Certified Checks Aren't Good Enough Anymore

[Abraham]

I closed out my bank/checking account yesterday. In doing so, I requested a Certified Check for the balance in my account. Suffice it to say - multiple thousands.

I brought the Certified Check to my credit union for deposit in my checking account - whereupon they advised me they'd have to call to verify the check.

I stated, I thought a CC was the gold standard?

I was informed: No longer. Too much fraud.

It took twenty minutes for them to verify that my CC was good - all while I patiently waited. (what good's acting upset going to do?)

I was also informed the day before a man came into their business with the same story as mine and when they made the verification call, his old bank wouldn't verify.

I told them to tell me no more of this story. Such tales of frustration only exert anxiety...

Ever happened to you?

P.S. I guess a wire transfer between institutions is now the way to go...Certified Check, ppffftttt.

[Ericstac]

I had a rather large certified check held by my bank for 24 hrs.

[Jumping Frog]

P.S. I guess a wire transfer between institutions is now the way to go...Certified Check, ppffftttt.

Wire transfers are expensive. I can ACH in and out of my accounts across banks for free.

[nightmare]

At least they were willing to call and verify instead of telling you to wait days for the funds.

[C-dub]

When I sold my motorcycle the dealer cut me a check. I took it to that bank to cash it and they wanted ID, no problem, and a thumb print. I didn't understand the thumb print part and don't remember their excuse, but ended up going along with them because they weren't going to give me my money otherwise.

[n5wd]

When I sold my motorcycle the dealer cut me a check. I took it to that bank to cash it and they wanted ID, no problem, and a thumb print. I didn't understand the thumb print part and don't remember their excuse, but ended up going along with them because they weren't going to give me my money otherwise.

The thumb print, along with the photos they took of you and your ID would be used as evidence if the the check turned out to be bad, for whatever reason (stolen /forged /changed, etc.).