How Long Does It Take a Check to Clear at Regional Banks?
An important part of managing your finances properly is knowing how long it takes for a check to clear from your bank.
Each bank has a different set of policies that determine the time it takes for funds to become fully available.
We've already covered the time it takes for a check to clear at the top 10 banks, but what about the following regional banks?
If you don't currently bank at one of the top 10 banks in the country, finding out how long it takes a check to clear can be difficult.
While some banks make it easy to find out how long it takes for funds from a deposited check to clear, not all banks are as transparent and forthcoming with this information.
How long it takes for a check to clear?
This list is comprised of banks ranked 11 to 20 based on the total value of account deposits, which means these are among the top 20 banks in America.
Just to clarify, this information concerns how long it would take for a check to clear when you deposit it into your own bank account.
Writing a check to someone else is a different matter and is dependent on how long it takes for the recipient to deposit it, as well as how long the other bank takes to process the check.
The Time It Takes for a Check to Clear at the Regional Banks
| Bank | Details |
|---|---|
| BNY Mellon | Standard deposit - The first $5,000 from a deposit of checks will be available on the first business day of your deposit. The remaining funds will be available on the second business day after your deposit. Mobile deposit - The first $5,000 from a deposit of checks will be available on the first business day of your deposit. The remaining funds will be available on the second business day after your deposit (only available on the iPhone and iPad). |
| HSBC | Standard deposit - 2-3 business days Mobile deposit - 2-3 business days |
| Fifth Third Bank | Standard deposit - Fifth third checks are available the same day. First $100 for non-Fifth Third checks are available immediately, the rest of the balance is available the next business day. Mobile deposit - Deposits made before 4 P.M. ET will clear the next day. |
| Regions Bank | Standard deposit - Available the next business day (may take up to 11 days, depending on check). Mobile deposit - Deposits made before 8 P.M. CET will typically be available in two business days. (A $0.50 charge will apply). |
| Charles Schwab | Standard deposit - Available the first business day after funds are received. Mobile Deposit - Mobile deposits made before 4 P.M. local time will be posted to the account same day, all other deposits will be available the next business day. |
| Union Bank | Standard deposit - Next business day Mobile deposit - N/A |
| Citizens Bank | Standard deposit - Citizens Bank or Federal Government checks deposited before 10 P.M. local time are available the same business day; Citizens Bank and Federal Government checks are available the next business day when deposited after 10 P.M., non-Citizen checks deposited before 10 P.M. are also available next business day. Mobile deposit - $200 is available the next business day if account is under 30 days old, remaining funds are on hold for up to 5 business days if the check is above $200. $2,000 available the next business day if the account is over 30 days old, remaining funds are on hold for up to 5 business days if the check is above $2,000. |
| BMO Harris | Standard deposit - Checks deposited in-branch before closing will be available the next business day. Mobile deposit - For deposits received before 7 P.M. CET on a business day, the first $200 will be available the next business day, with any excess amount available two business days after. Deposits made into Savings or Money Market will be available two business days after the day of deposit. |
| KeyBank | Standard deposit - Any way you deposit a check, you will receive $100 immediately. After that, depending on the type of check and the amount, it may be subject to a hold of up to 11 business days. Mobile deposit - First $100 deposited by 11 P.M. ET will be available on the same day. All other funds will be available the next business day. Checks deposited after 11 P.M. ET will have $100 deposited into the account the next business day, with the rest of the funds available the following day. |
| M&T Bank | Standard deposit - Check deposits made to your account take one to five business days, depending on the location of the bank. Mobile deposit - Checks received by 8 P.M. ET on a business day are processed for deposit on the same day. Checks deposited after the cutoff will process the next business day. |
(Note: this data was retrieved from each respective bank's website, through chatting with a representative or calling customer support directly. Business days do not include weekends or holidays.)
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What about cashier's checks?
Cashier's checks fall into a different category when it comes to how long they take to clear.
Typically, banks make the funds available from a cashier's check within a day of your deposit, but it may take longer depending on your banking institution and where the funds are coming from.
To avoid complications when depositing a cashier's check, make sure you do your best to spot a counterfeit cashier's check so that you don't taint your account with funds that are not actually available.
Verifying funds are available
It's important to review your statement online, check your balance at an ATM or bank branch, or call your bank's customer support center to verify whether or not the funds have cleared.
Banks do their best to clear your deposited funds as soon as possible, but complications do arise.
Therefore, the safest way to determine whether or not you have funds available is to check your actual account balance.
Most banks offer some type of mobile banking services.
Enroll and download the application to your mobile device if you are not already registered.
Before you spend your money or write a check you want to make sure the funds are available in your account.
You do not need a setback like being charged with an overdraft fee because of a delayed deposit.
Make sure you always verify your funds are there so that you don't run into any surprises.
