There was a Check returned for reason 44? Understand what may have caused it and how to fix it!
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Perfil completo25/09/2025
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Receiving the news that a check has bounced can be a frustrating experience, especially when the reason is unexpected. If you've been informed that your check was returned for reason 44, you may be wondering what it means and how to deal with it.
In this article, we'll clarify what check bounce reason 44 is, explain why it occurs, and provide tips to avoid this problem in the future. We'll cover the steps you can take to resolve this situation and prevent future inconveniences. By the end, you'll have a clear and practical understanding of the topic.
See this text:
- What is check return reason 113?
- What to Do When a Check Returns for Reason 113?
- What are the Other Reasons for Check Returns?
What is Check Return Reason 44?
Check bounce reason 44 occurs when the check is issued against a closed account. This means the issuer's bank account is no longer active at the time the check is presented, making it impossible to clear.
Here's an example:
For example, imagine you issued a check before closing your bank account. If the check is presented for payment after the account is closed, it will bounce with reason 44. This situation may occur due to forgotten checks issued before the account was closed or a lack of communication with the beneficiaries about the account closure.
Reason 44: Common Causes
Some situations can lead to checks being returned for reason 44. Here are some typical reasons:
- Voluntary Account Closure: The account holder decides to close the account without remembering all the checks issued.
- Closure due to Lack of Movement: The bank closes the account due to lack of activity for a long period.
- Closure by Bank Decision: The financial institution closes the account for specific reasons, such as irregularities.
- Lack of Knowledge of Issuers: The issuer does not inform beneficiaries of account closure, and old checks are presented later.
How to Avoid Reason 44 Returns
To prevent your checks from being returned for reason 44, consider these recommendations:
- Inform the Beneficiaries: Notify all payees of issued checks of account closure.
- Cancel Issued Checks: If possible, retrieve and destroy checks issued before account closure.
- Monitor Account Activity: Keep a record of all transactions and checks issued before closing your account.
- Consider Keeping the Account Active Temporarily: If there are outstanding checks issued, keep the account active until they have all cleared.
- Use Alternative Payment Methods: Instead of writing checks, use bank transfers or electronic payments to avoid problems.
What to Do When a Check Returns for Reason 44?
If your check was returned for reason 44, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
- Communicate with the Bank: Confirm that the account has been closed and get details about the refund.
- Notify the Beneficiary: Inform the recipient of the reason for the refund and offer a solution, such as a new payment.
- Offer a New Payment Method: Make payment by bank transfer or other secure method.
- Request Check Destruction: Ask the payee to destroy the returned check to avoid future problems.
- Resolve Pending Issues: Make sure all financial obligations are clear to avoid future problems.
Other Reasons for Check Returns
There are several other reasons why a check might bounce. Here are a few examples:
- 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.
- Reason 113: Divergent signature – The signature on the check does not match the one registered at the bank.
We hope the text was useful to help you with the subject!