Bad Check or Bounced Payment
If someone paid you with a check that bounced (NSF — non-sufficient funds) and refuses to make good on the payment, you can sue in small claims court. Many states allow you to recover additional statutory damages beyond the check amount.
Typical claim amount
$100 – $5,000
Statute of limitations category
Written contract (varies by state)
Common examples
Customer paid for goods or services with a bad check
Rent check bounced and tenant won't replace it
Payment for a private sale (car, furniture) bounced
Business payment was returned for insufficient funds
Someone intentionally wrote a check they knew would bounce
Evidence you should gather
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances. Start collecting these items before you file:
The bounced check (or a copy)
Bank statement showing the returned check
NSF notice from your bank
Proof of what the check was payment for
Written demand for payment you sent
Any communication with the check writer
Bank fees you incurred from the bounced check
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideDemand letter tip
Many states have specific statutory damages for bad checks — often 2-3 times the check amount. Research your state's bad check laws and reference the specific statute in your demand letter. This often motivates quick payment.
Read the demand letter guide →Court preparation tip
Bring the actual bounced check, your bank's NSF notice, and proof of what the payment was for. Bad check cases are usually straightforward wins if you have the documentation. Ask the judge for statutory damages if your state allows them.
Filing deadlines by state
Your statute of limitations depends on your state. Here are some examples for this type of case:
| State | Deadline | Max claim |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 years | $6,000 |
| Alaska | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | 5 years | $5,000 |
| California | 4 years | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 3 years | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Delaware | 3 years | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Florida | 5 years | $8,000 |
| Georgia | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Iowa | 10 years | $6,500 |
| Kansas | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Kentucky | 15 years | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Maine | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Michigan | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | 3 years | $3,500 |
| Missouri | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Montana | 8 years | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | 5 years | $7,500 |
| Nevada | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 6 years | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New York | 6 years | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Ohio | 8 years | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | 6 years | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | 6 years | $25,000 |
| Texas | 4 years | $20,000 |
| Utah | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Washington | 6 years | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 10 years | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | 10 years | $6,000 |
Other case types
Security Deposit Not Returned
Your landlord won't return your security deposit
Unpaid Invoice or Loan
Someone owes you money and won't pay
Car Accident Damage
Someone damaged your car and won't pay for repairs
Contractor or Repair Disputes
A contractor did poor work or didn't finish the job
Defective Product or Service
Something you bought doesn't work and the seller won't fix it
Breach of Contract
Someone broke a written or verbal agreement
Unpaid Rent (Landlord vs Tenant)
Your tenant owes rent and won't pay
Property Damage by Neighbor
Your neighbor damaged your property
Auto Repair Disputes
Mechanic overcharged, did bad work, or caused damage
Moving Company Damage
Movers broke or lost your belongings
Wedding Vendor Disputes
Wedding photographer, DJ, venue, or vendor didn't deliver
Pet-Related Disputes
Dog bite, vet malpractice, or pet purchase gone wrong
Roommate Disputes
Roommate owes rent, utilities, or damaged shared property
Online Purchase or Marketplace Disputes
Item never delivered, counterfeit, or not as described
Dry Cleaner or Laundry Damage
Dry cleaner ruined or lost your clothing
Travel and Airline Disputes
Airline, hotel, or travel company ruined your trip
Insurance Claim Disputes
Insurance company denied or underpaid your claim
Gym or Membership Cancellation
Gym or club keeps charging after cancellation
Towing and Vehicle Impound Disputes
Your car was illegally towed or you were overcharged
Home Appliance or Electronics Warranty
Manufacturer or retailer won't honor a warranty
Freelance or Gig Work Payment
Client won't pay for freelance or contract work you completed
Utility Billing Disputes
Overcharged by a utility company or service provider
Dental or Medical Billing Disputes
Overcharged for medical or dental services
Tenant Suing Landlord for Repairs
Landlord won't fix habitability issues in your rental
Ready to take action?
A demand letter is often the first step. Many bad check or bounced payment disputes are resolved without ever going to court.
Read the demand letter guide