 1 business day to clear. Banks are generally required to make $225 of a personal check available for use the next business day. So, if you deposit a check for $225 or less, the funds should usually be available within 1 business day. However, this rule doesn’t apply to accounts opened in the last 30 days.
Learn more about check-clearing timelines and why delays can occur below.
When will your check’s funds clear?
Usually, funds from a cashed check will be available in 1-2 business days. Legally, banks generally will make $225 of a personal check you’ve deposited available the next business day (unless the account has been open for less than 30 days). If you deposit a check worth more than $225, $225 might clear the next business day and the rest the business day after.
Some circumstances can help a check clear faster. For example, government checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks and checks drawn from funds at the same institution may clear in a single business day. A bank may also have slightly different processing times depending on how you cash the check – through your mobile banking app, at an ATM and in person at a branch.
How long is a business day?
A business day for a bank is typically the hours during which the bank is open for processing transactions. It usually excludes weekends and federal holidays. While a calendar day ends at midnight, business days have cutoff times for processing transactions.
Transactions made after the cutoff time are usually recorded as occurring the next business day, even if they are made on the same calendar day. For example, if you deposit a check after the cutoff time on a Monday, it may be processed on Tuesday (the next business day).
Reasons a check deposit might be delayed
A check may take longer to clear for several reasons, including:
- An account is new or has been overdrawn often in the past 6 months
- The deposit is over $5,525
- The bank believes they can't collect the check. This may be due to the risk of overdraft, fraud or unauthorized access to funds.
- The check that has already been returned unpaid
- The check is deposited at an ATM the receiving bank doesn't own
Tips to avoid delays
Consider taking these steps for a faster check deposit process:
- Deposit your check early in the day, well before cutoff times
- Avoid depositing on or just before weekends and holidays. Ensure the next 2-3 days are business days for your bank.
Check alternatives
Here are some alternatives to checks that may help you transfer funds more quickly:
- Wire transfer: Wire transfers let you send money in the U.S. or abroad. They are relatively quick – domestic wire transfers usually take a single business day, while international transfers may take 2-5 business days. Wire transfers usually carry fees.
- Direct deposit: Direct deposits use the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network and can be used for domestic transfers. Many employers offer payment via direct deposit. ACH transfers usually take 1-2 days, which can mean getting your paycheck faster.
- Money order: Money orders are prepaid, so there's no risk of insufficient funds. There's also no waiting period – the recipient can access the funds once the money order is cashed.
- Digital payments: Zelle® is located within most banking apps where you can access your bank account. Enrolled Zelle® users can send and receive money within minutes.
To send or receive money with Zelle® both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. For the protection of your account, Zelle® should only be used to send money to those you know and trust. Neither Citibank nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle® – for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.
