Can I Deposit a Check After 90 Days?

Checks remain a common method for making and receiving payments, but their validity can become a concern if not deposited promptly. Many individuals find themselves with an old check, wondering if it can still be honored. Understanding check expiration guidelines is helpful.

Understanding Stale-Dated Checks

A check not cashed or deposited within a certain timeframe after its issue date is a “stale-dated” check. For personal and business checks, this period is typically 180 days, or six months, from the date the check was written. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) supports this standard. While the UCC does not obligate banks to honor checks older than six months, it also does not prohibit them from doing so.

Financial institutions have discretion when processing stale-dated checks. They may refuse to honor them due to increased fraud risk or uncertainty about funds in the issuer’s account. For example, the issuer might have closed the account or spent the funds. Some business checks may have a “void after 90 days” notice, though banks commonly still adhere to the 180-day guideline.

What to Do When a Check Is Too Old

If you have a check approaching or past its typical validity period, contact the check issuer first. This allows you to confirm if funds are still available and if they will provide a new check. This conversation also addresses potential issues, such as a stop payment on the original check.

Even if a check is stale-dated, some banks may still process it, especially if funds are confirmed available and the issuer agrees. Speak with your bank about their specific policies. Attempting to deposit a stale-dated check without prior confirmation carries a risk; if returned unpaid, you might incur fees. If a new check is necessary, ensure the original is voided or a stop payment is placed to prevent accidental double payment.

Variations by Check Type

The general 180-day guideline for stale-dated checks primarily applies to personal and standard business checks. However, rules and common practices can differ significantly depending on the check type.

Cashier’s checks and certified checks often maintain validity for a much longer duration, sometimes indefinitely. This is because the funds are guaranteed by the issuing bank, which sets aside the money when the check is created. While some cashier’s checks may have printed expiration dates (typically 60 to 180 days), the underlying funds remain available even if the check becomes stale-dated.

Government checks, such as U.S. Treasury checks, have specific expiration periods. Federal government checks are generally valid for one year from their issue date. Checks issued by state or local governments may have varying expiration dates, typically ranging from six months to a year. If a government check has expired, the recipient is still entitled to the funds and should contact the issuing agency to request a replacement.