How did multiple bank branches of the same institution maintain an individual’s balance prior to electronic banking?

Question

What would stop people from withdrawing money from multiple banks and over drawing before all bank branches could be updated on the person’s balance?

In: Economics

Answer 1

Banks have always needed your ID. Most branches would not, and still do not, allow third party transactions without putting a hold on the funds for one week. If you cashed a check you gave it up to the bank so you could not cash it again. Writing a check before depositing happened might cause your check to bounce. Post dated checks were not cashed early but could be held for deposit on the date written on the check.