How Long are Checks Good for? Do Checks Expire

In this article, we will help you understand more about how long checks are good for and also the type of check as well.

Do you use checks a lot or even maybe sometimes? If yes, then you should know that checks expire and it is important that you understand how long are checks good for and the reason is to both ensure you can use checks and your checks do not get rejected or canceled leading you to get check bounce or anything.

Now in order to understand how long your checks are going to work for, you will need to consider a few things and out of which the primary one is the type of check you use.

How Long are Checks Good for?

So, yes checks have an expiration date and generally it is 6 months that a check is valid from the date it was issued.

If you have either written a check to someone else or a check written to you, both of them have an expiration for 6 months (void after 90 days for some), which is printed on the front of the check.

It is best to deposit or cash a check as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues with expiration or the possibility of the check writer closing their account before the check is deposited.

How Long are Checks Good
How Long are Checks Good for?

Different Types of Checks and their Expiration

There are numerous distinct check types, and each has a distinct expiry date. Following are a few common & different check types and their expiry dates:

Type of CheckDescriptionExpiration
Personal CheckWritten by an individual and drawn on their personal bank accountUsually 6 months from the date of issue
Cashier’s CheckGuaranteed by a bank, funds taken directly from the bank’s accountTypically does not expire, but check with the bank to confirm policy
Traveler’s CheckUsed as a form of payment while travelingTypically does not expire, but check with the issuer to confirm policy
Money OrderIssued by a post office or other financial institutionUsually 1-3 years from the date of issue
Certified CheckGuaranteed by the bank, funds taken directly from the account holder’s accountTypically does not expire, but check with the bank to confirm policy

How long are cashiers checks good for?

Cashier’s checks usually have unlimited validity and never expire. However, it is always best to verify with your bank to confirm their policy as some banks might have a policy of canceling cashier’s checks after a certain amount of time.

Can I cash a check from 2 years ago?

You might not be able to cash a check that is more than two years outdated. Checks that are older than six months (void after 90 days for some) are generally not accepted by banks and other financial institutions.

How long is a cheque valid for?

A: A check’s validity time may change based on the nation and the rules of the particular bank. The majority of checks in the US are good for six months after the date of writing. It is crucial to clarify the policy with your bank because the validity period may occasionally be shorter or longer.

If a check says void after 90 days, can it still be cashed?

A check that contains a “void after 90 days” provision cannot be cashed after the 90-day window has closed. The bank will not accept the check because it is deemed to be outdated.

Do unused personal checks expire?

Personal checks that have not yet been cashed usually do not expire, but the account details may change. It is always a good idea to confirm your bank’s stance on unused checks with them.

How do you tell if a check is expired?

By examining the check’s date, you can determine if it has lapsed. The expiration date is typically inscribed in the check’s upper-right corner and is present on the majority of them. The check is deemed expired and cannot be cashed if the expiration date has passed.

What happens if you deposit an old check?

Your bank may refuse the deposit and return the old, invalid check to you or impose a fee for attempting to deposit a non-negotiable check if you attempt to deposit one

Can you still cash a check after the void date?

No, after the check’s void date has passed, it cannot be cashed. The check is regarded as being invalid and has been exhausted.

How to get an expired check reissued?

You should get in touch with the check’s provider and ask for a new check if you need to have an expired check reissued. Reissuing the check may incur a fee from the issuer, so it is crucial to verify that the account information is accurate to prevent any further problems.

Leave a comment