We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Cheques how long before they are void?
Options

tracker10
Posts: 6 Forumite
I paid a bill by cheque, the amount as been taken of my statement,but the cheque amount as not been taken out of my current acount,this happened four months ago.So how long is it before a cheque cannot be presented for payment?
0
Comments
-
In practice, most banks will not accept a cheque deposit if the date on it is more than 6 months ago.
In law a cheque can be accepted for payment several years (6?) after the drawn date.
The most likely outcome here is that the company you have made the payment to will find the error in their systems and come back to you for a replacement cheque.
Either way, assuming your bank doesn't charge, I'd stop the cheque once it's 6 months old. The honest route would be to volunteer a replacement. I confess to not having been so honest when I had a similar situation 12 years ago!0 -
It's simply down to how eagle-eyed the bank cashier is. If he/she doesn't notice the date then the cheque could quite easily pass through the system and be paid as if it were dated today.
Either way, budget NOW with the cheque in mind, that way you won't fall foul of any limitations (overdraft etc) on your account and incur costly charges.0 -
Do not assume that it will not be paid over 6 months old:Out-of-date cheque - a cheque which is dated more than six months before the date when it was presented for payment, the bank may decline to pay it without the drawer's confirmation.http://www.bba.org.uk/customer/glossary-entry/Out-of-date-cheque
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1284209We need the earth for food, water, and shelter.
The earth needs us for nothing.
The earth does not belong to us.
We belong to the Earth0 -
Even if the recipient doesn't cash it within 6 months the cheque could be used as proof of the debt and recovered by alternative means within 6 years.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards