Why is my check posted but not available?

Asked by: Julianne Langosh  |  Last update: February 26, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (44 votes)

Your bank may hold the funds according to its funds availability policy. Or it may have placed an exception hold on the deposit. If the bank has placed a hold on the deposit, the bank generally should provide you with written notice of the hold.

What does it mean when a check is posted but not available?

Another reason your check or cash deposit may not be showing up as planned is that the bank put an exception hold on the funds, which allows it to hold the deposit for a period that is longer than the standard hold periods established under the law.

How long does it take a posted check to be available?

All other types of checks generally must be available by the second business day after the check is deposited. However, each of these checks could be held for a variety of reasons, such as: The check was not deposited at a bank's brick-and-mortar location. The check was deposited after business hours.

Why is my money in my account but not available?

Negative Balance: If your account has a negative balance due to overdrafts or fees, the bank may restrict access to your funds until the negative balance is resolved. Legal Issues: If there are legal actions against your account, such as liens or garnishments, the bank may be required to restrict access to your funds.

Why does my check say posted but not available in PNC?

Please note that Funds you deposit by check may be available after the Standard Funds Availability date in certain circumstances. For example, availability may be delayed if PNC has reason to believe a check you have deposited will not be paid or if your checks deposited on any one business day total $50,000 or more.

How long will my check deposit be on hold?

15 related questions found

Does a posted check mean it cleared?

A posted transaction is a completed transaction that has been fully processed. Once those transactions post, they'll no longer impact your available balance since they'll be reflected in your current balance (the total amount of money you have in your account).

What does posted mean on a check?

A posted transaction is a transaction that has been fully processed and completed. Typically financial institutions will “post" all transactions that have been presented to your account at the end of the day. It's important to know how your bank prioritizes items to be debited from your account.

Why is my deposit pending but not available?

Pending transactions haven't been fully processed by your bank or credit card company, while posted transactions have. Whether money is withdrawn from or deposited into your account, both types of transactions will start as pending until they are fully processed and posted.

Can I sue if my bank won't release my money?

Failure to Release Funds

If the bank will not release funds that are legally yours, you might have a valid legal claim.

Does PNC put a hold on checks?

Funds from checks will be available on the second business day after the business day of your deposit for all purposes.

What time of day do checks clear?

Mobile Check Deposit

Funds deposited before 9:00 p.m. ET on a business day will generally be available the next business day. Funds deposited before 8:00 p.m. PT on a business day will generally be available the next business day.

Can someone cancel a check after you deposit it?

Once you've decided to cancel a check, it's important to act fast, as you will not be able to stop payment on a check after it has been deposited or cashed.

Why hasn't my paycheck been deposited?

If you have a late direct deposit, there are several possible explanations, such as bank holidays, processing errors, incorrect bank account information, payroll processing timelines, and other delays.

Can I ask my bank to release funds early?

Some banks or credit unions may make funds available more quickly than the law requires, and some may expedite funds availability for a fee. If you need the money from a particular check, you can ask the teller when the funds will become available.

What does it mean if online check in is not available?

Reasons might include: if you have more than one passport, if you're a certain nationality, if your flight was booked at the very last minute, if your flight was booked by someone else, or if you have the same name as a person of interest.

How long does a check take to clear post office?

Paying in cheques at a Post Office.

That means if you pay a cheque into your account at a Post Office on a Monday (day zero), it should show on your account on the Wednesday (day 2 / second working day).

Can a bank refuse to release your money?

Yes. Your bank may hold the funds according to its funds availability policy. Or it may have placed an exception hold on the deposit. If the bank has placed a hold on the deposit, the bank generally should provide you with written notice of the hold.

Can I sue my bank for emotional distress?

Damages. Finally, individuals must show that they have suffered actual damages as a result of the bank's negligence or breach of duty. This could include financial losses, emotional distress, or other harm.

How long does it take to get your money back if a bank fails?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act states that if a bank closes, insured deposits need to be available "as soon as possible." Generally, you can expect to have your money available within two business days of the bank shutting down.

What is the difference between posted and pending transactions?

Pending transactions are short-lived and frequently altered or removed by the institution before finally settling as a posted transaction. Note that while transactions will rarely change once they have posted, a posted transaction cannot necessarily be considered immutable.

Why is my direct deposit posted but not available?

A financial institution may put a hold on a direct deposited check in some situations, such as if the check is for a large amount, the account is new, the account has been overdrawn, or the bank has a concern about the ability to collect the funds from the payer.

How soon can a bank release a pending deposit?

Funds from direct deposits, cash deposits or wire transfers are generally available the same day they are deposited to your account. In most cases, funds from checks you deposit on a business day (business days exclude Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays) are available to you by the next business day.

How long does it take a posted check to clear?

Generally, it takes two to five business days to get all the funds from a check into your account. However, some factors might hold up the check-clearing process, like the status of your account or the place where you deposited the check.

What is the difference between posted and available?

The amount of money in your checking account — the money available at the start of the business day, which does not include any pending withdrawals or deposits — is typically called a current posted balance. The cash available for immediate withdrawal from your checking account is typically called an available balance.

How long does a posted payment take?

Bank payment processing times in the US depend on the payment method. Card transactions usually process instantly but may take 1-3 business days for funds to clear. ACH or Direct Debit payments typically process within 1-3 business days. Wire transfers are often processed on the same day.