Old Uncashed Checks.?

Question

I have two separate, but related questions:

1. I have an uncashed check that is 5 years old and it does not have a “cash with x months” statement on it. Can I still cash it?

2. How to I get a company to reissue a check that is older than the “cash within 6 months” date on the check?

Serious response only. Please state your source.

Answer 1

Banks adhere to an agreement with other banks that checks are stale dated after 6 months. You can usually get away with cashing one that is one year old, but 5 years would never fly.

You should supply a copy of the check to the company and ask them to give you a new one...but be prepared for the posibility that they will not reissue...you had your chance the 1st time.

Answer 2

The uncashed check that is 5 years old is null and void, anything over 6 months is considered stale dated and will not be cashed by any bank. I know this because I used to work for a bank and this is policy!!

The other I would just write them a letter and explain why the check was not cashed within the 6 months.

Answer 3

1. Checks are good forever, unless they carry the "not good after..." statement. I know because I have had checks that I wrote cashed over 1 year later. However, that account may be closed; if so you obviously can't cash the check. If the bank refuses to cash the check, ask to speak to the manager. If all else fails, write to the person or company that issued the check, enclosing a photocopy of the uncashed check, and request a new check.

2. You might try writing to the company, enclosing a photocopy of the un-cashed check and ask that they re-issue the check to you.

Answer 4

As a general rule, a check is considered "stale dated" and can't be cashed if it's over six months old if it doesn't have a time limit printed on it. Banks won't accept it.

Call the company and tell them you have the check, it's outdated and please send you a replacement.