Quote Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary

Banks have the right to hold a check you deposit for a certain period of time
to ensure it is valid ... before letting you have the funds.
It is longer for out-of-state checks.
Typical "holding periods" are 3 BUSINESS days for "local" checks;
and 10 BUSINESS days (2 WEEKS) for "out of town" checks.

BUT - there's also usually a bit of somewhere in the "agreement"
you signed to open your account that reads something like:
"... all deposits are subject to successful collection ..."

I found that nuggett one day when the Bank sent a new, "revised & updated"
agreement for my amusement and education.
I stopped in and asked what the double-talk meant ...

"Oh, that just means if a check is later refused by the issuing bank (i.e. they won't PAY it),
MY Bank reserves their right to back whatever amount they posted to MY account -
NO TIME Limit!"

The Lord givith, and the Lord taketh away ...
but He sure ain't gonna taketh away from da BANK!