Bounced Check

When you write a check but don't have enough money in the bank for the receiver of the check to cash it, the check bounces. That means it's no good: there's not enough money in your account to cover the amount on the check. When this happens, your bank will charge you a bunch of extra fees... and whoever you wrote the check to will be grumpy as all get out.

Example

Louis finds a sweet gaming system at a local store for $300. What's even more amazing is that the store accepts checks (most in the mall don't). Even though Louis doesn't have $300 in his wallet, he writes a check and gets the gaming system home. Only one problem: Louis only has $100 in his account. The bank returns the check to the store, saying there's not enough money. They charge Louis an extra fee and the store calls him to tell him he has to pay up some other way.