Checking Accounts

Personal checks are typically good for 6 months. Business, government, US Treasury, cashier's and traveler's checks are different. U.S. Treasury checks are good for up to one year. Traveler's checks and domestic United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders do not expire. 

In other words, checks do generally expire after a certain amount of time, which varies depending on the type of check. 

By law, banks are under no obligation to accept personal or business checks that are older than 6 months. Beyond that timeline, it is up to the bank's discretion, which may include contacting the account holder for approval. It's wise to contact the issuer before attempting to cash a stale check.

It's generally easier to get a checking account online. It can take just minutes there's no need for signatures or branch visits.

If your account is with a traditional bank you will have the option to conduct most or all of your business online or at a local bank branch. If it's with an online-only bank, unless you are granted access to an ATM network, everything you do will be done online.

You can find your checking account number on a check. The second series of numbers on the bottom of your check is you account number.

You can also find your checking account number on a bank statement.

If you don't have a check or a bank statement, you can contact your bank. After verifying your identity, they'll give you the account number.

You can get a checking account if you were blacklisted by ChexSystems. Some banks and credit unions offer so-called "second chance" checking accounts.

These accounts might come with monthly fees, but you can move to a regular, less costly account after a year or two of good account management.