Final answer:
The average bounced check cost is generally around $25 to $35, which is the bank's non-sufficient funds fee, plus any additional merchant fees which could add another $20 to $40. Other costs may include legal fees and credit score damage in cases of fraud.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average cost of a bounced check can vary significantly depending on the bank's fees and any additional merchant fees. Generally, banks will charge a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee when a check bounces, which is typically around $25 to $35. If the check was written to a business, the business may also impose a returned check fee, which could be an additional $20 to $40.
However, there could be additional consequences, such as fraud charges if the checks were knowingly written without sufficient funds, as in the case of Leola Strickland, who faced felony charges for her bounced checks. In her situation, she repaid her debts to avoid prison time, but the overall cost would also include legal fees and potential damage to her credit score, which cannot be quantified easily in an average bounced check cost.