What Does Void After 90 Days Mean on a Check?
Learn about the lifespan of a check and the consequences of delayed deposit. Get practical advice for handling old checks.
Checks are a common payment method for personal or business transactions. Understanding how long a check is considered valid is important for both the person writing the check and the person receiving it. Checks are generally designed to be processed within a reasonable timeframe to ensure smooth financial record-keeping.
The Meaning of the “Void After” Clause
A “void after 90 days” clause, or similar timeframe printed on a check, indicates a recommended period for timely deposit. This encourages prompt deposit. While this notation suggests a period of validity, it does not always mean the check becomes immediately invalid after this duration.
Many financial institutions, despite such a clause, will still honor a personal or business check for up to six months (180 days) from its issue date. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) states that banks are not obligated to pay a check presented more than six months after its date. However, this legal guideline does not prohibit a bank from choosing to honor a check beyond this period. The purpose of the “void after” language is to help the issuer manage their financial records and prevent very old checks from remaining outstanding indefinitely.
What Happens When a Check Expires
A check that passes its “void after” date or the generally accepted six-month period is referred to as a “stale check.” Banks are not required to honor stale checks, though some may do so at their discretion. The decision to process a stale check can depend on factors like whether the account is open, has sufficient funds, and the account owner’s approval.
Attempting to deposit a stale check carries the risk of it being returned unpaid. If a bank accepts a stale check for deposit, and the issuing bank subsequently rejects it, the funds may be removed from the recipient’s account. This can also result in the recipient incurring a returned check fee. The issuer may also have placed a stop payment order on the check, or the account might no longer have sufficient funds or be closed.
Next Steps for Expired Checks
If you are the recipient of a check that has passed its “void after” date or is considered stale, contact the check issuer. Explain the situation and request a new check. This helps ensure proper payment processing and avoids potential issues like returned check fees.
Check issuers should regularly reconcile bank accounts and monitor outstanding checks. If a check remains uncashed after a significant period, reaching out to the recipient can clarify whether a new check is needed. If a replacement is issued, it is advisable to place a stop payment order on the original check to prevent it from being fraudulently cashed. This practice helps maintain accurate financial records and ensures that funds are properly disbursed or accounted for.