My bank refuses to cash or deposit my annuity check before the first of each month. The only date on the check is the "Not Valid 60 Days from *****" date. There is no other date on the check. I have been told by Birkshire Hathaway, folks who write the check, that it is valid as soon as it is in my possession. As the check has to be in my hands before the first of each month, sometimes it gets to me early like before weekends or holidays. I'm not comfortable keeping it around over the weekend not in the bank. Who's right? Is it legal tender when in my hands or not? The bank says they can only use the not valid date as there is no other date on the check. There are other reasons for not using Direct Deposit.

I thought this was interesting and couldn't find the answer SO when I went to my bank today I asked.

Their policy is that if the check is not valid 60 days a date, that date is the check on which the check is GOOD. The check is NOT good/negotiable prior to that date.

The Officer said the wording is self limiting.

So endorse it "for deposit only" and keep it until the date it's good.

OR have Berkshire Hathaway write a letter to you which you can hand carry to the bank.

I think I'll call Birkshire again and see if they will even send me a statement that it is good when I receive it. It will, I'm sure, still come down to bank policy. Odd how when I did have direct deposit they would sometimes count it in the account 2-3 days early. Thanks Judy.

Please come back and let us know - this is really a good question, and I do understand what you are asking.

I'll be curious to know what the "official" answer is.

Thanks Judy. I suppose that even if I get the letter from Birkshire it will still come down to bank policy. Odd how when I did have it on Direct Deposit they would on those strange dates, count it into my account 2-3 days early.

I know - I was thinking about that. Of course, banks are practically pulling guns on people to force them to direct deposit just about everything so maybe that's the reason for the bank policy.

Can't wait to hear what happens next!

I'd op for the direct deposit for the check. Then you don't have to deal with your bank's narrow views of check deposit and your check would be safe and you would not have to drive down to the bank.