Do Checks Expire?

how long are checks good for
when do checks expire
do personal checks expire
do checks expire
what happens if you deposit an expired check
Apr 01, 2025

Checks can be a straight-forward way to make or receive payments, but what if you forget to deposit a check? Personal checks typically expire 6 months (180 days) from the issue date. After the 6-month window, federal law does not require banks to honor a check. This means a bank may choose to cash an expired check at its discretion.

Checks over 6 months old are called “stale checks.” Issuers may be caught off guard if a bank honors a stale check, while recipients may miss out on their payment if the bank chooses not to. 

Expiration rules may differ based on the type of check. Certified checks often won't expire but may be subject to unclaimed property laws. Meanwhile, government checks (such as for a tax refund) expire a year after they’re issued. Recipients can usually request that expired government checks be reissued. 

Expiration timelines for different types of checks

Expiration timelines can vary based on the type of check.

  • Personal and business checks: Personal checks are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. This also applies to company-printed checks (checks issued by a business). 
  • Government-issued checks: Checks issued by the U.S. Treasury (including tax refunds and benefits) expire a year after the date of issue. State and local government checks may vary. Recipients may contact the issuer to have an expired government check reissued. 
  • Cashier's and certified checks: When someone requests a certified check, the bank may place the funds on hold until the check clears. While certified checks may not have a fixed expiration date, after a while they may be subject to unclaimed property laws. Expiration dates for cashier's checks may vary based on local laws. Some issuers may include a printed note stating the check is void after a fixed period (usually 60 to 180 days). Other checks may include no expiration date. 
  • Traveler's checks and money orders: Traveler's checks won't typically expire as long as the issuing company is in business. Money orders also usually don’t expire but may incur fees after a certain period depending on the state of issue and the issuer’s policies. 
  • Recipients should ideally deposit checks as soon as possible. While some banks may be willing to honor stale checks, you may face fees if the issuer’s bank account does not have enough funds.  

What happens if you deposit an expired check?

In some instances, banks may honor a stale check. However, they may charge you a fee to honor the expired check. Even if your bank agrees to honor the check, the issuer’s account may not have the necessary funds. If a stale check bounces, banks may charge the depositor a deposit item returned fee. The person who issued the check may be charged a nonsufficient funds fee. 

If you find a stale check, it’s a good idea to contact the issuer (if possible) and request a replacement. If the check is stale but has not yet expired, confirm with the issuer whether their account still has sufficient funds.

Can I still cash a check after 6 months?

After the 6-month window has closed, a bank may choose to refuse a check. If this happens, you may need to have the check reissued. Some banks may cash the stale check for a fee or under certain conditions. 

The bank that issued the check may also have its own policies for dealing with stale checks. The issuing bank may not allow the check to be cashed if:

  • The bank account associated with the check is closed
  • The account is active but does not have enough funds
  • The account holder/payout has placed a stop payment on the check or via phone

Since both banks (the issuing bank and the one where you deposit the check) will have their own procedures for dealing with stale checks, it’s important to understand their policies. You can visit the bank branch in person to ask questions or contact the bank’s customer service team online or via phone.

What should you do with a check that's about to expire?

You may still be able to get your funds from an expired check. Here are some steps to take: 

  • Contact the issuer: Whether the check was issued by an individual, a company or the government, you can reach out to ask if they can issue a replacement check.
  • Verify sufficient funds: You don’t want to catch the check issuer off guard by depositing a stale check out of the blue. Confirm with them that funds are available. Skipping this step may leave you facing a deposit item returned fee. And, if the bank honors the check anyway, the issuer’s account may have a negative balance, and they could be charged a nonsufficient funds fee.

Choose other payment options: Some people may find checks tedious to keep track of. Fortunately, quick, efficient options like electronic transfers can help you avoid issues with checks expiring. 

Steps to avoid expired checks

Here’s what to do to ensure you don’t end up with a stale check: 

  • Cash checks promptly: Deposit them as soon as possible.
  • Use electronic payment alternatives: Use direct deposit, send money with Zelle®2 or another digital transfer method. 
  • Deposit your check online: You don’t have to go to the bank to deposit a check. Many banks offer mobile check deposit. Citi's Mobile Check Deposit service lets you deposit your check from your smart device. Simply enroll for the service on the Citi Mobile® App1 and upload pictures of the check along with the amount.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.

1 Regular account charges apply. Citibank does not charge you a fee for using the Citi Mobile® App or the Mobile Check Deposit service. You must have Internet access through your mobile device and charges from your wireless carrier may apply. The Mobile Check Deposit service is subject to eligibility. Deposit limits and other restrictions apply. The Citi Mobile® App is available for use with compatible mobile devices.

2 To send or receive money with Zelle® both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. For the protection of your account, Zelle® should only be used to send money to those you know and trust. Neither Citibank nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle® -- for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected. Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Additional Resources

  • Citi Financial Pathways

    Utilize these resources to help you assess your current finances & plan for the future.

  • FICO® Score 

    Learn how FICO® Scores are determined, why they matter and more.

  • Glossary 

    Review financial terms & definitions to help you better understand credit & finances.

Important Information