A return item chargeback is when Bank of America reverses a check deposit because the check itself failed to clear

When you deposit a check at Bank of America, the bank doesn't when ready own that money. They hold it while the check travels through the banking system to the account it was drawn from. If that account doesn't have enough funds, if the account is closed, or if the check is fraudulent or altered, the originating bank will reject it. Bank of America then removes the funds from your account and charges you a fee—that reversal is the return item chargeback.

This is different from a dispute you file yourself. You're not claiming the check was unauthorized. The check straightforward failed at the source. The originating bank decided not to honor it, and Bank of America is passing that decision back to you.

The timing matters. Bank of America may credit the deposit to your account when ready, but they don't finalize it for several business days. If the check bounces during that window, you'll see the reversal appear as a debit, often labeled "Return Item" or "Returned Check," along with a fee that typically ranges from $12 to $35 depending on your account type.

Key Takeaways

  • A return item chargeback happens when the bank that issued the check refuses to pay it, and Bank of America removes the funds from your account.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for this reversal, usually $12 to $35, which appears as a separate debit on your statement.
  • The check may have bounced because of insufficient funds, a closed account, a forged signature, or an altered amount.
  • You have the right to ask Bank of America why the check was returned, and you can contact the person or business who gave you the check to resolve it.

Why Bank of America returned the check

The originating bank—the one that issued the check—sends back a reason code when they reject it. Common codes include "NSF" (non-sufficient funds), "Account Closed," "Signature Missing," or "Altered." Bank of America receives this code but doesn't always display it clearly on your statement or app. You have to ask for it.

Call Bank of America's customer service or visit a branch with your statement showing the returned check. Ask them to provide the return reason code and, if possible, a copy of the check image. The reason code tells you what went wrong and what you need to do next. If it says NSF, the account straightforward didn't have the money. If it says "Altered," someone may have changed the amount or payee name on the check.

Fraud is less common but possible. If the check was forged entirely—meaning the signature or account number was fabricated—the originating bank will reject it as fraudulent. In that case, you're the victim, not the person who wrote the check.

What happens to the money in your account

When the check bounces, Bank of America removes the deposit amount from your account. If you've already spent that money or written checks against it, your account may go negative. You'll then owe Bank of America the overdraft amount plus the return item fee.

This can trigger a chain reaction. If your account goes negative and you have other transactions pending, those may be declined or charged overdraft fees as well. Check your account balance when ready after you see the return item posted. If you're now overdrawn, contact Bank of America to discuss your options—some accounts have overdraft protection that can cover the shortfall, or the bank may waive the fee if this is your first return item.

The money doesn't stay in limbo. It's gone from your account as soon as the return posts. You don't get a second chance to claim it unless you recover it from the person who gave you the bad check.

How to recover money from the person who gave you the check

Once you know why the check bounced, contact the person or business who gave it to you. If it was NSF, they may have straightforward made a mistake and can issue a new check or pay you another way. If it was a closed account, ask them for a current account number. If it was altered or forged, you may be dealing with fraud, and you should report it to local police and to the originating bank.

Keep records of every communication. Save emails, text messages, or notes about phone calls. If the person refuses to make it right, you have a few options: you can file a small claims lawsuit if the amount is within your state's limit (usually $5,000 to $25,000), you can report them to your state's attorney general, or you can report a forged check to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if it involved fraud.

For a legitimate mistake—someone's account was closed or they miscalculated their balance—most people will issue a replacement check or pay you by another method once you contact them. Be direct: "Your check bounced. Here's the return reason. How do you want to fix this?"

The fee Bank of America charged you

Bank of America charges a return item fee when they process the reversal. This fee is separate from any overdraft fees you may owe if your account went negative. The return item fee itself is typically $12 to $35, depending on whether you have a premium account (which may have lower fees or fee waivers) or a basic checking account.

You can ask Bank of America to waive this fee, especially if it's your first return item or if you have a long history with the bank. Call customer service or visit a branch and explain the situation. Some banks will reverse one fee per year as a courtesy. There's no may provide, but it's worth asking.

If you're charged multiple return item fees in a short period, it may signal that you're receiving checks from unreliable sources or that someone is committing fraud against you. Either way, it's worth investigating the pattern.

The difference between a return item and a chargeback you file

A return item chargeback is automatic—the originating bank initiates it, and Bank of America processes it without you filing a dispute. A chargeback you file yourself is different. You initiate it when you believe a charge on your debit card or credit card was unauthorized or fraudulent. You contact Bank of America and claim the transaction was not yours.

With a check return, you're not claiming the transaction was unauthorized. You're accepting that the check was real but failed to clear. The originating bank made the decision to reject it, not you. Your role is to recover the money from the person who gave you the check and to pay Bank of America's fee.

If you received a check and later discovered it was forged—meaning the signature or account number was fabricated—that's a different situation. You would report it to Bank of America as fraud, and they would investigate. But the initial return item is not a fraud claim; it's a processing failure.

How to avoid return items in the future

The safest approach is to verify checks before you rely on them. If someone gives you a large check, ask them to confirm the account is active and has sufficient funds. For business checks, you can call the business's main number (not the number on the check) and ask if the account is valid. For personal checks, you can ask the person directly.

If you're receiving checks regularly from the same source and they keep bouncing, stop accepting checks from them. Ask for payment by bank transfer, credit card, or cash instead. If it's a business, report them to your state's attorney general or the Better Business Bureau.

For your own protection, don't spend money from a check deposit until it has fully cleared—usually 3 to 5 business days for checks from other Bank of America accounts, and up to 10 business days for checks from other banks. Bank of America may credit the deposit when ready, but that's not the same as the check clearing. If you spend the money before it clears and the check bounces, you're responsible for the overdraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bank of America reverse a return item if I dispute it?

No. A return item is initiated by the originating bank, not Bank of America. Bank of America is straightforward following the originating bank's decision. If you believe the return reason was wrong, you would contact the originating bank directly, not Bank of America. Bank of America can tell you the reason code, but they cannot override the originating bank's decision.

Will a return item show up on my credit report?

A return item itself does not appear on your credit report. However, if the return item causes your account to go negative and you don't pay the overdraft, Bank of America may report it to ChexSystems (a banking history report) or send it to collections. That would affect your ability to open accounts at other banks.

What if the check amount was altered?

If someone changed the amount on the check after it was issued, the originating bank will reject it as altered. Contact the person who gave you the check and ask them to issue a new one with the correct amount. If you believe the alteration was done without their knowledge, report it to the originating bank and to local police.

How long does it take for a check to be returned?

Most checks are returned within 2 to 5 business days, though it can take longer depending on the originating bank's processing speed. Bank of America may credit the deposit to your account when ready, but the return can post days later. Don't assume a check has cleared just because it shows in your account.

Can I get the return item fee back?

You can ask Bank of America to waive the fee, and they may do so if it's your first return item or if you have a good account history. There's no may provide, but it's worth calling customer service or visiting a branch to request a waiver. Some account types include return item fee waivers as a benefit.