What Is a Postdated Check?

If you need to pay a bill with a future due date or make a purchase before you have the funds available, writing a postdated check could be an option. But what exactly is a postdated check, and what are the rules for using one? Here’s what you need to know about postdated checks.

What is a postdated check?

A postdated check is a regular check with one key difference: The date written on it is in the future. For example, if today is Jan. 7 and you write a check but date it Jan. 15, you have prepared a postdated check. 

By writing a postdated check, you’re asking the recipient to wait to cash or deposit the check until a specific future date. Postdated checks can be useful if you’re writing a check early for a bill that’s due on a later date. Postdating can also give you time to make sure you have enough money in your bank account when a check is cashed or deposited. 

Writing a postdated check may also help you avoid overdraft fees or insufficient funds fees if you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a bill or purchase.

What are the rules for postdated checks?

Financial institutions generally aren’t required to wait to cash a postdated check. That means even if you write a postdated check, the money might still be taken from your account before the date on the check. This is why writing a postdated check is risky and shouldn’t be relied upon. 

Some states may require banks and credit unions to wait to cash a postdated check as long as you notify the institution. If you’re planning to use a postdated check, first ask your bank or credit union about its rules regarding postdated checks.

The rules may vary depending on how you notify your financial institution that you plan to use a postdated check.

• Written notice: If you notify your bank in writing a “reasonable” amount of time before it receives the postdated check, your notice is valid for six months.
• Oral notice: This type of notice will be valid for only 14 days.

Postdated check rules by state

Here are examples of postdated check rules in a few different states:

• Florida: Anyone who writes a postdated check is required to notify the institution in writing. You must include the date, the recipient’s name, the check number and the check amount. The institution can’t be held liable for cashing the check if you fail to provide written notice.
• Idaho: Revenue officers trying to collect taxes are not allowed to threaten to deposit checks before the date listed. They also can’t solicit postdated checks as an attempt to threaten criminal prosecution.
• Maine: Check-cashing or foreign currency exchange businesses can’t cash or advance money on a postdated check.

Is it illegal to postdate a check?

Generally, writing a postdated check is legal. However, a postdated check can violate laws if it’s written with the intention of defrauding a person or business. These are known as “worthless check” laws and, though they exist in all 50 states, the specific laws and punishments vary. 

The punishments for committing check fraud can include fines, restitution, probation and in some cases, even jail time.

Alternatives to postdating a check

If you decide against postdating a check, here are some alternative strategies to consider:

• Schedule an electronic bill payment. Many banks allow you to schedule bill payments in advance through your online banking portal or mobile app, so you know exactly when money will be taken from your account.
• Ask about payment plans. If you’re struggling to pay a bill by its due date, try reaching out to your provider. You may be able to arrange a payment plan or adjust your due dates to a time of the month that works better for your budget.
• Set reminders. To ensure you have sufficient funds in your account, consider enabling payment reminders through your bank or calendar app to alert you when due dates are coming up. 
• Pay with a credit card. If you don’t have the money in your bank account to pay a bill, consider using a credit card to cover the cost. But make sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.