Are there exceptions to the funds availability (hold) schedule?

Yes. Regulation CC provides six exceptions that allow banks to extend deposit hold periods. The exceptions are considered safeguards against risk. These are the exceptions:

• Checks deposited to new accounts (accounts that were opened 30 or fewer days ago).
• Large deposits ($5,525 or more in checks in any one day) but only for the amount in excess of $5,525.
• Re-deposited checks.
• Deposits made by check to accounts that have been repeatedly overdrawn in the last six months.
• Deposits of checks for which the bank doubts collectability.
• Deposits made under certain emergency conditions.

If a bank places a longer hold on a deposit under one of these exceptions, it must give you a notice. The notice must give the reason for the hold and tell you when your deposit will be available for withdrawal. Regulation CC provides that banks may extend the availability schedule by a reasonable period of time. Here are some examples:

• An extension of up to five business days for most checks
• An extension of one business day for checks that are drawn on, and deposited into, the same bank
• An extension of up to six business days for funds deposited into an automated teller machine (ATM) not owned by the bank

Circumstances will vary, but a check that is subject to an exception hold would generally be available no later than the seventh business day after deposit. If the bank wants to delay availability beyond that date, Regulation CC requires the bank to be able to establish that the additional time is reasonable.

Refer to 12 CFR 229 "Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks (Regulation CC)."

Last Reviewed: April 2021