Do cheques expire in the UK? If you’ve just found an old one tucked away in a drawer, you’re not alone. It might be a birthday gift from years ago or a refund from a utility company – but is it still worth anything?
In the UK, most cheques expire six months from the date they are written. But the rules can vary depending on who issued it, and there are still steps you can take if a cheque has passed its expiry window.
At Remitly, we’re here to make financial information clearer – especially if you’re still getting used to how things work in a new country. This guide covers everything from how long cheques last to how to get a replacement and safer, faster ways to receive money going forward.
How long are cheques valid in the UK?
In the UK, most cheques are valid for six months from the date written on them – not the date you receive or deposit them. After this period, banks may consider the cheque ‘stale’ and refuse to process it.
This six-month window applies to standard personal and business cheques issued by UK banks. While it’s a widely followed industry guideline, it’s not a strict legal rule. Some banks may use discretion, especially if the cheque is only slightly past the date, but it’s not something to rely on.
- Example: If your cheque is dated 15 May 2025, aim to deposit it by 15 November 2025.
Cheques with shorter expiry periods
Some cheques come with a shorter validity period, especially those issued by:
- Government agencies
- Utility companies
- Insurance providers
These cheques often include a note like ‘Valid for 90 days’ or ‘Void after three months’ – and may not be accepted past that date, even if technically under six months.
- Tip: Always check the small print on the cheque or the letter it came with, and try to deposit cheques as soon as possible.
What happens if a cheque expires?
If you try to deposit or cash a cheque that’s more than six months old, your bank will likely reject it as ‘stale’. While it’s not illegal to deposit an expired cheque, most UK banks follow the standard practice of refusing cheques older than six months.
You’ll usually receive the cheque back with a notice explaining why it wasn’t accepted. In rare cases, some banks may charge a small processing fee for handling an expired cheque. The good news is that the money doesn’t vanish. It remains in the issuer’s account unless they’ve cancelled the cheque.
If you’re the cheque recipient:
- Contact the person or business who wrote the cheque to explain that it has expired
- Ask for a replacement payment – either a new cheque or a bank transfer, which is often faster and more reliable.
If you’re the cheque writer:
- Worried about an old or lost cheque being cashed? You can contact your bank to request a stop payment.
- Most UK banks charge a fee for this service – typically £10 to £20, depending on your provider.
- A stop payment ensures the cheque can’t be processed, even if a bank were to accept it past the expiry period.
Banks won’t automatically replace expired cheques, so action is required on your part to get the funds reissued.
What to do if you’ve found an expired cheque
Found a cheque in a drawer that’s past its date? Don’t panic – you may still be able to claim the funds. Here’s what to do:
- Check the date carefully
Most cheques are valid for six months from the date written. Some may expire earlier if marked with a note like ‘Void after 90 days’.
- Contact the issuer
Reach out to the person, business, or organisation that issued the cheque. Explain the situation and ask whether they’re able to reissue the payment.
- Request a replacement
Most issuers will cancel the old cheque and send you a new one. Some may ask you to return the original before doing so.
- Ask for a bank transfer instead
In many cases, a direct bank transfer is quicker and avoids further expiry concerns. If they agree, ask them to formally cancel the cheque with their bank to avoid double payments.
Helpful tip: Be prompt – the longer you wait, the more likely the issuer’s accounting records will be closed for that period, making replacement more complicated.
Special cases and exceptions: when cheque rules differ
Not all cheques follow the same rules. Depending on how and where they’re issued, some cheques may be treated differently by banks – especially when it comes to expiry dates, fees, or processing times.
Here’s what to know about a few common exceptions.
Post-dated cheques
A post-dated cheque is one that’s written with a future date. While this may seem like a way to delay payment, most UK banks don’t strictly enforce future dates.
For example, the Bank of Ireland UK notes that it may cash a post-dated cheque before the written date and that any losses resulting from this are not reimbursed.
Regardless, the six-month validity period still starts from the date written on the cheque, not the date it’s cashed or received. So if a cheque is dated 1 June 2025, it should be deposited by 1 December 2025.
Traveller’s cheques
Although traveller’s cheques are largely outdated – with providers like American Express no longer issuing them – they do not expire.
If you still have some from a past holiday, the value may still be redeemable. These cheques can often be cashed or exchanged at major banks or currency exchange providers, though some may charge a fee or limit services.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm whether a provider will accept them and in what currency they can be converted.
Bank drafts and cashier’s cheques
A bank draft (or cashier’s cheque) is issued by a bank on your behalf and typically used for large or secure payments. The bank guarantees the funds, which can make the cheque more trustworthy to the payee.
