Bounced check?

Ok, I have a question - I hope this doesn't happen but I want to be prepared. I ran into money problems- lots of them - but luckily, I seem to be getting better. I have paid my late rent, got caught up on my car payment, etc. However, I sent one bill out too soon.. as in it might bounce. I live in NJ and bank with Commerce, if this helps. I am trying everything I can to get money in there but am scared I'm going to be too late (as in I won't have money until i get paid in two weeks!) What would happen? I actually never wrote a bad check before.. I have several outstanding checks out and if they all go through together, at least one will bounce.. What is going to happen? I had bank problems with payday loans before and ended up owing a bank $300 but I paid them off and that worked out ok. `But i was never in a position like this before.
Ugh! I feel so stupid - it seems like whenever I get a little ahead, i have to go three steps back

First off don't worry---I have been in this same situation before and yes, its a pain, but its not the end of the world.

First----depending on your bank, they might pay all of your outstanding checks/debits and just overdraw your account and charge a fee for whatever checks/debits caused the overdraft. So your account would have a negative balance until you deposited more money.

Second---if the bank does not pay the check/debit that there wouldn't be enough money for, they will charge you a returned check charge and send it back to the company that deposited it. That company will either re-deposit it in a few days or not re-deposit it and contact you. That company may also charge you a fee as well for a returned item.

If the check/debit is returned you will no doubt know about it before the other company does. You can call them and explain the situation and ask them their policy about returned items, tell them when you can make it good with them and then keep your word.

Where you can get into big trouble is if you do not pay items that are returned.

Don't feel stupid, just work on not doing it again. Good luck!

Could you possibly call the company that you sent the check to to see if they can hold it? I know maybe stupid idea but might be worth a shot...it could save you from a bounced check charge and having them charge you on top of that.

I don't think thats a stupid idea at all. What could it hurt? I am a firm believer in at least asking---you never know.

it might be a good diea to call up the bank and ask them to pay these checks and let them know what is going on. Tell them you are trying to prevent these checks from being returned and that you will cover the NSF fees.

If you do call the bank, be sure to tell them that the mistake was inadvertent, and you only realized you had done it AFTER you had already mailed out all of the checks.

yes definitely---

who do you file a complaint with regarding a bank. i would like to file a class action lawsuit with regards the number of times a check can be redeposited i was told twice but one co. redeposited 3 times the banks love that because they are ripping of the consumer every time for 35.00 i think the govt needs to step in . what do you think?

Kitty.... some banks will allow a check to be re-deposited as many times as the check holder wants. Generally most companies will not keep trying because the check is also coming back as bad to their bank as well and that can look bad for them. Perhaps they are going directly to the bank itself and attempting to cash it.

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com...t-against.html

thanks for the help! I did end up getting enough money to cover the checks.. my bank has same day deposits up until 6 pm - I got there around 5:30, and deposited it and felt good. This morning, I went to online banking and what do you know? One of the checks tried to go through and put my account in the negative. It turns out the teller had the computer set to the next day already (even though she said she didn't..) Now I'm worried that the check will be returned and that the NSF fee will bounce the other check. I techincally have the money in there though. I am wondering if the bank would waive the NSF fee this one time? I never bounced a check before (i've been with them for awhile and heard they do a one-time waive). This way nothing will be returned.
Thanks as always for the advice though. I'm so sick of getting into these crazy money messes!

Good news on getting the funds there, bad news about the teller!

Have you talked to the bank yet?

Better yet, go in and wait in line to speak to the teller who assisted you, and when you step up to her window, tell her that you need to speak to both her AND her manager. That should get things moving.

I have had the same thing happen. You just talk to the bank and explain the situation and everything should be taken care of. Since this is actually their fault I can't see why they wouldn't take care of the fees, etc. Stand your ground!

i talked to the bank and it's no problem - thanks so much for your help!

awesome, so it's good news all around!

See what happens when you ask an "overdrawn bank account expert" like me? (j/k of course).

well, i fixed those but still ended up bouncing two in the end. i am always so, so, so good with my records - i feel like such a loser! My account is negative $70 (I had two returned checks to the grocery store and the bank returned them and charged me $35). I have to call my bank as soon as i get a chance and probably go out there. What should i do? I don't know if the store will try to redebit them (that would be another $70). Should I call the store also? This is such a nightmare..