How Long Are Checks Valid for Deposit?

Checks are a common payment method. Understanding how long a check remains valid for deposit is important for both the writer and recipient. Checks are not valid indefinitely; their ability to be cashed or deposited diminishes over time.

Standard Check Validity Periods

Most personal and business checks are valid for six months, or 180 days, from the date they are written. This standard is observed in banking and is rooted in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). The UCC specifies that financial institutions are not obligated to honor an uncertified check presented more than six months after its date.

This timeframe promotes financial order and minimizes risks. It helps prevent fraud, encourages timely account reconciliation, and ensures payments are processed within a reasonable period. If a check is presented after this six-month window, it is referred to as “stale-dated.” Banks are not required to accept or process such checks.

Validity for Official and Other Check Types

Validity periods differ for specialized checks. Cashier’s checks and certified checks are valid for a much longer duration, sometimes indefinitely. These checks are backed by the issuing bank, guaranteeing the funds. While some banks might print “void after” dates on cashier’s checks, these are often for internal processing and do not indicate a strict expiration. However, after a very long period, uncashed funds from these checks may become subject to state escheatment laws as unclaimed property.

Government checks, such as those from the U.S. Treasury, have a validity period of one year from their issue date. If these federal checks are not cashed within this year, the recipient needs to contact the issuing agency to request a reissuance. Checks from state or local government agencies may have varying validity periods, depending on state laws.

Money orders have no expiration date. However, they may be subject to dormancy fees if not cashed within a certain timeframe. These fees are deducted from the money order’s value, reducing the amount the recipient ultimately receives. For post-dated checks, their standard validity period begins from the future date written on the check, not the date the check was created.

Understanding Bank Discretion

Checks presented for deposit or cashing after their standard validity period are considered stale-dated. While financial institutions are not obligated to honor these checks, they retain the discretion to do so. A bank may choose to process a stale-dated check if sufficient funds are available in the issuer’s account and there are no other red flags. Factors influencing a bank’s decision might include the relationship with the account holder or the amount of the check.

Attempting to deposit an old check carries risks. If the bank declines to honor the stale-dated check, it will be returned unpaid. This can result in fees charged to the depositor’s account for a returned item. Additionally, the account from which the check was drawn might no longer have sufficient funds, or the account may have been closed, leading to the check bouncing.

It is advisable for individuals holding an old check to contact the original issuer to request a new check. Alternatively, they can communicate with their bank or the issuing bank to inquire about their policy on stale-dated checks before attempting to deposit it.