How to Handle Finding an Old Check That Was Not Cashed

You can still cash a check even if it is expired.

Finding an old check that has not been cashed can be uplifting until you see that it has expired. In today's tough economic climate, every little bit of money helps, and that expired check could save you from sweating this month's bills. While some banks do not take expired checks (but many will), you will be happy to know that you are still owed the funds by law and can take action to get paid.

Instructions

1. Check the address for the financial institution listed on the check, and use a local directory to find the phone number. If the institution is not local, use an online directory to find the phone number.

2. Call the financial institution and make it aware that you would like to cash an expired check with it. Ask a representative if the financial institution honors expired checks, and if the issuer has put a stop payment on your specific check, or if the account has been closed.

3. Contact the issuer of the check if the issuer's bank will not cash the check. Ask if the person or business can re-issue you a check. If the issuer asks you to return the expired check, make sure you do so in an expedited manner.

4. Speak to a lawyer if the issuer of the check will not write you a new check. If the check is for a small amount of money, you may not want to pursue legal action.

Tips & Warnings

• While the issuer of the check may use the excuse that the check is expired -- and it is your loss -- understand that the issuer still legally owes you the money, and most states will side with you should you take legal action.

References

• FDIC.Gov: 6500 - Consumer Protection
• GetRichSlowly.Org: Stale Checks: How Long Can Someone Wait to Deposit a Check?