How Long Do Checks Last Before Expiring?
Understand the typical lifespan of checks, common validity periods, and important nuances to consider before depositing.
Understanding how long a check remains valid is important for anyone managing finances, whether receiving or issuing payments. Checks do not remain perpetually valid; their lifespan varies significantly by type and policy. Being aware of these validity periods helps ensure timely deposits and prevents potential complications or loss of funds.
Standard Check Validity
Most personal and business checks are considered “stale-dated” after six months from their issue date. This practice is guided by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which guides commercial transactions. Under Article 3 of the UCC, banks are not legally obligated to honor checks presented more than six months after their date.
While banks are not required to accept checks older than six months, they retain the discretion to do so. A bank might process a stale-dated check if the account is in good standing and has sufficient funds. However, this is not guaranteed, and relying on a bank’s discretion can lead to delays or rejection.
Recipients should deposit or cash checks as soon as possible. Prompt action ensures the funds are secured before the check reaches its stale-dated period. Issuers also benefit from timely cashing, as it helps maintain accurate account balances and reduces the risk of unexpected withdrawals from old checks.
Factors Influencing Check Lifespan
The standard six-month validity period does not apply universally to all types of checks, as several factors can influence a check’s lifespan. Some checks may have specific “void after X days” or “not valid after X date” printed directly on them, which overrides the general rule. Banks often honor these checks up to the six-month mark regardless of the printed warning.
Different types of checks also come with their own distinct validity periods. Certified checks and cashier’s checks are backed by the issuing bank’s funds, making them more secure. These typically do not expire, or they may have a much longer validity period, although some might become “stale” after 90 to 180 days depending on the issuing bank’s policy. Traveler’s checks do not expire as long as the issuing institution remains in business.
Money orders do not have an expiration date; however, some issuers may begin to charge service fees that reduce the money order’s value if it remains uncashed for an extended period, often ranging from one to three years. An exception is United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders, which do not expire or accrue fees. Government checks also have specific rules; U.S. Treasury checks, including federal tax refunds, are valid for one year from their issue date. State and local government checks usually have validity periods ranging from six months to a year, varying by jurisdiction.
The validity of post-dated checks begins from the date written on the check, not the actual date it was issued. This means the standard expiration period starts counting from the future date indicated on the check. Bank policies can also play a role, as individual financial institutions may have their own internal guidelines for handling checks.
Addressing Expired Checks
When a check approaches or passes its validity period, it is considered stale-dated. For the recipient, depositing a stale-dated check carries a risk, as the bank is not obligated to honor it. If a bank does accept an expired check, the issuing bank may still reject it, potentially leading to funds being removed from the recipient’s account and fees.
The best course of action for a recipient with a stale-dated check is to contact the original issuer and request a new check. The issuer may need to place a stop payment on the original check before issuing a replacement. Even if a check is stale-dated, the funds are still owed, especially for government-issued checks, which can be reissued upon request to the relevant agency.
For the issuer of a check that has not been cashed after a significant period, it is important to recognize that the check may become stale-dated. If the recipient requests a new check, the issuer should be prepared to provide one. Issuers can also consider placing a stop payment on an old, uncashed check, especially if it is lost. This action prevents the original check from being cashed unexpectedly.