Bad Check

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Bad Check'

A check drawn on a nonexistent account or on an account with insufficient funds to honor the check when presented. 

"Passing" bad checks is illegal, and the crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the amounts involved and whether the activity involved crossing state lines.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Bad Check'

Many times, bad checks are written inadvertently by people who simply were unaware that their bank balances were too low.  It is always a good idea to have a small overdraft line of credit to cover such situations, or keep a close eye on your balance near bill-paying time. 

When there are insufficient funds in an account, the bank will "bounce the check" (refuse to honor it). Banks and vendors frequently charge fees for bounced checks, sometimes exceeding the amount for which the check was written. Online banking can help to avoid writing bad checks by allowing you to view your balance more frequently. Consumers can also create a backstop account that is automatically debited if the primary checking account is too low to pay a specific check.

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'Bad Check'

  • Banking: Managing Your Checking Account | Investopedia

    http://www.investopedia.com/university/banking/banking6.asp
    ... If you write a check for a higher amount than what you have in your checking account,
    it's considered a bad check and it will "bounce", meaning that the person ...

  • When Good People Write Bad Checks

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/overdraft-protection.asp
    ... The bad side to ad-hoc is that the fees can sometimes be a lot compared to the amount
    by which you overdraw. (Check out our article The Ins And Outs Of Bank ...

  • How To Break Bad Trading Habits

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/trading/09/break-bad-trading-habits.asp
    ... Every trader can change, but the best time to start changing your bad habits right
    now. (Check out Random Reinforcement: Why Most Traders Fail, for more ...

  • Is it important to check the professional history of my investment ...

    http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/03/060403.asp
    ... Is it important to check the professional history of my investment advisor? ... On the
    flip side, just as a bad mechanic can wreck your car, a bad brokerage firm ...

  • Obtaining Credit In A Bad Economy Slideshow | Investopedia

    http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/credit-in-a-recession
    ... how to get yourself out of financial trouble, see When Good People Write Bad Checks ...
    and outs of the loan process can be essential to getting that check from the ...

  • Does Bad PR Make For A Good Investing Opportunity?

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/10/bad-pr-make-investing-opportunity.asp
    ... The challenge for investors, then, is to separate the cases where bad news has ... sheets,
    but they're crucial to judging a company's value, check out Intangible ...

  • Why Bad Bonds Get Good Ratings

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/bonds/09/bonds-credit-ratings.asp
    Why Bad Bonds Get Good Ratings. ... (For further reading on corporate ratings, check
    out the article What Is A Corporate Credit Rating?) TUTORIAL: Bond Basics ...

  • Unpredictable Event Or Bad Investment?

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/08/hindsight-decision-investing.asp
    ... seeking bad advice or negligence. Before you go blaming your advisor for
    all your bad investments, check out Don't Blame Your Broker. ...

  • Obtaining Credit In A Bad Economy Slideshow | Investopedia

    http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/credit-in-a-recession/loan-process-collateral.aspx
    ... how to get yourself out of financial trouble, see When Good People Write Bad Checks ...
    and outs of the loan process can be essential to getting that check from the ...

  • Obtaining Credit In A Bad Economy Slideshow | Investopedia

    http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/credit-in-a-recession/become-attractive-borrower.aspx
    ... how to get yourself out of financial trouble, see When Good People Write Bad Checks ...
    and outs of the loan process can be essential to getting that check from the ...

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