You missed the point.

The check did not bounce. Bluebird checks (that are written correctly) can not bounce. The funds are there, waiting. The person who attempted to deposit it just failed and blamed the failure on the check bouncing, but in fact the reason it failed was because they simply ignored the instructions and entered nonsense values.

The instructions say (IIRC) they need to enter the check number and the amount. The person attempting to deposit the check entered the wrong check number (off by a few) and they entered zero for the check amount, not the ~$2500 that was written on the check and preauthorized. My check # 107 was written for $2500 and the $2500 was there, waiting for them. They attempted to deposit (what they said was) check #109 for $0. Check #109 was still blank, in my Bluebird checkbook, in my hand. Well, surprise, $2500 did not magically appear in their account.

The check did not bounce, but they did not successfully deposit it. They just told me it bounced because they didn't have a clue. I pointed out their error to them after running down the details of their screwup. I gave them explicit instructions and a phone number at Amex to call next time if they did not understand or had any other trouble. The second time they actually paid attention and followed the instructions and it went through fine. They later apologized.

Idiots can screw up anything if they disregard simple instructions, Bluebird checks included.