What happens to checks that are written against a closed account?

When checks are written against a closed account, they are returned as bounced checks. This occurs because the bank will not honor any transactions from an account that has been officially closed. The funds are not available, and thus the bank has no obligation to process these checks.

This situation is significant for individuals managing their finances, as it can lead to negative consequences such as returned check fees, potential impacts on credit scores, and damaged relationships with vendors or recipients who may not receive the intended payments. Understanding this aspect of checking account management is crucial for maintaining financial health and ensuring that payments are conducted from active accounts.