Bounced Cheque Small Claims Calculator

Yes. A dishonoured (NSF) cheque is a breach of contract. You can sue for the face value of the cheque, your bank's NSF fee, and a standard handling charge courts routinely award (typically $20). Send a formal written demand first — most provinces require evidence of demand before awarding costs. Filing fees range from $75–$200 depending on province.

Intentionally writing a cheque with insufficient funds knowing it will bounce can be fraud under the Criminal Code, but police rarely pursue small amounts. For most civil bad cheque situations, small claims court is the appropriate remedy. Criminal charges are typically reserved for fraudulent schemes or repeat offenders with large amounts.

Ontario's small claims court limit is $50,000. A bounced cheque claim — face value plus NSF fees and handling charges — easily falls within this limit for most personal and business transactions. You can file online or in-person at the courthouse in the defendant's jurisdiction.