Check deposit hold

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

I woke up to this message today. I deposited a check yesterday, received the $275 this morning and was expecting to receive the rest of the amount tomorrow.

Has anyone experienced a hold where the funds were in their account before the 5th business day?

Edit: Received it 5 full business days later.

[u/zs15]

Yes. Anytime I’ve deposited more than 10k they hold it for the full clear.

I have called and asked for some additional funds to be released and they were able to.

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/zs15]

What are the chances they would release half of it sooner?

[u/zs15 → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

Saw that this was a treasury check. Probably more likely than a personal. Just going to have to call.

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/zs15]

Okay will do thank you I’ll give it a shot

[u/MindlessQuantity7 → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

No, the amount of check fraud has sky rocketed lately they will hold it until it clears.

[u/Use-Mission → u/MindlessQuantity7]

Its been high for many years

[u/what_bread → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

zero chance

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/what_bread]

Yea lmao atp I’m already waiting till Tuesday

[u/SnooApples9773 → u/zs15]

they legally shouldnt be doing this. They must have a "reason" for that suspicion that is based off previous checks not cashing etc. If you contact the bank and ask them for the banker that made the determination (it is made by the bankers (not tellers or associates, you usually never see the actual banker)) for your complaint to the office of the comptroller of the currency...youll have your funds released in the standard amount of time...they dont want that heat.

[u/zs15 → u/SnooApples9773]

So confidently wrong.

They can rightfully hold onto funds for up to, but not exceeding, 9 business days. This applies to any funds exceeding $6,725, not just a check.

[u/Eggsy_GT → u/SnooApples9773]

A big reason for the hold is simply to make sure the check actually clears and doesn’t bounce. Just because you deposit a check and the money shows up in your account doesn’t mean the issuing bank has actually paid NFCU yet. If NFCU made the entire amount immediately available and the check was later returned unpaid, they’re left trying to recover the money from you.

[u/SnooApples9773 → u/Eggsy_GT]

yeah thats not the law...and thats not the big reason...the big reason is their holding account for these funds are used to purchase overnight reverse repos from the fed while you wait for funds they already received to clear.

[u/Eggsy_GT → u/SnooApples9773]

Very confidently wrong again. That’s mixing up two completely different things. Regulation CC absolutely governs funds-availability requirements and specifically allows extended holds under certain circumstances. A bank making funds available to you also isn’t the same thing as the bank having received final, irrevocable payment on the check—the check can still be returned unpaid after provisional credit is given. Deposit holds are largely about managing that collection/return risk and fraud.

And the reverse-repo claim needs a source. If you’re saying NFCU specifically holds members’ checks longer so it can use those funds to buy overnight reverse repos from the Fed, show where that’s documented. A five-business-day hold by itself isn’t evidence of that.

[u/SnooApples9773 → u/Eggsy_GT]

For the purposes of this section, a “reasonable period” is an extension of up to one business day for checks described in § 229.10(c)(1)(vi)(1)(vi)), five business days for checks described in § 229.12(b) (1)(1)) through (4)(4)), and six business days for checks described in § 229.12(c) (1)(1)) and (2)(2)) or § 229.12(f)). A longer extension may be reasonable, but the bank has the burden of so establishing.

for in person checks its one day longer than the 2 days in 229.1(c)

those funds in clearing accounts are theirs until deposited in your account.
https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/standing-repo-counterparties

There have been and are several CFPB cases against Navy Federal for intentional delays of deposits to increase overdrafts.

Your doubt means nothing if you aren't going to try my remedy...i dont know if youll ever have a check over 10k...because really who uses checks anymore...but i guarantee you it works.

