October 21, 2009
Can a merchant charge a returned check fee for a check that cleared the second time it was sent through?
Cool Mom asked:
I wrote a check for $23 dollars that bounced the first time but cleared the second time it went through. MY bank charged me for the first time it bounced. I just checked my account and although that check cleared last month the merchant I wrote it to just charged me $20 for the check, which I didn't have the funds to cover, so my bank charged me ANOTHER fee. Now this $23 check has cost me an EXTRA $70 dollars even though it has already gone through.
I wrote a check for $23 dollars that bounced the first time but cleared the second time it went through. MY bank charged me for the first time it bounced. I just checked my account and although that check cleared last month the merchant I wrote it to just charged me $20 for the check, which I didn't have the funds to cover, so my bank charged me ANOTHER fee. Now this $23 check has cost me an EXTRA $70 dollars even though it has already gone through.
Comments on Can a merchant charge a returned check fee for a check that cleared the second time it was sent through? »
They sure can - if it bounces the first time, they can issue you a charge, they can also issue a charge if it bounces a 2nd time.
If someone writes you a check and it bounces, your bank would charge you! You re-deposit it, and if it doesn't go through again, guess what - another charge.
Not all companies charge it, but it is their right to do so.
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