encash

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitiveformalbusinessfinance

   To exchange a check, voucher, or similar document for money.

   Grammar: Takes an object: encash a check. The object is the document, not the money.

   Patterns

   • encash a check
   • encash a voucher
   • encash something at a bank

   You can encash the check at any branch of the issuing bank.

   Please encash your voucher before the expiry date.

   He encashed the traveler's checks at the airport counter.

2. 2verbtransitiveformalfinance

   To convert an asset or investment into cash.

   Grammar: Often used with financial assets: encash shares, encash a policy.

   Patterns

   • encash shares
   • encash an investment
   • encash a policy

   She decided to encash her shares before the market fell.

   The policy can be encashed after five years.

   Investors rushed to encash their holdings during the crisis.

Word forms

Common combinations

encash a check

The bank refused to encash the check because the signature was missing.

encash a voucher

You can encash the gift voucher online.

encash shares

He encashed his shares to pay for the house.

encash at a bank

The bond must be encashed at a bank, not at a store.

Synonyms and how they differ

cash

The everyday verb; 'cash a check' is more common in American English than 'encash a check'.

redeem

Used more for coupons, points, or bonds; it often suggests getting the value promised rather than simply getting money.

liquidate

A formal finance word for turning assets into cash; it is stronger and often suggests selling everything.

Word family

encashment noun

The act of exchanging a check or asset for money.

cash verb

The everyday equivalent, as in 'cash a check'.

Commonly confused: encash or cash? encash or encase?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “encash”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words