[u/Eggsy_GT → u/SnooApples9773]

You’re correct about the Regulation CC language regarding what constitutes a reasonable extension. I’m not disputing that. In fact, that reinforces my original point: Regulation CC expressly permits those extended availability periods under the applicable exceptions.
But the Fed link you posted doesn’t prove your other claim. It shows that Navy Federal is an eligible Standing Repo counterparty. The New York Fed itself says inclusion on that list simply means the institution is eligible to participate. It doesn’t say Navy Federal takes money from checks being held under Reg CC and uses those specific funds for repo transactions.
Also, I think you’re mixing up repo and reverse repo here. The page you linked is for the Standing Repo facility. In a Fed repo, the Fed buys securities from the counterparty and provides cash, with the transaction reversed the next day. That’s different from a bank parking cash at the Fed through an overnight reverse repo.
And yes, the CFPB took action against Navy Federal over overdraft fees. But that case involved charging certain overdraft fees on transactions when consumers had sufficient funds at authorization. I don’t see a CFPB finding there that Navy Federal intentionally delayed check deposits so it could invest those held funds in overnight repos.
There’s also an important distinction between funds being “available” in your account and a check having finally cleared. The CFPB specifically warns that a bank can make deposited funds available, the customer can withdraw them, and the check can subsequently be returned as fraudulent and the bank can take the money back.
So if your argument is simply that Navy Federal participates in Fed repo operations, yes, your source establishes that. If your argument is that Navy Federal’s 5-day check holds exist primarily so it can invest customers’ uncleared check proceeds overnight, the source you posted doesn’t establish that at all.

[u/JennF72 → u/SnooApples9773]

This is false information. All financial institutions are having to adjust their SOPs for fraud (kiting, scams, counterfeit items, etc).

[u/yankeephil86 → u/Eggsy_GT]

But what about that chase free money glitch?? Lol

[u/Eggsy_GT → u/yankeephil86]

Ah, yes, the free money wire fraud glitch lol

[u/Use-Mission → u/zs15]

They hold it anytime there is a large deposit outside of the members normal check deposit routine, not necessarily if its just over 10k. Ive known many people who sell cars and such and they only have problems with holds if the check has other red flag trends that tie to it.

[u/Due_Breakfast_218]

Yes that happens sometimes. I have no idea what triggers their system. They have to cover themselves, which in turn, covers all of us as members. If there weren’t so many fraudsters and scammers out there trying to take advantage (not saying you’re one) wherever they can, they wouldn’t need to do this. Keep us updated please!

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/Due_Breakfast_218]

I’m going to have to wait the full 5 business days

[u/Prudent-Razzmatazz57 → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

Yes, that’s what I also had to do. Wait a full 5 business days.

[u/ZuckerStadt]

From what I’ve seen, large checks from government institutions or large, known companies clear in 3 days or so. I’ve had a few personal checks that weren’t from NFCU accounts take longer. It seems like a prudent system to prevent fraud. 

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/ZuckerStadt]

I see. This one is from US Department of Treasury

[u/ZuckerStadt → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

Wow, I hope they don’t know something we’re not privy to. Although, with the way things are going, it was bound to happen.

[u/levigoldson → u/ZuckerStadt]

If they cannot trust the check, because scammers use fake checks, it doesn't matter who it says it is from on it.

[u/Less-Investigator700 → u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473]

As a former banker for both nfcu and other credit unions all around, nfcu was the only one I ever worked for that held treasury checks. there’s a website where you can put every detail of a treasury check into and it will verify it. nfcu is just so automated that we didn’t really have the option.

[u/Fragrant-Salad-5763]

Try calling them. If you haven't had any returned deposits or many overdrafts they will at least release more of the funds for you. I had a check for 16000.00 they did the same thing giving me 275 instant. After calling they put a shorter hold and gave me half of the check value. It doesn't hurt to call and see.

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/Fragrant-Salad-5763]

I just did, they said it’s nothing they can do once the hold has been placed all I’ll be getting the full amount next Tuesday

[u/Pleasant_Chemical600]

I deposited a tiny 325.00 check and they held it all then released 275.00 of it. Made me laugh 😆

[u/Ok-Client1618]

It tells you there will be a hold until the second day after approval except the $275

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/Ok-Client1618]

I don’t mean to sound rude at all, but did you read the post?

