Check 21 Law - How Fast Checks Can Clear

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, commonly called Check 21, allows for the immediate clearing of checks from your checking account.

To give folks an example, my bank is offering billpay that allows for 24 hour turnaround time. For example, if I have a bill due Jan 2nd I can pay it as late as Jan 1st.

Another example: I frequent a store that takes my check, runs it through a merchant services machine and the total is immediately debited from my checking account.

I like the immediacy of scheduling a bill pay. I don't like knowing my check is now just like cash at certain stores.

I know how many of our "family" here is struggling and may not realize that the days of postdating a check are gone. You can't write it with the hopes it won't clear for a few days.