How Long Is a Check Good For? Do Checks Expire?

That said, stop payments are one situation when it may actually work in your favor to deposit a stale-dated check—because stop payment orders eventually expire. A bank may not be liable for a stop payment if you fail to provide enough information to identify the check or if you do implement the stop payment order early enough. U.S. Treasury checks are paper checks issued by federal government agencies. Some of the most common reasons for receiving a Treasury check include tax refunds, stimulus payments, or social security benefits. If you receive a check over 180 days old, most banks might refuse to deposit or cash it.

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Blank checks, also known as bearer checks, do not have an expiration date per se since they are not pre-written for a specific amount or payee. However, it’s crucial to note that leaving blank checks lying around poses a significant security risk. While not in circulation or in use as they once were, traveler’s checks, or checks used instead of local currency when traveling abroad, don’t have an expiration date.

What Happens If a Check Is Never Cashed?

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How Long Before Checks Expire?

• U.S. Treasury checks expire one year from the date they were issued.
• Every bank has a different policy when it comes to cashing old checks.
• If that is the case or they just let it sit uncashed, you may stop payment on the original check and reissue it as your next step.
• A check can also be considered void if it’s missing critical information or goes through the escheat process.
• Ruled that banks can retrieve funds after the issuer’s requested void period unless that person specifically instructed the bank not to honor the check after that time frame.
• Business checks often include a note that reads, “Void after 90 days.” This encourages the recipient to cash the check right away—even if the 90-day deadline isn’t real.

The Uniform Commercial Code permits the accepting institution to decide whether it will redeem checks dated more than six months before the date you take the check to the institution. Account holders have the option to stop payment on unredeemed checks but must pay a fee for the privilege. Business checks often include a note that reads, “Void after 90 days.” This encourages the recipient to cash the check right away—even if the how long are checks good for 90-day deadline isn’t real.

When Does a Government Check Expire?

Certified checks, unlike personal checks, typically do not have an expiration date. When a check is certified, the bank verifies that there are sufficient funds in the account to cover the amount written on the check and sets aside those funds to guarantee payment. If you are given a business or personal check, ensure you know the validity period. Typically, personal checks have a maximum timeframe of 6 months (180 days) from the date issued before they become stale. In essence, most checks are considered stale if they have been in your possession for over 180 days. Companies, banks and government entities must turn the money for unredeemed checks over to their state’s unclaimed money department after a period determined by the state.

• The type of bank account you use will affect your fee, as some premium accounts let you waive the fee.
• Alternatively, you can visit MissingMoney.com, a multi-state database which may help you find your unclaimed cash from certified checks and other sources.
• Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs.
• You can save them to be used on a future trip, you can use them domestically, or you might be able to deposit them into your bank account.
• When people hold onto uncashed checks, it makes it challenging for the issuer to know how much money they actually have in their account and keep their personal finances up to date.
• The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website provides the contact information for the various agencies.
• Personal checks are typically valid for six months after the date written on the check.

Typically, banks print the words “void after X days” on cashier’s checks that can go stale. If you’ve found a “forgotten” cashier’s check, look for this disclaimer. After the expiration date, the bank may consider the funds unclaimed property and transfer them to the state in a process called escheating2. However, you can still contact the bank and request a replacement for a stale cashier’s check. If you have a $5,000 balance on your checking account, you can’t write a $10,000 cashier’s check to someone. The amount of a cashier’s check can go as high as the available balance in your bank account.

It’s best to the money order issuer for details—it can get complicated. For example, domestic USPS money orders are good indefinitely, but international money orders can expire. Though you want to avoid letting a check go out of date, there are some important considerations for a check that has become outdated. We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Remember, each bank has its own policy and can use its own discretion when helping you resolve this matter.

A money order is a type of check where the issuer provides the funds upfront, and the money is therefore guaranteed. Domestic money orders don’t have an expiration date, but terms differ from state to state. Check the fine print on the back of your money order for specific terms. After a certain point, they go “stale” and are considered outdated, which is distinct from having a true expiration date. However, the institutions and companies that issue them may have rules determining when unused money orders become considered abandoned property. They may also charge fees that eat away at a money order’s value.