Understanding Check Holds: How to Avoid Delays
Waiting on your money to appear in your account when you deposit a check is frustrating—particularly when you need it immediately. When it’s your paycheck, refund, or third-party payment, check holds can delay it, foiling your plans.
But the silver lining? Many of these delays can be avoided by knowing what to do—and thanks to services like Cheque Express, which allows you to cash checks immediately, even without a bank account.
Let’s dissect it all so you can see why check holds occur, what to anticipate, and how you can collect your cash more quickly.
What Is a Check Hold?
A check hold is essentially a waiting time your bank implements before allowing you access to the funds you deposited in the form of a check. It’s a standard procedure, utilized primarily to ensure the check clears and the funds are indeed available from the issuer of the check.
In essence, it’s protection for you and the bank against matters such as bounced checks or forgery.
How Long Does a Check Hold Usually Last?
The length of a check hold isn’t always the same—it typically ranges from 2 to 7 business days. Several factors play into this, including:
- The type of check (personal, business, government-issued, etc.)
- The check amount
- How long you’ve had your bank account
- Where the check is coming from (local, out-of-state, or international)
Why Do Banks Place Holds on Checks in the First Place?
Banks employ check holds to:
- Confirm funds with the paying bank
- Avoid fraudulent use
- Minimize financial risk—particularly in cases of big or suspicious deposits
- Adhere to federal banking regulations
Reasons for Check Hold Delays
Knowing why your check is on hold will help you avoid future delays. Some of the most prevalent triggers are:
1. Large Check Amounts
Cashing a check for more than $5,000? That’s usually enough to raise a red flag. Banks regularly hold big deposits for extended periods of time to confirm the check is valid and the cash will clear.
2. Brand-New Bank Accounts
Just opened your account? For the first 30 days or so, your deposits may be considered “high risk,” even if everything is perfectly legitimate. Once you’ve built a bit of history with your bank, these delays usually become less frequent.
3. Unusual or Suspicious Deposit Patterns
If you suddenly deposit large third-party or out-of-state checks, or if your accounting behavior does not conform to your normal habits, banks may hold the funds pending for further investigation.
4. Foreign or Out-of-State Checks
These require more time to process. Out-of-state checks must undergo interbank communication, and foreign checks tend to involve currency conversion and international processing, which takes extra time.
5. Third-Party Checks
If you have someone sign a check to you (rather than writing in your name), it’s a third-party check. These tend to be handled with even more care and could take longer to clear.
How Check Holds Affect Your Money Access
What Happens to Your Money During a Hold
When a check has been put on hold, essentially, that money is frozen—you can see it in your account balance, but you can’t use it for withdrawals, purchases, or transfers until the bank officially clears it.
Is It Possible to Draw on Part of the Money Before It Fully Clears?
Yes, in certain situations. Most banks put out a part of the check—the initial $200—within the first business day, holding the rest until the check clears.
Avoiding or Reducing Check Hold Delays
These are a few easy things you can do to reduce or even eliminate check holds:
- Have a check cashing service such as Cheque Express cash your check and receive your money immediately
- Deposit in business hours to have the process initiated quicker
- Whenever possible, request a certified or cashier’s check instead of a personal check. (casual tone for readers)
- Establish a solid relationship with your bank through frequent deposits and activity
- Avoid depositing high-risk checks, such as third-party or international ones where possible
Why Cheque Express Is Your Best Option for Avoiding Delays
At Cheque Express, we understand that sitting around waiting for a check to clear can be more than frustrating—effectively disrupting your entire schedule. That’s why we provide instant check cashing, regardless of whether you have a bank account or not.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Cash on the spot – We cash payroll, government, settlement, and third-party checks
- Clear pricing – No confusing fees or surprise charges at the end
- No bank needed – Simply bring your check and ID
- Quick, courteous service – We close late and are open on weekends
Want your cash in hand today? We’ve got you covered—no waiting, no hassle.
Final Thoughts
Check holds are part of old-school banking, but they don’t have to hold you back. By knowing how they work and opting for a more intelligent solution like Cheque Express, you can bypass the delay and carry on with your day.
Ready to cash your check without delay? Visit Cheque Express and be on your way with your money in minutes—no bank account necessary, no headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
We cash most kinds of checks—payroll, government, insurance, settlement, and third-party.
No way! With us at Cheque Express, you don’t have to have a bank account.
For sure. We have tight procedures and verification processes in place to ensure your transaction is safe.
Most customers receive their money within minutes of walking in.
Just a valid government-issued ID and the check you want to cash.
Yes, there’s a small fee for our service, but it’s affordable, transparent, and clearly explained upfront.
