postdated

Postdated is an adjective describing a document or payment that bears a date in the future relative to when it is issued. The term is most commonly used for checks, but can also apply to promissory notes, invoices, or other instruments where the stated date determines when action is expected or when funds become due.

In the context of checks, a postdated check carries a future calendar date. The issuer intends payment to occur on or after that date. The payee may present the check earlier, but whether funds are honored depends on bank policy and the agreement between parties. Some banks or merchants hold postdated items until the date on the check, while others may process them immediately if funds are available. The practice can affect cash flow and may carry risks of overdrafts or rejected payments, so parties often seek explicit agreement about presenting timelines.

Regulation and practice surrounding postdating vary by jurisdiction and financial institution. Some laws or banking policies restrict or discourage postdating to prevent fraud or consumer harm. Individuals and businesses should confirm with their bank whether a postdated item will be honored and under what conditions, and should document their intent to postdate to reduce disputes.

Other uses include postdating contracts or billing, where the stated effective date is later than the signing date, affecting liability, interest accrual, or due dates. The term also appears in accounting to describe items scheduled for future dates. Etymologically, postdated derives from Latin post, meaning after, and datum, meaning given.