Aug 20, 2025 · Checks are typically only valid for six months after being signed. Banks may still accept a stale check, but they are not required to if they have reason to doubt the funds.

Jul 10, 2024 · If you try to cash an expired or stale check, there's a possibility that both your bank and the bank that issued the check may still honor it. However, it's also possible that your bank might …

Aug 16, 2024 · Learn about stale-dated checks—what they are, why they become invalid, and your options for dealing with a check that is past its expiration date.

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 …

Dec 9, 2025 · According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, checks older than six months are considered “stale checks.” Federal law does not require a bank or credit union to honor such checks …

Jun 12, 2025 · A check is considered “stale-dated” after a certain period, which affects a bank’s obligation to honor it. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a bank is not required to pay a …

Dec 6, 2023 · A stale check is a check that remains undeposited or uncashed long after the date on which it was issued. It may be too old to be processed by a bank, credit union, or other financial …

Sep 4, 2024 · Checks that are more than six months old are called “stale checks.” A bank or credit union may choose to honor such a check and different states have different requirements, but federal law …

Oct 21, 2024 · A stale-dated check (also known as a stale check) is one that is not cashed within a certain time frame after the check was written, typically six months. Banks, credit unions, and other …

The challenge is navigating the rules that banks and businesses follow for these aged checks. This guide will walk you through exactly what makes a check “stale,” what your rights are, and the precise …