When a check is deposited, the availability of the funds depends on several factors including the amount of the check, the type of deposit (in-person, ATM, mobile), the bank's policies, and the time of the deposit relative to the bank's cutoff time. Generally, if you deposit a check of $200 or less in person to a bank employee, the funds are available the next business day. For checks over $200, $200 is available the next business day, and the remainder becomes available on the second business day. If the deposit is made at an ATM, the full amount is typically available on the second business day. For mobile deposits, availability might be similar to ATM deposits but can vary by bank. Some banks offer immediate or same-day partial availability for a portion of the deposit (e.g., up to $100 or $500), with the remaining amount available the next business day or later. Deposit cutoff times also matter: if the check is deposited after the cutoff time, it may be treated as deposited on the next business day, thus delaying availability by one day. Banks may place longer holds under certain conditions, such as new accounts, deposits over a certain amount (e.g., $6,725), repeated overdrafts, or suspicion that the check may not clear. It is best to check with the specific bank for exact policies. In summary:
- Checks $200 or less in person: available next business day.
- Checks over $200: $200 next business day, remainder on second business day.
- ATM deposits: generally available second business day.
- Mobile deposits: varies, often next business day or second business day.
- After cutoff deposits: considered next business day.
- Holds can extend availability under special conditions.
This is a general overview based on US federal regulations and typical bank practices as of 2025, but individual bank policies may vary.
