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Just opened an account at a credit union that allows me to make deposits over the Internet with my scanner and a Java app.

I assume I need to keep the actual check for at least until the money shows up, but how long should I keep it?

Also, let me know if you have any tips for how you keep them.

2 Answers 2

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Keep the check for 90 days. That's what most banks advice. I usually shred the check after that.

The bank has a copy of the scan anyway. But if it makes you feel better, retain the digital copy as well.

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    Make sure to mark it so you remember it was cashed. Presenting an invalid check is a misdemeanor. May 14, 2011 at 19:55
  • Marking this as the winner since I read the TOS for my credit union. However I will definitely being doing the envelope thing because that makes me feel good =)
    – MrChrister
    May 15, 2011 at 18:30
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I'd archive the scan, and immediately shred the check. Drop the scans into folder by quarter i.e. calendar 3 month groups, and when you start a new folder delete the one that's 2 quarters old.

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  • Read your TOS. My deposit service wants the paper copy archived for 60 (or was it 90?) days.
    – bstpierre
    May 14, 2011 at 23:13
  • Ok. Envelopes by month. When you start #5, throw out #1 (or empty and relabel it as 5th month.) May 15, 2011 at 0:28

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