Do Cheques Expire If Not Cashed? How Long Are Cheques Valid?

Learn how long cheques remain valid before expiring and why it’s important to cash or deposit them promptly.

Published

Video transcript

Cheques do have expiration dates. Generally, most cheques expire after six months, although this timeline can vary depending on the issuing bank's policies. It's best to cash or deposit a cheque as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.

Questions and answers

  1. How long does a cheque remain valid before it expires?

    Typically, a cheque is valid for six months from the date it was issued, but this can vary based on the bank’s policies.

  2. What happens if you try to cash an expired cheque?

    Banks will usually reject cheques presented after the expiration period, so the cheque will not be honored.

  3. Can cheque expiration dates vary between banks?

    Yes, while six months is common, some banks may have shorter or longer validity periods for cheques.

  4. Is it better to deposit or cash a cheque immediately?

    Yes, depositing or cashing a cheque as soon as possible helps avoid issues with expiry and funds availability.