How can my account be overdrawn when I just made a deposit?

Banks generally post deposits before withdrawals. However, there are no laws requiring banks to do this. In addition, banks may establish a cut-off time for deposits made at a branch or through an ATM. Deposits made after that time may be treated as having been made on the following business day. You should also keep in mind that banks do not have to make funds available for withdrawal as soon as they are deposited.

For example, a deposit made after the Friday afternoon cut-off time would be treated as if it were made on the following business day, Monday. So any items with next-day availability would then be available the next business day (Tuesday).

Last Reviewed: April 2021