"Deposit account" means "deposit account" as defined in paragraph (29) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102 of the Commercial Code.
§ 481.080.Deposit Account
Title 6.5. Attachment · Chapter 1. Words and Phrases Defined · Last amended 2001 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 481.080 defines "deposit account" for attachment purposes as a "deposit account" under the Commercial Code, generally a bank account such as a checking, savings, or time deposit account.
Full Text of § 481.080
Plain-English Summary
Bank accounts are a frequent attachment target, and § 481.080 adopts the Commercial Code’s definition of "deposit account" so the term carries its ordinary commercial meaning here. Section 481.113 separately defines the "financial institution" where such an account is held, and § 488.455 sets out the levy procedure once a writ authorizes attaching a deposit account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a plaintiff attach a defendant’s bank account?
Yes, subject to this title’s other requirements. A bank account is generally a "deposit account" under Section 481.080, and Section 488.455 governs how a levying officer attaches it.
Does the definition cover savings and time deposit accounts, or only checking accounts?
Section 481.080 adopts the Commercial Code’s definition of deposit account, which reaches checking, savings, and similar deposit accounts held at a financial institution, not only checking accounts.
Amendment History
EFFECTIVE 7/1/2001. Amended October 10, 1999 (Bill Number: SB 45) (Chapter 991).
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
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