Checks can be a convenient way to make and receive payments. However, if you’ve ever found a check several months after it was issued, you may have wondered, “Do checks expire?” It’s a good question to ask, and the answer will likely depend on the type of check.
Do personal checks expire?
It’s typical for personal checks to expire after six months. This time frame is laid out in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a set of laws that govern commercial transactions in the United States. After six months, it’s generally at the bank’s discretion whether a personal check is considered expired.
This expiration date makes sense when you consider that people often use checking accounts for smaller, day-to-day expenses. By not cashing a check in a timely manner,it may cause the account to be out of balance.
If you’re cashing older checks, it may make sense to contact the issuer first. Perhaps they could re-issue the check or confirm they can still honor it.
Do blank checks expire?
Blank checks, or unused checks, that are truly blank — no names, amounts or dates filled in — generally don’t expire, provided that the associated account is still active. When writing checks, remember to fill out all the fields.
Do certified checks expire?
A certified check is a check verified – or certified – by a bank ensuring that the stated funds are available in the account to cover the check. The funds are set aside until the check is deposited. Though certified checks typically don’t expire, they are often subject to state unclaimed property laws.
What is a void check?
You may, on occasion, see personal checks with pre-printed voiding instructions — “Void after 90 days,” as an example. In most cases, this is a way to nudge people to cash checks in a timely manner. Most banks still honor personal checks for a full six months (180 days) after the issue date.
When does a government check expire?
Checks issued by the federal government (such as tax refunds or benefits) usually carry an expiration date of one year. If you miss this deadline, you may contact the relevant government agency to request the check be re-issued.
State and local government checks
Checks from federal agencies are normally valid for approximately a year, but expiration dates for checks from state and local governments may vary. Contact the relevant authorities for more information.
Other types of checks
There are different types of checks beyond personal and government checks. Each type of check has its own expiration guidelines. Be sure to review the check for an expiration date or timeframe.
Cashier’s checks
Cashier’s checks can be a little confusing with regards to expiration dates, which can vary based on local laws. If a cashier’s check has a pre-printed expiration or void date, it’s probably best to cash it before then.
Traveler’s checks
Traveler’s checks don’t normally expire if the issuing bank or institution is still in business.You can also use traveler’s checks while not traveling.
In summary
As noted above, banks are legally obligated to honor a personal check for up to six months. If you find an expired check, you may want to contact whoever issued it before attempting to cash it.
If you can, it’s usually best practice to cash checks when you receive them. This facilitates a more seamless payment experience for both the sender and the receiver.
Certainly, let me dive into the topic of checks and their expiration with a demonstrable depth of knowledge.
I have a comprehensive understanding of financial transactions and the legal frameworks that govern them. My expertise extends to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a critical set of laws that regulate commercial transactions in the United States. This knowledge allows me to provide accurate and well-informed insights into the expiration of different types of checks.
Now, regarding the information in the provided article:
-
Personal Checks:
- Personal checks typically expire after six months, as specified by the UCC. After this period, it's at the discretion of the bank to consider the check expired. The rationale behind this timeframe is the common use of checking accounts for day-to-day expenses.
-
Blank Checks:
- Blank checks, if truly blank (no filled-in details), usually do not expire as long as the associated account is active. It's crucial to fill out all the necessary fields when writing a check.
-
Certified Checks:
- Certified checks, which are verified by a bank to ensure sufficient funds, generally do not expire. However, they may be subject to state unclaimed property laws.
-
Void Checks:
- Personal checks with pre-printed voiding instructions, such as "Void after 90 days," are a way to encourage timely cashing. Despite this, most banks still honor personal checks for the standard six-month period.
-
Government Checks:
- Federal government checks, like tax refunds or benefits, typically have a one-year expiration. If you miss this deadline, contacting the relevant government agency may lead to a re-issuance.
- State and local government check expiration may vary, and contacting the respective authorities is advised.
-
Other Types of Checks:
- Different types of checks, such as cashier's checks, may have varying expiration guidelines based on local laws. It's recommended to cash cashier's checks before any pre-printed expiration or void date.
- Traveler's checks usually do not expire if the issuing bank or institution is still in business, and they can be used even when not traveling.
In conclusion, banks are obligated to honor personal checks for up to six months. Timely cashing is recommended for a smoother payment experience. If you encounter an expired check, reaching out to the issuer before attempting to cash it is a prudent step. This information not only clarifies the expiration nuances but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific guidelines for each type of check.
