How Long Can A Bank Hold A Certified Check?
180 days - Personal, business, and payroll checks are good for 6 months (180 days). Some businesses have “void after 90 days” pre-printed on their checks. Most banks will honor those checks for up to 180 days and the pre-printed language is meant to encourage people to deposit or cash a check sooner than later.
Can a bank put a hold on a certified check?
Did you know that banks can place holds on trust cheques, certified cheques and bank drafts? Financial institutions can and have placed holds on trust cheques, certified cheques and bank drafts. A hold could be for as little as one day or for four or more days.
Practice Resource - Holds on Certified Cheques and bank drafts
Why would a bank put a hold on a certified check?
Banks place holds on checks to make sure that the check payer has the bank funds necessary to clear it. In addition to protecting your bank, a hold can protect you from spending funds from a check that is later returned unpaid. That's important because it could help you avoid accidental overdrafts and related fees.
Why your bank is holding your check, and what you can do about it