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Returned check for reason 113: What to do? See the possible causes!

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Igor

With over a decade of experience in SEO and digital marketing, Igor Bernardo specializes in organic traffic strategies that deliver real results—such as increased visibility, generated...

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25/09/2025

6 min de leitura

Having a check bounced can be stressful and disconcerting. If you've received a notification that your check bounced due to reason 113, you're probably wondering what that means and how you can resolve it.

In this article, we'll explain in detail what check bounce reason 113 is, why it happens, and what best practices to prevent it. We'll provide practical tips to ensure your signatures always comply with banking requirements, as well as guidance on what to do if your check bounces. By the end of this article, you'll be better prepared to handle this type of situation and avoid similar problems in the future.

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What is check return reason 113?

Check bounce reason 113 occurs when the signature on the check doesn't match the signature registered with the bank by the account holder. This prevents the check from clearing because the bank can't validate the authenticity of the signature.

Here's an example:

For example, if you write a check and your signature on the check differs from the one registered with the bank, perhaps due to haste or a change in signature style, the bank will return the check with reason 113. This measure is intended to protect against fraud and forged signatures, ensuring the security of transactions.

Therefore, keeping your signature consistent with the one on file with the bank is crucial to avoid checks being returned for this reason.

Check bounce reason 113: Possible causes:

There are several reasons why the signature on a check may not match the one on file with the bank. Here are some common causes:

  • Subscription Changes: Changes in signature style over time may result in discrepancies.
  • Hasty Signature: Signing quickly can cause significant variations in the signature.
  • Third Party Signature: If someone other than the checkholder tries to sign the check, even if authorized, the signature may not be recognized.
  • Inconsistent Signature: Lack of consistency when signing checks, especially if the checkholder uses different signature styles.
  • Health Problems: Conditions that affect the ability to sign consistently, such as tremors or vision problems.
  • Subscription Card Wear: The signature card at the bank is worn or out of date, making accurate comparison difficult.

How to Avoid a Return for Reason 113

To prevent your checks from being returned due to reason 113, follow these practical tips:

  1. Maintain Consistency: Always try to sign your checks consistently, using the same signature style registered with the bank.
  2. Update your Bank Subscription: If you change your subscription, please inform your bank and update your subscription card.
  3. Sign Calmly: Take a moment to sign your checks carefully, avoiding rushing.
  4. Avoid Third-Party Subscriptions: Always sign your own checks to ensure the signature matches the one on file with the bank.
  5. Review your Signature: Periodically check that your signature on file with the bank still matches how you currently sign.
  6. Report Health Problems to the Bank: If you have health problems that affect your subscription, please notify your bank so they can take appropriate precautions.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of having your checks returned for reason 113.

What to Do When a Check Returns for Reason 113?

If your check was returned for reason 113, follow these steps to correct the situation:

  1. Verify Signature: Compare the signature on the returned check with your signature on file with the bank. Identify any discrepancies that may have caused the return.
  2. Contact the Bank: Call or visit your bank branch to get specific details about the return and confirm that the signature at the bank is current.
  3. Update your Subscription: If your subscription has changed, update your subscription card at your bank to avoid future refunds.
  4. Reissue the Check: After updating or verifying your signature, issue a new check with the correct signature and deliver it to the recipient.
  5. Inform the Recipient: Communicate the situation and the steps you're taking to resolve the issue to the recipient of the returned check. This demonstrates your proactivity and can avoid misunderstandings.
  6. Follow the New Check: Make sure the new check cleared without any issues. If there's another bounce, contact your bank immediately to resolve the issue.
  7. Consider Other Payment Methods: If the situation persists, consider using other payment methods, such as bank transfers or electronic payments, to avoid problems with checks.

What are the Other Reasons for Check Returns?

Here are some other common reasons checks bounce:

  • Reason 11: Insufficient funds – There is not enough money in the account to cover the amount of the check.
  • Reason 12: Check stopped or revoked by the issuer – The check was canceled at the request of the issuer.
  • Reason 21: Check presented after the deadline – The check was presented for clearing after the validity period (usually 6 months).
  • Reason 22: Divergence or insufficient signature – Signature missing or inconsistent with the record.
  • Reason 31: Formal filling error – Failure to fill in a mandatory field, such as the date or amount in words.
  • Reason 37: Blank checks – The check was issued without the required fields being filled in completely.
  • Reason 44: Check issued against closed accounts – The issuer’s account was closed before the check was presented.
  • Reason 48: Check already cleared – The check was presented more than once for clearing.
  • Reason 59: Check incompatible with account – Check does not match the account type or contains discrepancies in information.

These are some of the main reasons that can lead to a check being returned, ranging from mismatched signatures to insufficient funds, each related to different aspects of the document's issuance and clearing. Understanding these causes and how to avoid them can help keep your financial transactions safer and more efficient.

Sobre o autor

Igor Bernar

Igor

Editor-in-Chief

With over a decade of experience in SEO and digital marketing, Igor Bernardo specializes in organic traffic strategies focused on real results—such as increased visibility, lead generation, and sales. He currently heads the SEO department at Geniuzz.

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