Check Bounced? How to Verify & Avoid Costly Fees

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than realizing you've possibly bounced a check. While you might be tempted to watch your account to see if the check will go through, doing so might be a mistake that can be quite costly. If there's a possibility that you've bounced a check, there are a few ways to check to see if you've actually done so. The only thing you'll need is the check number and your corresponding receipt.

Step 1

Log into or call your bank account. Compare the amount of your check against the available amount in your checking account. Deduct the check amount from your available balance in your checking account. If the value you get equals a negative amount or other you see that you have less in your account than the check was written for, your check might bounce. If the option is available try to transfer money into your account before the check is debited.

Step 2

Check your account for fees. If you see that you have a fee labeled a "Return" fee, it's most likely that your check has bounced and your bank has charged a fee for the bounced check.

Step 3

Contact the merchant you wrote the check to and see if they've either tried to run the check already or are still holding the check. In some instances, especially in smaller towns, if they still have the check in their possession, some businesses will allow you to write another check or pay cash for a check that might bounce. However, this is very rare and completely up to the merchant to decide.

Step 4

Visit the ChexSystems website. If you wrote a check and then closed the account soon after you might have a bounced check. ChexSystem will have a record of the bounced check. Request a copy of your ChexSystems record and the company will mail you a detailed report of your check writing history.

Things You'll Need

• Check number

• Original receipt