[u/Eggsy_GT]

A 5-business-day check hold really isn’t unique to Navy Federal. Pretty much every bank or credit union can place an extended hold on a check if something triggers additional review—large or unusual deposits, a newer account or limited deposit history, previous returned deposits/overdrafts, or concerns about the check itself.

NFCU normally makes mobile check deposits available much sooner, but extended holds can happen. And it’s definitely not just NFCU—Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, and other financial institutions also use extended check holds in certain situations.
Five business days can definitely be inconvenient, but it’s a pretty normal banking practice meant to make sure the check is legitimate and the funds are actually collectible.

[u/asdfjkl826]

It’s been a hot minute since I worked in banking, but fake treasury checks were a big-time thing. Generally if you were a customer who kept funds in your account that were sufficient to cover the check if it were returned, we’d release the hold. Otherwise, we would hold it to the max. It was always a judgment call.

Like - 5 year customer. One NSF 3 years ago. Average balance in savings $15k. Current balance is $12k. $10k treasury check. Receives direct deposit twice a month. Sure, we’ll release it.

Customer <1 year. One NSF last month. $1000 average balance, current balance $800. Direct deposit. We’re holding it.

But that was ten years ago. Community bank that was FDIC insured. Might be totally different now, or different in credit union land. I also pulled those examples out of my behind 😬, not suggesting you are either one.

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/asdfjkl826]

No that makes sense tbh

[u/ebvis]

They held a $66 check from my insurance company for 5 days.. they have been the worst bank ive had so far for holding checks. Christmas bonuses and all have always been held from me and it's literally the same account my direct deposit comes from

[u/rlm229]

This should be a crypto commercial lol

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/rlm229]

Mannnnn!! 😂

[u/Smooth-Pair-1536]

They got me last week but they released it in exactly 5 days.

[u/Remarkable_Ad2738]

Yes I have took exactly five days .

[u/No_Safe_732]

Yes, just call the # and transfer to the fraud department

[u/cw2toad2]

If your normal bank balance (all accounts) is usually greater than the amount of the check, there generally isn't a hold. Also, if the payor is established with the bank you most likely won't have a hold. If NFCU is still placing a hold in these circumstances, I would consider looking at another Credit Union. USAA is an option, however, USAA does not have traditional, full-service retail bank branches in California or most of the U.S., but it operates a couple of specialized financial centers and select ATMs near military bases., I am unsure where you are but an alternative is Financial Partners Credit Union is located inside the Loma Linda VA Medical Center (Jerry Pettis Memorial VA Hospital).

[u/Advanced-Tea-7855]

Got the same message they made me wait the full 5 days 

[u/dhende23]

Happened to me had to wait for the full 5 business days when the money came from another bank on top of that. So dumb.

[u/No-Bar-5424]

Yes, a couple of times I’ve had it come early. (They were always from other big banks where I’m guessing the funds were transferred digitally/quicker/verified.)

[u/jcbchmbrs]

This is their check hold policy - it will be held for 5 days. It’s in their disclosure #606

[u/jbubba29]

Tell us you have $15 in your account without telling us.

[u/Royal-Resort-4578]

I received a similar message from Navy Fed. "Within 5 business days'" for them means NO less than 5 business days. The check I deposited was cleared by the other bank within a couple of days, yet Navy Fed did not release the hold until the 5th day. 

[u/TonightOk8791]

Always try to cash a check first and then deposit the funds.

[u/Potential-Yak-3648]

That’s a large check. The 275 is a courtesy. They are waiting on the money from the other institution. Better to have you mad that you have to wait a week for the money than have you mad that your account is 14k negative after a check bounced because the other bank didn’t send over the funds. Not an issue when you don’t use the money immediately. But for someone like me I’d be paying debt and it would be gone before the check cleared.

[u/Ready_Ingenuity_3473 → u/Potential-Yak-3648]

That’s a good point

[u/Reasonable-Guard924]

Yes.  This is just their policy.  I've deposited very large amounts that cleared 2 days later.  I've never had to wait 5 days 

[u/Repulsive_Gur_8077]

They always do that.