You’ve had a check in your possession for some time but haven’t yet cashed it. Is it any good, or will you need to request that it be reissued? In most instances, you’ll have six months, but the timeline varies by the type of check you want to cash.
How Long Checks are Usually Good For
Below is a breakdown of how long each type of check is good for.
Personal Checks
Personal checks are valid for 180 days or 6 months. Payroll and business checks are also categorized as personal checks for this article and are subject to the same timeline. Keep in mind that some personal checks may include the phrase “void after 90 days”. If you present them after the 90-day window but before 180 days have passed, many financial institutions will still allow you to cash or deposit the check.
U.S. Treasury Checks
U.S. Treasury checks are valid for up to one year from the date of issuance. If you have a U.S. Treasury check that is greater than a year old, reach out to the issuer and request that they cancel the current check and issue a new one.
State/Local Government Checks
The expiration date on checks issued by state and local government entities depends on state law. In most instances, you’ll have anywhere from six to 12 months to cash or deposit a check, but it could expire before that date.
Cashier’s Checks
Cashier’s checks are often subject to expiration dates like other types of checks. However, you may find that they’re valid as long as the issuing bank is open for a business. If you’re uncertain, look for the expiration date on the check or reach out to the bank.
Money Orders
The policies surrounding expiration dates on money orders vary by state. While they technically don’t go out of date, the issuer may collect a fee if it’s cashed after a certain number of years. If the money order sits for too long and the fees pile up, it could become worthless.
Traveler’s Checks
There is no expiration date on traveler’s checks. Therefore, you can either spend them as you would with other forms of payment or cash them in with the issuer.
How to Cash in a Check
Ideally, you want to cash a check as soon as you receive it to prevent it from going stale. Here’s what to do to ensure the process is seamless.
Visit the Issuing Bank/Credit Union
If you have an account at a traditional bank or credit union, you can cash or deposit it there. Otherwise, you’ll need to visit the financial institution that issued the check to cash it.
Endorse the Check
Flip the check over and sign at the top of it on the signature line.
Fill Out the Necessary Documents
Complete the form required by the financial institution to cash the check.
Show Proof of Identity
Present a copy of your driver’s license or government-issued identification card.
Get Your Cash
Receive your cash and spend it however you see fit.
Other Ways to Cash in a Check
If you’d prefer not to visit the issuing bank or credit union to cash a check, you have other options.
Mobile Check Deposit
With a mobile check deposit, you can conveniently deposit checks using your smartphone. To initiate this process, you typically need to download a bank’s mobile app and log in to your account. Once logged in, the app will guide you through the necessary steps to capture and submit a check for deposit.
Once all the information is submitted, the app will process the images and send them to the bank for verification. The bank will then review the submitted images to ensure that they meet their standards for clarity and correctness. If everything checks out, the deposit will be credited to your account.
However, it’s important to note that there are usually limits on how much money can be deposited via mobile check deposit in a single transaction or within a certain time frame. Additionally, funds from mobile deposits may not be available immediately, as banks often have to hold periods to verify the legitimacy of the check and ensure that there are sufficient funds in the issuer’s account. You should check the bank’s specific policies regarding mobile deposit limits and fund availability to avoid any surprises.
Major Retailers
You may be able to cash a check at a grocery store or with a major retailer for a fee, but it could take a few minutes to confirm that the check is good.
Check-cashing Store
Check-cashing stores can also lend a helping hand in exchange for a fee.
ATM
If you have a checking or savings account, visit an ATM that accepts checks and select the deposit option. You may get a portion or all of the funds released to you right away if you use your bank’s ATM.
Pre-paid Card Account or Checkless Debit Card Account
Some prepaid card issuers allow you to deposit funds by check via a mobile app. This is another convenient way to cash a check you’ve been holding on to.
