well as mattograph just mentioned it works out here in Canada, if you go to the bank the check is originally from you can ask them to see if the funds are available in the account holder's account of whom issued the check and they will check no problem. Some will tell you since it is a new check and you have never done business with this account holder before they may hold it for 5 business days in your account. Again as mentioned by mattograph some will charge a small fee others wont, it may take time out of your day but it will save you money in the long run.

