Is There a Time Limit to Cash a Check?

There are different kinds of payment methods, such as cash, credit cards, money orders or checks. If a person pays you by check, it's best to deposit it as soon as possible, because there is a time limit on cashing checks.

What's the Time Limit on Checks?

• There is a six-month or 180-day time limit to cash a check, so the person receiving a check should try to cash it as soon as possible. If the person tries to cash it after six months, the bank has the right not to pay the check.

What to Do If the Check Is 6 Months Old

• If the check is more than six months old, the bank has the right not to pay it. It may choose to do so under its discretion. If the bank doesn't cash the check, contact the person or group who wrote the check and ask that a new one be issued.

How to Avoid This

• To avoid dealing with the time limit on checks, deposit the check into your account as soon as possible. You may also cash the check at the bank it is drawn on.