Navigating the ins and outs of bank checks can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when you're wondering how long you have before that piece of paper becomes, well, just paper. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how long Truist checks are good for, along with practical tips and answers to common questions.
How Long Are Truist Checks Good For? Unraveling the Mystery
Let's dive right in! Have you ever found an old check tucked away in a drawer and wondered, "Can I still cash this?" It's a common scenario, and understanding check validity is crucial to avoid headaches and potential fees.
Step 1: The General Rule: 6 Months (180 Days)
For most personal, business, and payroll checks issued by Truist (and generally across the banking industry), the standard validity period is six months, or 180 days, from the date the check was written. This is a widely accepted guideline based on the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs commercial transactions, including checks.
What does this mean for you? If you receive a check, it's always best practice to deposit or cash it as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transaction. Waiting too long can lead to complications.
Step 2: Understanding "Stale-Dated" Checks
When a check passes that 6-month (180-day) mark, it's typically considered "stale-dated."
Sub-heading: What Happens to a Stale-Dated Check?
While a bank is not obligated to honor a stale-dated check according to the UCC, it doesn't automatically mean the check is worthless.
- Bank Discretion: Truist, like other banks, may still choose to honor a stale-dated check at its discretion. This often depends on various factors, including the relationship with the account holder who wrote the check, the amount, and the bank's internal policies.
- Risk of Non-Payment: However, the risk of the check being returned unpaid increases significantly. The check writer's account might be closed, or they may no longer have sufficient funds, especially if they've forgotten about the outstanding check.
- Potential Fees: If you attempt to deposit or cash a stale-dated check and it bounces, you could be hit with a "deposit item returned" fee from your bank, and the check writer might incur a "non-sufficient funds" (NSF) fee.
Step 3: Special Cases: Different Types of Checks
While the 6-month rule is the general guideline, some types of checks have different validity periods. It's important to be aware of these distinctions:
Sub-heading: U.S. Treasury Checks
Checks issued by the U.S. Treasury (which includes federal tax refunds and Social Security benefits) are typically good for one year from the issue date. If you have an expired U.S. Treasury check, you'll need to contact the issuing agency to request a new one. Rest assured, the government still owes you the money!
Sub-heading: State and Local Government Checks
The expiration for checks issued by state or local government agencies can vary by state law. Generally, they might be valid for anywhere from 6 months to a year. Always check the physical check for any printed expiration information, or contact the issuing government agency if it's an older check.
Sub-heading: Cashier's Checks and Certified Checks
These are often perceived as "guaranteed" funds, and their validity can be a bit more nuanced:
- No Set Expiration: Unlike personal checks, cashier's checks and certified checks generally do not have a set expiration date in the same way. The funds are drawn from the bank's own account (for cashier's checks) or held from the payer's account (for certified checks) at the time of issuance.
- Unclaimed Property Laws: However, if a cashier's or certified check remains uncashed for a very long period, it may eventually become subject to state "unclaimed property" laws. This means the funds could be turned over to the state.
- Issuer's Policies: Some banks might print "void after X days" on cashier's checks, but this is often to encourage timely cashing and may not legally void the check after that period. If you have an older cashier's check, it's best to contact Truist directly to confirm their current policy.
Sub-heading: Money Orders and Traveler's Checks
- Money Orders: Generally, money orders do not expire. However, after a certain period (which can vary by issuer and state), the issuer might start charging a non-refundable fee from the total amount.
- Traveler's Checks: These are designed to be used over a long period and typically do not expire as long as the issuing company is still in business.
Step 4: What to Do If You Have an Old Truist Check
So you've found an older check. Don't panic! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:
Sub-heading: If the Check is Within 6 Months
- Deposit or Cash Immediately: This is the easiest scenario. Simply deposit the check via the Truist mobile app, ATM, or at a branch, or cash it at a Truist branch (if you are the payee and have an account with them, or if you meet their non-customer check cashing requirements).
Sub-heading: If the Check is Older Than 6 Months (Stale-Dated)
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Contact the Check Writer First (Highly Recommended): Before attempting to deposit or cash a stale-dated check, your best course of action is to contact the person or business who wrote the check.
- Verify Funds: Ask if they still have sufficient funds in their account to cover the check.
