How long is a cheque drawn on a bank valid for?

Tirian

My wife hates paperwork & finances, so I have been going through piles of old papers recently.

Amongst all the bits and bobs, have come across a cheque from HSBC for around £20 (in respect of some investment or other that she used to have, I think). It's dated March 31 2003.

How worthwhile would it be to suggest that she attempt to deposit this now? I mean, I'm not going to throw £20 away for nothing - but equally, if it's a complete waste of time then we've both got plenty else to do than go on a wild goose chase for the sake of £20.

opinions4u

You need to go back to the issuer of the cheque and ask for a replacement.

Some firms will charge an administration fee for this.

Tirian

Hmm. The issuer I think is SunLife Canada. I rather suspect it's not going to be worthwhile pursuing.

Biggles

You're probably right. I'd be inclined to bank it, along with some other cheque(s) at the same time, and see if it slips through, they often do.

If Sun Life have written it off (as they probably have) they may find it's less trouble to honour it than to engage in correspondence with you about it.

Ben8282

A cheque is valid 6 months.
You will need to contact the drawer and ask for a new cheque.

JimmyTheWig

Ben8282 wrote: »

A cheque is valid 6 months.

Is it wrong / illegal / etc to try to pay in a cheque older than this?
Will the OP be charged by their bank if they pay it in an it isn't honoured by the other side?
Or will it just not get paid?

HappyMJ

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

Is it wrong / illegal / etc to try to pay in a cheque older than this?
Will the OP be charged by their bank if they pay it in an it isn't honoured by the other side?
Or will it just not get paid?

It's not wrong or illegal to try...whether it's paid or not is up to the bank and if you pay it in through a teller they'll reject it straight away.

Just contact the issuer and ask for a replacement.

thenudeone

Ben8282 wrote: »

A cheque is valid 6 months.

Another urban myth.

Depending on what is specified in your agreement with your bank, they can be paid much later than 6 months as this case shows:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/3866745.stm

The trade body's view is here:
http://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/faqs/-/page/is_it_true_that_cheques_are_only_valid_for_six_months/

A cheque is in itself proof of a debt and can be used as the sole basis for a court case against the cheque writer, for up to 6 years. There is no need to provide proof of an underlying transaction. So, for example, stopping the cheque to the builder because you find a fault shortly after writing it; will not stop a successful legal action. Once you've written the cheque, you have acknowledged the debt.

Ben8282 wrote: »

You will need to contact the drawer and ask for a new cheque.

I agree with this bit.