What is not sufficient funds?

Not sufficient funds (NSF) is a condition where a bank does not honor a check, because the checking account on which it was drawn does not contain sufficient funds. The term can also be applied to a situation where an individual attempts to make a purchase with a debit card, and there are not sufficient funds in the underlying bank account to pay for the transaction.

For example, Mr. Jones write a check to Mr. Smith for $500, which Mr. Smith deposits. Upon presentation of the check, Mr. Jones' bank refuses to honor it on the grounds that there are only $300 in his checking account. This is a not sufficient funds check.

Similarly, if Mr. Jones were to attempt to instead pay with a debit card and there are insufficient funds in his checking account, the transaction would be refused on the grounds that there are not sufficient funds.

The recipient of a check that is classified as NSF may be charged a processing fee by the bank at which it deposited the check. The entity that issues an NSF check is always charged a significant fee by the bank where its checking account is located. Alternatively, if a bank has an overdraft agreement with someone who writes a check that would normally be considered a not sufficient funds check, the bank can instead elect to honor the check and then charge the individual an overdraft fee.

To avoid a not sufficient funds condition, consider maintaining a higher balance in the checking account, reconciling the checking account very frequently, using a credit card instead of checks, or implementing an overdraft agreement with the bank.

A not sufficient funds check is a reconciling item on a bank reconciliation, since if you deposit a check, you assume that it has cleared the bank, whereas a not sufficient funds check has not cleared the bank, thereby reducing your on-hand cash balance.

From the perspective of a collections person, a check that is rejected due to not sufficient funds is a clear indication that the person or business issuing the check has little cash on hand, and so is at risk of default. This typically results in a rapid reduction in credit standing.

As an additional note, if there is some cash in the underlying bank account, but not enough to pay for the presented check, the bank does not place a hold on the remaining cash - it is still available for other uses.

Similar Terms

Not sufficient funds is also known as NSF, NSF check, insufficient funds, returned check, or bounced check.

Related Topics

Bank reconcilation procedure
What is a bank statement?
What is a deposit in transit?
What is a voided check?
What is an unpresented check?