Validity of a check?

Question

Is there any way to know if there are funds behind a check before cashing it or depositing it?

Answer 1

Yes, you can check. Either go to the bank the check is drawn from, or call their customer service number. Ask whether there are sufficient funds to cash the check. Because of privacy laws, they're not allowed to tell you how much is in the account, but they should be able to tell you whether there's a sufficient amount to cash the check.

I'd recommend cashing it at the bank the check is drawn from instead of just depositing it at your bank. If you deposit it at your bank, it could be returned for insufficient funds, you'd be charged a fee, and the amount would be subtracted from your total balance, which could mess up your accounting. But if you just cash it at the bank it's drawn from, once the cash is in your hands, the deal is done and you don't have to worry about it any more. Good luck.

Answer 2

I actually just read a book with this in it...they did what the 2nd poster said to do...call the bank that the check is drawn on, and ask if they have a specific amount ($50, $100 or so) to see if they have at least that). Then you know if they have enough to cover the check. Good luck!

Answer 3

Call the bank it's drawn on and ask if the check for, say $50, will go through. They can't tell you the amount in the account, but can answer that question.

Answer 4

Call their bank. They can tell you if they have sufficient funds.