Cheques - do they have a lifespan?

missk_2

Sorry if this is posted on the wrong area. I have heard that cheques should be banked within 6 months of their date or they are not worth the paper they are written on. Is this legally the case? I have one dated a little older than this and wondered whether I have any chance of getting the money?

Does anyone know where I stand.

Thanks for any help.

gt94sss2

The best advice is to pay it in and see what happens - there is a good chance it will go through with no problems.

From the APACS website:

Is it true that cheques are only valid for six months?

It is common banking practice to reject cheques that are over six months old to protect the payer, on the basis that payment may already have been made by some other means or the cheque may have been lost or stolen . However, this is at the discretion of individual banks. It should not be assumed that cheques in excess of six months old would automatically be rejected — the only certain way to cancel a cheque is to request that a stop be placed on it (although cheques backed by a Cheque Guarantee Card cannot be stopped). It is recommended that, if possible, customers in possession of cheques that are over six months old obtain a replacement. A cheque remains legally valid for six years.

Regards
Sunil

exel1966

OP you are right about the 6 months, however in reality it will come down to the bank clerk accepting it at point of payment as to whether he/she notices.
As mentioned above, could you obtain a replacement ?