Stale Check Law: Will Banks Honor Stale-Dated Checks?
Each state has its own requirements, such as a minimum dollar amount or a minimum length of dormancy. If you forgot to deposit a check and it’s been more than six months since you received it, it might be considered stale. You can try and deposit or cash it, but you risk the check being rejected by your bank or possibly returned from the issuing bank. Before trying to cash or deposit an outdated check, consider reaching out to the check writer and ask for a replacement check.
What Happens if You Don’t Cash a Check?
LegalMatch.com can connect you to a lawyer who can explain the legal remedies available to you and what your best option might be. There are a few things a person can do to prevent a stale check from being http://www.petrol-head.com/2012/04/01/tc-motorsports-to-power-deltawing-on-huile-de-frites-at-le-mans/ honored by a bank. The easiest and most effective way is through a check-stop payment order. A person would have to get evidence regarding the actions their bank took when it honored a stale check.
Are stale-dated checks valid?
Some banks may deposit checks if they have reason to believe that the issuer is legitimate and the company has enough funds in its account to cover the check. In either case, banks are under no obligation to accept a check https://www.sat.uz/transponders/4045-transpondernye-novosti-na-04.11.09.html once it is deemed stale. Some banks may do it, but they may charge a fee for depositing or cashing a stale check that is older than 6 months. Some business checks will have “Valid For 90 Days” noted on the check.
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You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology. Dealing with checks the bank returns as “non-negotiable-stale dated” can present significant challenges, as well as unnecessary headaches for your A/P staff. Some checks are good for about 6 months, and others may never expire. If you write a replacement or substitute check, it’s wise to request a stop payment on the original check so you don’t pay twice. A money-order issuer may charge fees on the order if enough time passes. Some checks come printed with text stating that a check becomes void after 90 days.
- USPS money orders never expire and can always be used, regardless of the date on which they were issued.
- There are a few ways you can determine if a check is stale-dated, whether you received the check or have concerns about a check you’ve written.
- Other issuers may not charge fees, but they must eventually turn unclaimed assets over to the state.
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- You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
For instance, if a check says “good for 180 days” on the front, then it becomes stale-dated 181 days after it’s written. Some courts have found those time-limiting statements to be unenforceable, https://dietanand.org/e-learning-and-eco-friendly-start-ups/ but don’t count on that in every case. Still, it’s best to honor any language on a check—either deposit the check promptly or contact the check writer if you can’t make the deadline.
Do checks expire? Here’s what you need to know
Because it can be a good practice to cash or deposit checks soon after receiving them, you may want to consider direct deposit. Learning how to set up direct deposit for regularly recurring deposits like payroll checks could make life a little easier—and give you one less item on your to-do list. You may have valid reasons for holding on to a check written to you, but it’s best to deposit or cash checks as soon as possible, as there are risks involved. A check with “void” written on it means no one can cash or deposit it. A check can also be considered void if it’s missing critical information or goes through the escheat process. Yes, uncashed checks are considered income if you received documentation, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, that includes them.
- Because it can be a good practice to cash or deposit checks soon after receiving them, you may want to consider direct deposit.
- Check your account to ensure no checks older than six months are still uncashed; the bank might consider them stale.
- For example, domestic USPS money orders are good indefinitely, but international money orders can expire.
- If the bank is at fault, a person could explore filing a claim in court.
- Hence, as per the available information, the check can be considered stale if not cashed in the bank within 60 days or it might never be considered stale.
- That said, it’s important to point out that stale dated checks are not the same as voided checks, which will have the word “VOID” written across the face.
- But there are several exceptions, and there’s no guarantee that banks will reject checks after that time.
- And if you fear that a check you have written has been lost or stolen, you should move promptly to cancel the check with your bank.
- Some business checks will have “Valid For 90 Days” noted on the check.
- GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.
- You may have valid reasons for holding on to a check written to you, but it’s best to deposit or cash checks as soon as possible, as there are risks involved.
