Cheque held too long by a bank: verify and dispute the hold
Identify the cheque and deposit type, check exceptions and escalate a hold that may exceed the rules.
Do not spend funds merely because a balance displays them. A bank can return a fraudulent cheque after deposit; contact the issuer through an independent channel.
Record the deposit
Keep a cheque copy, amount, currency, date, deposit method, receipt and hold notice. Ask for the exact availability date.
Check the rules
The FCAC publishes usual maximum periods for eligible cheques and exceptions, including account age and cheque characteristics.
Request the written reason
Ask which exception the bank applies and when the hold ends. Distinguish the initial hold from an account freeze or fraud investigation.
Escalate the complaint
Follow the institution’s internal process and keep each file number. If a federal rule appears breached, contact the FCAC; an individual financial dispute may later belong with the ombudsman.
Cashing a cheque and hold periods — FCAC