However, bank drafts are now less commonly used. Some banks – like Barclays – will still issue them for a fee (around £15), but many only cash them, not issue new ones.
Always check whether a bank draft has an expiry date before issuing or depositing one. Although these cheques are more secure, they can still expire, depending on the terms set by the issuing bank.
Overseas cheques
Foreign cheques – particularly those in another currency or from a non-UK bank – follow different processing methods and timelines.UK banks generally use one of the two methods to clear foreign cheques:
- Cheque negotiation: The bank deposits funds into your account quickly (often within one to two days), but if the cheque later bounces, the amount can be reversed – sometimes even years later.
- Cheque collection: The bank waits until the funds have cleared from the issuing bank before crediting your account. This process is safer but can take up to 12 weeks.
Note: If you regularly receive payments from abroad, a bank transfer or a digital money transfer may be faster, safer, and more convenient.
How to prevent a cheque from expiring
With so many payments now made digitally, it’s easy to forget about a paper cheque sitting in a drawer or tucked into a card. However, the easiest way to avoid expiry problems is to act early. These tips can help ensure you don’t miss the window to deposit your cheque – or risk losing access to funds.
Deposit cheques promptly
Try to deposit any cheque as soon as you receive it. The longer you wait, the higher the chance it will expire or be rejected.
Many UK banks now offer mobile cheque deposit via app – just take a photo and upload it securely, without visiting a branch.
Set a calendar reminder
If you can’t deposit a cheque right away, set a phone alert or calendar reminder within a few days. This is especially useful if you’ve received the cheque by post or as part of a refund you weren’t expecting.
Always check the date
Before accepting or holding onto a cheque, verify the date written on it. Remember: the six-month validity period starts from that date – not from when you receive it.
Learn how UK cheques work
If you’re new to the UK banking system, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how cheques are processed. Cheques may seem old-fashioned, but they’re still used in some settings – including by employers, charities, and government agencies.
Knowing what to expect helps avoid delays or expired payments down the line.
Digital alternatives to cheques
While cheques are still accepted in the UK, they’re no longer the preferred method of payment – and many organisations are phasing them out. In most situations, digital payments are faster, safer, and easier to manage.
For example, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) no longer sends cheque refunds automatically. Refunds are now processed digitally by default, and a cheque must be specifically requested.
Why are digital payments gaining popularity?
With the growing shift toward online services, digital payments have become a preferred option for many – offering convenience, speed, and peace of mind.
- No expiry issues – There’s no risk of missing a deadline or needing a replacement.
- Faster access to money – Payments often arrive instantly or within one working day.
- Fewer errors – No need to worry about spelling names correctly or damaging the paper.
- Greater convenience – Send or receive money via app, online banking, or a digital wallet.
Common alternatives to cheques in the UK
Consider these alternatives if you’re looking for another payment form:
- Bank transfers:
Most banks offer fast, free transfers through online or mobile banking.
- Digital payments: Tools like Remitly are ideal for international transfers or sending money to loved ones abroad. You can track delivery, check exchange rates, and send funds without needing a chequebook.
Tip: If you’re new to the UK or no longer have access to a chequebook, digital options are often the most secure and user-friendly choice.
Don’t forget to check your cheques
Cheques may feel old-fashioned, but they’re still in use across the UK – and knowing how long they’re valid can help you avoid missed payments or delays.
In most cases, cheques expire six months from the date written, but this can vary depending on the issuer. If you’ve found an old cheque, don’t worry: you may still be able to get a replacement or request a digital transfer instead.
To avoid expiry issues, try to deposit cheques as soon as possible, or better yet, explore digital alternatives that offer faster, more secure ways to send and receive money – especially if you’re managing finances across borders.
So if there’s a cheque sitting in a drawer or tucked into a birthday card, now is the perfect time to check the date and take action.
FAQs
Can I cash a cheque that’s more than six months old?
Most UK banks will treat a cheque over six months old as ‘stale’ and may refuse to process it. While it’s not illegal to try, the bank has the right to reject it.
Do all UK cheques expire after six months?
Most personal and business cheques follow the six-month rule, but some – like government or utility refunds – may expire after just 90 days. Always check for any printed expiry notes on the cheque.
What should I do if a cheque has expired?
Contact the person or organisation who issued it and request a replacement or alternative payment. You can also ask for a bank transfer instead of another cheque.
How do I stop a cheque I’ve written from being cashed?
You can contact your bank to issue a stop payment, usually for a fee. This ensures the cheque won’t be honoured, even if presented at a later date.
What are the best alternatives to using cheques in the UK?
Digital bank transfers and online money transfer services like Remitly are fast, secure, and widely used for both local and international payments.