- Request a New Check: Politely explain that the original check is stale-dated and request that they issue you a new, current check. This is often the most straightforward solution and prevents potential fees for both parties.
- Account Status: Also, verify if their account or financial institution has changed since the check was issued.
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Attempt to Deposit/Cash (with caution): If you cannot reach the check writer, or if they decline to issue a new check, you can attempt to deposit the stale-dated check.
- In-Branch Deposit: Depositing it at a Truist branch might give you the opportunity to speak with a teller about its status. They might be able to tell you upfront if they can process it or if it will likely be returned.
- Mobile Deposit/ATM: While convenient, using mobile deposit or an ATM for stale-dated checks carries a higher risk of the check being processed and then later returned, potentially incurring fees.
Step 5: What Happens If a Truist Check is Returned Unpaid?
If a check, especially a stale-dated one, is returned unpaid (bounces), here's what you can expect:
- Notification: Truist will notify you that the check has been returned.
- Fees: As mentioned, you may incur a "deposit item returned" fee from Truist.
- Account Adjustment: The funds that were provisionally credited to your account (if any) will be debited back.
- Next Steps: At this point, your only recourse is to contact the check writer directly and request a new payment method.
Important Considerations for Truist Account Holders
- Keeping Records: Always keep good records of checks you've written and received, including dates and amounts.
- Monitoring Your Account: Regularly review your Truist account statements and online banking to ensure all checks you've written have cleared and all checks you've deposited have been credited successfully.
- Stop Payments: If you've written a check and it hasn't been cashed in a long time (and you've made efforts to contact the payee without success), you might consider placing a stop payment on it through Truist to protect your funds. Be aware that stop payments typically have a fee and are only valid for a certain period (often six months, though they can sometimes be renewed).
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the expiration date on a Truist check?
Most personal, business, and payroll checks do not have an explicit expiration date printed on them. Instead, their validity is governed by the general banking rule of 6 months (180 days) from the date written. For government checks, look for "void after" dates.
How to cash an expired Truist check?
If a Truist check is expired (beyond 6 months for personal/business checks), your best bet is to contact the person or business who wrote the check and request a new one. While Truist may cash a stale-dated check at their discretion, they are not obligated to, and it carries the risk of being returned.
How to deposit an old Truist check using mobile banking?
You can attempt to deposit an old Truist check via mobile deposit, but be aware that if it's stale-dated (over 6 months old), it has a higher chance of being rejected or returned by the bank, potentially incurring a fee. It's always safer to contact the check writer first.
How to request a new check from someone whose Truist check has expired?
Reach out to the check writer, explain that the original check is past its usual validity period (6 months), and politely ask them to issue a new, current check. This helps ensure the funds are available and avoids potential issues for both parties.
How to find out if a Truist check has been cashed?
You can typically see if a check you've written has been cashed by checking your Truist online banking or mobile app for the transaction history on your checking account. The cleared check should appear there.
How to put a stop payment on a Truist check?
You can typically place a stop payment on a check you've written through Truist's online banking, mobile app, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch. Be prepared to provide the check number, date, payee, and exact amount. A fee usually applies.
How to handle a Truist check with "void after 90 days" printed on it?
Even if a check has "void after 90 days" printed on it, most banks, including Truist, will still typically honor personal and business checks for up to 180 days (6 months) as per the Uniform Commercial Code. The printed language is often to encourage prompt deposit. However, it's still best to deposit it sooner rather than later.
How to avoid issues with old Truist checks?
Always deposit or cash checks promptly after receiving them. If you've written a check, keep track of it to ensure it clears in a timely manner. Regular reconciliation of your Truist account can help identify outstanding checks.
How to get money from an old U.S. Treasury check from Truist?
U.S. Treasury checks are good for one year. If your U.S. Treasury check is older than one year, you cannot cash it at Truist. You will need to contact the specific U.S. government agency that issued the check to request a reissuance of the funds.
How to determine if a cashier's check from Truist is still valid?
While cashier's checks generally don't have a fixed expiration date like personal checks, if it's very old, it's best to contact Truist directly. They can verify its status and inform you if it's subject to any specific internal policies or state unclaimed property laws.
