When a check clears, it means that the money has been transferred from the account where it originated into your own account.
The amount of time it takes for a check to clear depends largely on how long it takes for the banks to communicate, verify that the original account has the necessary funds, and process the transfer into your own account where you’ve deposited the check.
It’s important to note that different banks may use the term “clear” somewhat differently. Generally, if a bank employee tells you that a check has cleared, it means the funds are available for you to withdraw, even if they haven’t technically been debited from the originating account.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll define a check as “cleared” when the funds are available for you to withdraw as cash or use with a debit card.
In most cases, a check will clear in two business days or less.
Many banks will allow you to access up to $200 immediately when you deposit a check, as long as your account is in good standing. After the check has cleared, the full amount will be available for withdrawal.
See below for more about exact bank policies.
What Is a Business Day?
Most (if not all) of the policies regarding check holds are based on “business days.” Business days are almost universally defined as every day except Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.
However, the cutoff time for the business day may vary from one bank to another, or even among different branches or ATMs for the same bank. In some cases, the cutoff time may be as early as 2 p.m. at branch locations — sometimes even earlier for ATMs.
Perhaps your bank typically makes funds available the same business day that a check is deposited. If you go into a branch of your bank to deposit a check at 3 p.m., but its cutoff time is 2 p.m., your check won’t be processed until the following day. The deposit date will be postponed until the next business day, and so will your funds.
If a bank has specified the cutoff time for branches or ATMs, we’ve included it in the list below.
Also, it’s important to note that nearly every bank’s policies include a “longer delays may apply” section. Essentially, the bank can decide to place a longer hold on your check than the standard policy.
This can be due to a number of factors, such as if your account is new or you have repeated overdraft activity. Banks can impose these additional holds at their discretion.
In most cases, you can expect to be informed right away if an additional hold will be placed on your check deposit. A bank teller will often be able to tell you when the full funds will become available if the hold period falls outside the normal range.
Wait Times by Bank
The table below lists the typical time it takes for a deposited check to clear at more than 50 of the most common banks and credit unions.
Keep in mind that the average check-clearing time may vary for large deposits, or if there are any issues with processing that particular check.
Wherever possible, we’ve linked to the most relevant page on the bank’s website. If the check clearing times were not disclosed online, we contacted the bank’s customer service department to confirm.
Bank/Credit Union | Check Clearing/Deposit Time |
---|---|
Alaska USA Credit Union | Same business day; $200 the first day if a hold is placed (two days for the remainder) |
Alliant Credit Union | Same business day (cutoff times as early as 2 p.m.) |
Ally Bank | $200 the next business day; second day for the remainder |
America First Credit Union | Next business day |
American Savings Bank | Same day for deposits before 4 p.m.; next business day otherwise |
Bank of America | Same day for deposits before 8 p.m. |
Bank of the West | Next business day |
BB&T | Same day for deposits made on a business day; next business day otherwise |
Capital One | Next business day (cutoff times as early as 2 p.m.) |
Charles Schwab | Same day for in-branch deposits |
Citibank | Typically the next business day |
Citizens Bank | Next business day |
City National Corp | Next business day |
Discover Bank | Next business day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
ESL Federal Credit Union | Next business day for the first $200 |
E*Trade | Fourth business day |
Fifth Third Bank | First $100 available immediately; next business day for the remainder |
FirstMerit Bank | Next business day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
First Technology Credit Union | Typically the same business day |
Golden 1 Credit Union | Typically the same business day |
Happy State Bank | Varies |
HSBC | Next business day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
Hudson Valley Credit Union | Same day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
Huntington Bank | Next business day |
JPMorgan Chase | Next business day |
KeyBank | Next business day |
Mountain America Credit Union | Same business day; $200 the first day if a hold is placed (two days for the remainder) |
M&T Bank | Varies |
Navy Federal Credit Union | Same day for the first $200; next business day for the remainder |
PenFed Credit Union | Immediately for most checks; $200 available immediately for checks with a hold (second business day for the remainder) |
PNC Bank | First $100 available immediately; second business day for the remainder |
Randolph-Brooks Credit Union | Typically the same business day |
Regions Financial | Next business day |
San Diego County Credit Union | Same business day (next day if there is a hold) |
Santander Bank | Next business day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
SchoolsFirst Credit Union | Typically the same business day |
Security Service Federal Credit Union | Next business day |
Star One Credit Union | Next business day for first $200 (remainder is typically available at the same time) |
State Employees Credit Union | Typically the same business day (cutoff times as early as noon to 5:30 p.m.) |
State Street Bank | Not disclosed |
Suncoast Credit Union | Immediately (same business day for the first $200 if a hold is placed) |
SunTrust Bank | Next business day (cutoff times as early as 2 p.m.) |
Synovus Financial Corp | Next business day |
TD Bank | Next business day |
Union Bank | Next business day (cutoff times as early as 1 p.m.) |
United Nations Federal Credit Union | Same business day for the first $200; second business day for the remainder |
U.S. Bank | Immediately for the first $200; next business day for the remainder (cutoff times as early as 2 p.m.) |
Vystar Credit Union | Typically the same business day |
Wells Fargo | Typically the same business day; next business day for the first $200 if a hold is palced |
Wings Credit Union | Immediately for the first $100; second business day for the remainder |
Zion's First National Bank | Next business day |
You can see our related articles for more information on ATM withdrawal limits and the direct deposit times at all major banks.
I deposited a check made out to me and capital one auto sign it the check came from northern trust bank how does it take to clear in my account
Hi Knovel,
Funds from a check deposited into a Capital One account are typically available the next business day after the deposit. This may vary if the check is in a large amount or if the bank identifies a problem with the check. You can read more about Capital One’s funds availability policy in the bank’s Rules for Deposit Accounts. I hope this helps!