Funds availability.

In plain English

Funds availability describes when money you deposit can actually be spent or withdrawn. A federal rule called Regulation CC sets the baseline: for most deposits the funds must be made available by the next business day, though the bank may hold part of larger or riskier deposits longer. Cash and direct deposits usually clear fastest, while large checks, new accounts, and checks the bank has reason to doubt can be held longer within the limits the rule allows. Your bank is required to give you its funds-availability policy, and it must tell you if it places a hold on a specific deposit.

01Why it matters

If you assume a deposited check is spendable the instant it shows in your balance, you can overdraw and trigger fees, because the money may be on hold even though the deposit appears to have posted.

02The math, step by step

You deposit a $1,500 check on Monday. The first portion is typically available by the next business day, but the bank may hold the rest for a few more business days because of the amount or because the account is new. The exact timing follows your bank's disclosed policy within the Regulation CC limits, so check that disclosure rather than assuming the full amount is ready.

03What this is NOT

04Receipts

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