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I deposited a check, and it bounced. I re-deposited the check. Now, the bank says that it has placed an exception hold on my funds. What does that mean?

When a check is returned as unpaid, the bank may extend the time needed to make the funds available after the check is re-deposited. This is known as an exception hold. This extra time allows the bank to reduce the risk associated with this transaction.

If a check was returned because it was post-dated or missing an endorsement, and that issue has been corrected, the bank may not apply an exception hold.

A bank may extend the availability schedule for re-deposited checks for a reasonable period of time, which could be an additional five business days or possibly longer.

Review your deposit account agreement for policies specific to your bank and your account.

Last Reviewed: April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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