How Long it Takes a Check to Clear - NerdWallet (2024)

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.

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.

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:

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.