Updated
April 9, 2024
Consumers in California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois charged a fee after depositing a check that bounced may be able to join an investigation seeking reimbursement.
How Do I Get Reimbursed for a Bounced Check Fee?
Did your bank charge you a fee for a bounced check? You may be owed compensation. Bounced check fees, also known as Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees or returned item fees, are charges levied by banks if you attempt to make a payment or withdrawal, but your account lacks the necessary funds to cover the transaction. These fees typically range from $25 to $50 per bounced check, and these bounced check fees can very quickly add up, causing financial strain for those who are already trying hard to reasonably make ends meet.
Status
Active Investigation
attorneys are investigating potential claims over bounced-check fees
Claim Deadline
Ongoing
no claim form yet; a payout would depend on court approval
Estimated Payout
$2,000 – $5,000
estimated per qualified claim if approved by the court
Proof Required
Yes
statements or documents showing the bounced-check fee you were charged
Returned Check and Bounced Check Fees
There are several issues with bounced check fees. Many consumers are unaware of the specific circumstances that trigger bounced check fees or the exact amount they will be charged. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for individuals to make informed financial decisions and budget effectively. The fees can also build up and add up, even when no action is taken by a consumer. The fees vary widely, and the information below may have been updated since this article was published as of July 2026:| Bank | Bounced Check Fee |
|---|---|
| Chase Bank | $12 |
| USAA | $29 |
| Wells Fargo | $35 |
| Bank of America | $10 - $35 |
| Citibank | $38 |
| U.S. Bank | $35 |
| TD Bank | $35 |
| Capital One | $35 |
| Truist Bank | $36 |
It's not only paper checks that can cause bounced check fees. Electronic payments can also be subject to these fees if there are insufficient funds in the linked account. This can catch consumers off guard and result in unexpected charges.
Bounced check fees have long been defended by banks as a necessary measure to deter irresponsible financial behavior and cover administrative costs. However, the impact of these fees on consumers, particularly low-income individuals, raises serious concerns about their fairness.
How Do I Qualify? How Much Can I Get?
Did you deposit a check at your bank (that someone else gave you) in the past 3 years only to find that it bounced, and you were charged a fee? If yes, you may be owed compensation. If the Court and judge approves, the payout is estimated to be from $2,000 to $5,000 per qualified claim. The following States and banks qualify for a payout:| State |
|---|
| CALIFORNIA |
| NEW YORK |
| NEW JERSEY |
| ILLINOIS |
| Bank |
|---|
| Bank of America (BofA) |
| Wells Fargo |
| HSBC |
| Citibank (Citigroup) |
| US Bank |
| PNC |
| TD Bank |
| Truist |
| Capital One |
| Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) |
| Citizens Financial |
| First Citizens |
| BMO |
| Fifth Third |
| M&T |
| USAA |
| UBS |
| Deutsche Bank |
| Huntington |
| Santander |
| Regions |
| State Street Bank and Trust |
| Discover Bank |
| Ally Bank |
| KeyBank |
| American Express |
| Navy Federal |
| Alliant Credit Union |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union |
Do I Need Proof to Get Paid?
If you deposited a check in the past 3 years that resulted in bounced or returned check fees, you may be qualified for up to $5000 in compensation. The only proof that is required is the bounced check fee from statements or documents showing you were charged. If this is approved by the Court, you may end up getting paid between $2,000 and $5,000 in compensation. To file a claim follow the link below:Free settlement alerts
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