Whether you issue business checks or receive them, it’s important to know their shelf life. We’ve got you covered in this quick guide.

Do business checks expire?

The short answer is yes. So, how long are business checks valid for? It depends on the business.

Most business checks include an expiration date right on the check, typically “Void after 180 days” or another defined time period. While this exact deadline is debatable, this fine print encourages recipients to cash the check immediately.

Business checks are usually valid for six months unless it clearly states it’s valid for up to one year. After a certain time, a business must report and escheat the funds to the state as unclaimed property. These requirements are state-specific, and each state has rules for a minimum dollar amount or a minimum length of dormancy.

Why business check expiration dates are protection

In general, business checks need to be timely in issuing and cashing. This helps recipients receive their money, and it helps businesses have an accurate and real-time view of their current financial standing without outstanding transactions.

Business check expiration dates also protect you as a business owner. Checks are issued when you have a defined bank balance and guaranteed confidence that you can afford these payments. When these checks aren’t cashed quickly, it can throw things off, especially if it’s cashed months down the road when your business doesn’t have the available funds.

Additionally, waiting too long to cash a business check will likely be a headache. Checks can bounce, and banks set their own policies if they will (or won’t) process an old check.

Start with the right business checks

Custom business checks are completely personalized with your account details and branding. Our laser business checks save you time, money, and ensure that your business finances are always up to date in real-time, 24/7, accuracy.

Business checks are used solely for your business and come in two categories:

• Laser Checks: Essential for businesses that have existing accounting software programs (like QuickBooks® or Peachtree/Sage®), laser business checks maximize this investment powerfully. These laser business checks automatically track spending, maintain vendor details, and create easy-access records. Not only do they help ensure financial accuracy, but they also save businesses critical time and money that matters most.
  Checksforless.com® ensures that our laser business checks are 100% compatible with existing software. We also provide custom business checks that include your company logo and brand colors.
• Manual Checks: Ideal for businesses that need a portable way to keep track of expenses, these manual business checks are convenient and easy to use. Essential for businesses on the go, these business checks come in various styles and options, notably with the inclusion of vouchers.

Please visit our Business Check Formats Guide for more details on our business checks. Checksforless.com® is the ultimate destination for your custom business checks and all your banking supplies.

We’re proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all business check orders, and we will beat any lower price you find by 10%.

If you’re ready to order your customized laser business checks or customized manual business checks, visit us at Checksforless.com or call us toll-free at 800-245-5775 to get started. If you’re looking for more guidance on business checks, please visit our Business Check Ordering Guide for everything you need. You can also call us toll-free at 800-245-5775, and our teams of experts are always happy to help you with more specific questions.

We look forward to helping you with all your business checking needs!

This article is made possible by Checksforless.com®. For more than 35 years, Checksforless.com® has provided over 500,000 businesses with high quality business checks, deposit slips, and other banking supplies with easy ordering and fast production times; all at the guaranteed lowest price in the nation. Our discount business checks are easily customizable and compatible with over 4,500 software programs including QuickBooks and Peachtree/Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree). Email or call us toll-free at 800-245-5775 or visit us online at Checksforless.com®.