when someone writes a check for an amount larger than what is held in their checking account the check cannot be negotiated this is referred to as a bounced check 
the check bounces because it cannot be processed as there are insufficient or non sufficient funds nsf in the account the two terms are interchangeable a bounced check usually results in a penalty fee for the payor in some cases the payee is also charged a fee other checking account fees can include a monthly service fee a per check fee a charge for every check you write a check printing fee and a returned deposit item fee a returned deposit item fee is charged when you deposit a check in your account that bounces 9frequently asked questions faqs 