How to Get Rid of Old Checks

Whether you have deposited a check online or you have blank checks you no longer need, you'll want to dispose of them properly to avoid your private information getting in the wrong hands. Personal checks contain sensitive details that could lead to identity theft and scams that harm you financially and take up your time to handle. You have several ways to get rid of old checks and checkbooks, but first be sure you don't need to retain them for some reason.

• ​Shred them.​ The Federal Trade Commission recommends shredding unwanted financial documents such as checks. You can purchase a shredder at an office supply store, follow the setup instructions and then feed the checks through the shredder. You'll want to avoid putting too many checks through at one time. If you have no shredder, you could look for shredding services offered through municipalities or try shredding the checks by hand into small pieces using a pair of scissors.
• ​Soak and pulp them.​ A messier approach involves soaking your unused checks in a bucket of some liquid such as bleach or water. You'll likely need to stir the mixture regularly until the checks break down into a pulp mixture. Therefore, the process is more time-consuming than shredding.
• ​Burn them (safely).​ Alternatively, you can throw the checks in an open fire to completely destroy them. However, you'll need to do this safely to avoid burns or property damage. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality notes you'll also need to look at local ordinances and rules if you'll burn the checks in an open fire in your backyard.

You can dispose of old checkbooks for unused or closed accounts using the same methods as individual checks. However, you'll likely need to separate the blank checks from the checkbook before you feed them through a shredder, put them in liquid or burn them.

You could also try contacting the financial institution where you had the bank account. They may take the unused checkbooks back from you for secure disposal.

After you electronically deposit a check to your checking account, Wells Fargo recommends retaining it for ​five days​. That's because a problem could result in your needing to present the check again. You'll want to make sure the check is stored securely until disposal. You should later be able to reference a check image online if necessary or request a copy of the canceled check from your bank.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about when and why to dispose of old checks.

According to Huntington, most types of business and personal checks have a ​six-month​ expiration date, while government checks usually go stale within ​one year.​ Traveler's checks stay good indefinitely, while cashier's checks may or may not expire depending on the bank's policies.

Since a canceled check has already been paid, you may either retain it or dispose of it depending on the circumstance. For example, you might need to keep a check in your financial records if you expect to need it to verify some expenditure such as a tax payment to the IRS or a credit card payment to your card company. Otherwise, you can proceed with disposal.

While your bank's routing number listed on a check isn't unique, the bank account number is sensitive financial information that could result in damage if it gets into the wrong hands. It's common for checks to include your name, address and possibly your phone number. Plus, your highly sensitive Social Security or driver's license number could even appear on the memo line.

Bank 5 cautions that you could face identity theft or check fraud if your check gets into the wrong hands. Criminals could conduct electronic transactions, write checks without authorization or even open new accounts. Your contact information also tells criminals where you live, so you could experience mail theft where the criminal takes credit cards, bank statements and other sensitive items.