• Money
    • Budget
    • Shop
    • Travel
    • Stories
  • Career
    • Advice
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Freelance
    • Small Business
  • Investing
    • General
    • IRA + 401K
    • Stocks + Bonds
    • Retirement Planning
    • Estate
  • The Basics
    • Student Loans
    • Credit Cards
    • Debt
    • Taxes
    • More
  1. Home
  2. The Basics
  3. Saving
  4. How to Cash Two-Year-Old Checks

How to Cash Two-Year-Old Checks

May 13, 2010
By: Madison Garcia
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

Most check-issuers expect recipients to cash checks in a timely manner. Some checks even include expiration dates or claim to be void after a certain amount of time. However, banks are still allowed to cash most old checks, even if they aren't obligated to. Still, you should contact the payer, your bank and maybe even the state to ensure you can cash your check smoothly.

Checkbook Register with Pen
A checkbook register.
credit: Tina Sbrigato/iStock/Getty Images

Learn Bank Policies

The Uniform Commercial Code doesn't require a bank to pay a check that's more than six months old. However, banks do have the ability to cash old checks. Policies vary depending on the bank and the type of check. Don't be deterred by checks that have expiration dates or state that they are void after 90 days. These expiration dates are not binding and can be waived by the bank.

Alert the Payer

If you plan to cash a check that's more than six months old, let the check writer know. Not every individual balances their checkbook and cashing the check could send the payer into the red. It's possible the individual doesn't even have the account open any more. Similarly, an old employer or business could have turned the funds over to the state and written the check off of their books. It may feel awkward to call after so long, but it's courteous and appreciated by the payer.

Get the Check Reissued

If you learn that the check issuer has closed their account or may not have sufficient funds, it's best not to cash the check. If you try to cash an old check and it declines, some banks will charge you a returned item fee. Instead, tell the check issuer that you will void the check if they can reissue you a new one.

Talk to the State

If you have a very old check, it's possible that the check-issuer has since cancelled the account and has no record of it. If the check-issuer refuses to issue a new check, you do have recourse. Businesses are required to turn over unclaimed wages, refunds and commissions to the state after a year. If they did so, your states's unclaimed property division will have record of the payment and can turn it over to you.



Show Comments

Related Articles

Who Is Liable for Forged Checks?

Who Is Liable for Forged Checks?

The Basics
Saving
By: Ganine Gambale
Differences Between Single & Duplicate Checks

Differences Between Single & Duplicate Checks

The Basics
Saving
By: Kate Harris

PARTNER CONTENT

4 Habits That Helped Me Stop Scraping By

4 Habits That Helped Me Stop Scraping By

How to Correct a Mistake on a Check

How to Correct a Mistake on a Check

The Basics
Saving
By: Jackie Lohrey
Frugal Shopping Myths Debunked

Frugal Shopping Myths Debunked

The Basics
Saving
By: Shannon Philpott
How to Destroy Old Checks

How to Destroy Old Checks

Money
Budget
By: Fred Decker

Get Weekly Savings& Finance Tips.

  • Money
  • Career
  • Investing
  • The Basics
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
© 2018 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get Weekly Savings
& Finance Tips.

Money Made Easier.

Please enter a valid email.