How long do you need to wait after depositing a check in your bank account before writing a check?

Answer 1

• It depends on the bank. Some require up to two weeks. Two weeks was typical in the past and many banks have refused to change policy after the electronic funds transfer took over the banking industry. Check with the bank and find out what their policy is. If they want to keep you hold on to your money, move your checking account to a place that's more reasonable. Banks need to be responsive to their customers.
• Generally 3-5 business days.For some lending institutions it will also depend on whether it is a check drawn on personal or business account, your banking history (average checking account balance, length of time you've held the account, etc.). Obviously the best and safest option is to check the account before withdrawing any funds.
• If the check is a low-risk item (SSI, disability, most payroll checks) usually 3-5 business days. If the your account is a high risk account or the check is high risk (personal checks, cashier checks or money orders received from people you don't know) I would wait 10 business days. Checks usually clear within 3-5 business days, but banks usually don't find out if they bounce until 2-3 weeks after that. I used to have to process all the NSFs and returns, and most people don't realize that even with electronic processing, to find out if the check is bad CAN take awhile.
• A check is considered a contract, and when you write a check, people assume that you are writing them a good check and they can hold you to that. You're not supposed to write a check knowing you don't have money in the account. You can actually be sued by the DAs office for writing bad checks. Each county (At least definitely in California) has a Bad Check Restitution Program, and people who receive bad checks can call the DA and he WILL take legal actions against you.