Protecting the Rights of Consumers For Over 25 Years

Question: Can a bank be forced to process checks in a timely manner?

Answer: Deadlines for funds availability are set by federal statute, the Expedited Funds Availability Act. The relevant deadlines depend on such things as the location of the bank where the check is drawn and the amount and whether the bank has reason to believe the item will not be paid.

Note that funds availability does not mean that the bank cannot reverse the transaction if the check is dishonored, found to be not genuine, etc.