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Bank Checks Demystified: 6 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Checks

No one really teaches you about checks. It is just one of those things that we, as adults, are expected to know. Despite checks still being widely accepted, many of us have stepped away from using them as frequently.

This might be due to some confusion surrounding checks and check printing. This article, however, is here to save the day with some commonly asked questions about checks! Keep reading to learn how to order, write, and deposit checks.

1. How to Order Checks

Before you write a check, you will need to order some! This is fairly easy, as all you have to do is visit your bank in person or order them online through your bank’s website. Alternatively, you can buy checks from check printing companies, or even stores like Walmart or Costco.

Depending on the quantity and type of checks you purchase, it can typically run you anywhere from $11 to $36 with an average of $20 per box of 100 checks. Personalized checks are more expensive.

2. How to Write a Check

If you don’t know how to write a check, or if you haven’t filed one in a while, learning to do so is very easy and can be broken down into 6 simple steps.

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Step 1: Date the check

In the top-right corner, there is a space to fill out the current date. It does not matter whether you write out the date numerically or if you spell out the name of the month. However, your check will not be accepted if it is not dated.

Step 2: Address Who the Check is For

On the check, you will see a line that states “Pay to The Order of” where you will write out the name of the person or company you wish to pay. If you do not know the name of the person or company, you can write out the check to “cash.” However, this allows anyone to cash your check.

Step 3: Write Out the Payment Amount in Numbers

How much are you paying the person or company? In the small box on the left side of the check, you’ll want to write out the dollar amount you wish to pay. You do not need to include a dollar sign, but be sure to correctly write the amount (ex. $145.60.)

Step 4: Write Out the Payment Amount in Words

Underneath the line titled “Pay to the Order of” is another line on which you will spell out the payment amount in words. This is used to confirm the dollar amount you wrote in the step above. For example, $145.60 is written as “one hundred forty-five dollars and 60/100 cents.” If it is a whole dollar amount, write 0/100 to clarify there are no additional cents owed.

Step 5: Write a Memo

While filling out the memo section is not required, it can be helpful to see why you wrote the check. Occasionally, companies will ask you to put your customer ID or account number in the memo field. However, if you’re paying a monthly bill, you can write “Monthly Electric Bill” for your own records.

Step 6: Sign the Front of the Check

The check is not valid without your signature! Once you are done completing all the fields, you will have to sign the front of the check with your signature. This confirms all the information you have included on the check.

3. How to Deposit a Check

Depositing a check will take the dollar amount the check is issued and deposit that value in your bank account. There are a few ways to deposit checks, all of which are fairly easy to do. However, If the check is issued to you, you must first sign the back of the check-in in order for it to be accepted. Depending on your preference, you can:

  • Use your mobile banking app.
  • Bring the check to the bank for a bank teller to deposit it into your account.
  • Deposit it at an ATM.

Alternatively, if you do not have a bank account, you can cash the check at a retail store that cashes checks or cash it at the bank that issued it. There are also check-cashing services available at independent money service entities.

4.  How to Void a Check

In certain situations, like setting up direct deposit, it may be necessary to void a check. This makes it impossible to use the check to make a payment or withdraw money from your account. All you have to do to void a check is write out the word “VOID” in black or blue ink across the entire check.

5.  How to Endorse a Check

If the check is issued to you, you will have to endorse the back of the check-in in order to deposit or cash the amount. All this means is that you have to sign the line on the back of the check. That’s all!

6.  How Long is a Check Good For?

Personal and business checks are good for up to 6 months if they have been filled out. Your personal checks, as long as they are blank and your banking information has not changed, will not expire.

Conclusion – 6 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Checks

There is a lot of unnecessary insecurity about writing checks. For example, people are terrified they’ll end up in jail for accidentally writing a bad check. If this does happen, all you have to do is call your bank and pay any fees involved.

Now, if you’re intentionally writing checks from bank accounts that do not exist, that is considered theft and can result in jail time and/or big penalty fees. This depends on the state in which the check is issued, but regardless, most states treat this as a petty crime. Most of us common folk need not worry about writing bad checks, as mistakes do happen. Make sure you have sufficient funds before you write out a check and you should be good to go!

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