How long are unused checks good for?

Personal, business, and payroll checks are good for 6 months (180 days). Some businesses have “void after 90 days” pre-printed on their checks. Most banks will honor those checks for up to 180 days and the pre-printed language is meant to encourage people to deposit or cash a check sooner than later.

What to do with old checks when you move?

The best method for disposing of old checks, is to shred them. Though, if you don’t have access to a shredder, you can instead, cut them up into small pieces with a pair of scissors. For added security, you should divide the shredded checks into different trash bags, and dispose of them on different days.

Can old checks be cashed?

Banks don’t have to accept checks that are more than 6 months (180 days) old. However, banks can still choose to accept your check. Sometimes banks will still process an old check as long as the institution believes the funds are good.

Do checks in your checkbook expire?

As long as you don’t write anything on the check, the checkbook is still good to use for years. If you find a check that has some writing on it, like a date, an amount, and a signature, this is going to have an expiration. Most banks will not honor a check like this if it is more than six months old.

What happens if a bank check is not cashed?

The check will remain outstanding until the bank chooses to cancel it. After 180 days of the date the check was written many financial institutions will not accept it for deposit; keep that in mind and if your check is after 180 days old, we’d suggest you contact the bank and request a replacement.

Do I need new checks if I move?

Yes, you can use a check with an old address if the routing and account numbers are correct. Banks will consider the check usable because they are still able to take the money from your checking account. While the best thing to do would be to order a new check as soon as you move, it isn’t always a priority.

What happens to an uncashed check?

If somebody worries that a check got lost, they may decide to stop payment—an order not to pay a check that has been issued, but not cashed—on that check. The bank will then reject your deposit, and it’ll bounce back to your bank unpaid.

Can I use an old checkbook?

What happens when a check expires?

Generally, a check with an expiration date is not valid after the date listed. However, whether or not to cash an expired check is solely within the bank’s discretion. If an expiration date is not listed, the bank will treat it as “expired” once the check is six months old, although policies vary between banks.