Last reviewed 24 October 2026.
Not every US check is a tax refund. Payroll, royalties and residuals, retirement distributions and dividends still arrive on paper for recipients abroad. What each check needs, and how long it remains payable, depends on its type.
Requirements by check type
Every application includes the documents listed in the application form. Depending on the type of check, the following are also relevant and may be requested:
- Payroll. A pay statement or Form W-2 from the employer, showing the same payee name.
- Royalties and residuals. The royalty or residual statement from the studio, publisher, guild or collecting society, and the Form 1042-S where US tax was withheld.
- Pension and retirement distributions. The distribution statement from the plan administrator, and Form 1042-S or Form 1099-R where issued.
- Dividends. The broker or registrar statement for the payment.
- Estate checks. The letter or statement from the executor or estate attorney explaining the distribution.
- State tax refunds. The state return for the year shown on the check.
In every case the check must be in US dollars, drawn on a US bank and payable to the applicant. Further documents may be requested where the origin of the payment is not clear.
How long a check remains payable
Private checks such as payroll, royalty and dividend checks are generally treated as stale after six months: a US bank is not obliged to pay a check presented more than six months after its date (UCC § 4-404). Some checks are printed with a shorter period, such as “void after 90 days”. US Treasury checks follow a separate one-year rule. An older check may need to be reissued by the payer.
Names and payees
The name on the check, the identity documents and the payout account must all match. Checks made payable to a company, or to someone other than the applicant, cannot be accepted.
Why a US account is rarely the answer
Most US banks require a US address and a Social Security number to open an account, and some require a visit in person. For a single check, or occasional checks, remote deposit through a US money services business avoids opening and maintaining an account.
Fee and timing
A fee of 10% of the face value is deducted from the proceeds; nothing is payable upfront. Funds are paid 14 days after the check clears, or longer for checks over USD 100,000. Full details are in the FAQ and terms.
Sources
Apply
The application takes about ten minutes. Nothing is payable upfront; the fee of 10% of face value is deducted from the proceeds.