Banking / Checking Account
- When To Use a Check
- Parts of a Check
- Why Use Checks
- Takeaways
With the advent of Paypal, Venmo and Bitcoin, checksseem so last century,but that doesn’t mean you no longer need to knowhow to read a check for banking information.
You might be surprised that in 2018 — the most recent year for which statistics are available — there were still 14.5 billion check payments written, according to the Federal Reserve Board. At the bottom of your check, you’ll see three groups of numbers. Your routing number is in the first group, your account number is in the second, and your check number is in the third group.
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When To Use a Check
Some online transactions require an understanding ofhow to read a checkand where to look for important information. For example, you might need information from your checks to set up direct deposit or arrange an electronic transfer straight into your account. To do either of these, you need to knowhow to decipher yourcheck account and routingnumbers.
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Reading a check is simple, but to understand how to read a check and differentiating between routing and account numbers, or how to read a government check and set up direct deposits, use the following illustrated guide to learn.
What Are the Parts of a Check?
Here are the different parts of a check.
1. Personal Information
In the upper left-hand corner of the check,you’llfind the personal information of the person to whom the account belongs. This typically includes their name and address.
2. Payee Line
On the payee line, you’ll find text that reads “Pay to the order of.”This is the person or business to whom the money will be paid.If the check is made out to you, then you’re the payee. You’ll need to endorse the check by signing the back when you’re ready to cash it. Don’t endorse it until you are ready to cash or deposit it.
3. The Dollar Box
Inside the dollar box, you’ll find the amount that the check is worthwritten in numbers.Write your amount like this: $20.65.
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Begin writing as close to the left side of the box as possible with the dollar sign snug against the first number. You don’t want someone to alter the check to $2220.65.
4. The Amount of the Check
Write thedollaramountoutin words on this line, which is below the payee line. The cents, however, will still be in number format. For example, the amount line would say “Twenty dollars and 65/100” for a check that amounts to $20.65.It must match the amount in the dollar box.
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If there is any room left over on this line once you’ve written out thetotalamount, you can strike through the remaining space so that no one can adjustthe amountwithout your knowledge.
5. Memo Line
The memo lineis optional, but it’s good practice for keeping track of check payments.The memo line is used to signal the reason for the transaction. For example, a renter could write “March2021rent” on the memo line when writing a check to the landlord.
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6. Date Line
On the date line, you’ll find the date the check was written.
Sometimes, the paying party might postdate the check to indicate when the payee should cash it. For example, you might make out a check on March 5,but write March 15 in the date line.This often is done ifaccount funds won’t be available untila specifiedfuture time.
Although the payee potentially could take this as a direction to wait before cashing a check, the check is valid from the moment it’s signed by the issuer.The payee doesn’t have to wait until the date on the date line tocash the check.If the payee attempts to cash the check before the date on this line and the check bounces, the person who wrote the check and the one who cashes it could face fees from their bank.
7. Signature Line
The issuer will sign this line to authorize the check.
8. Bank Name
If you have any questions or concerns about a check, you can contact the bank that is listedon the check.
9. Bank’s ABA Routing Number
TheABA routing numberis a nine-digit number assigned to your bank by the American Bankers Association. This indicates the bank through which the funds will be withdrawn.
You’ll also use your ABA routing number to set up direct deposit and recurring payments. Some banks will have more than one routing number depending on their size, so always make sure you’re using the correct routing number before setting up these types of payments.
10. The Account Number
Thisis the number that’s associated with the checking account from which the funds will be withdrawn. It is the second set of numbers printed at the bottom of your checks. The routing number is first, at the far left.
11. Check Number
The check number is used to identify the individual check. That set of numbers is located at the far right along the bottom of your checks.
12. Bank’s Fractional Number
The fractional number, usually placed toward the top right of your check, contains numbers that correspond with your bank, such as your routing number. Because these numbers are readily available elsewhere on the check, the fractional number isn’t widely used anymore.
You might notice that the routing and account numbers at the bottom of the check look like symbols. It’s a special font known as magnetic ink character recognition, or MICR. This special ink can be read by check-sorting machines.
Reading a Check Is a Useful Skill To Have
If you learnhow to read check detailson a personal account, you’ll also knowhow to read a cashier’s checkandhow to read a business account check.
Why Checks Are Still Useful
- Not everyone knows how to use cash apps, and some people don’t have a mobile phone or computer.
- Some people just like the simplicity and time-tested reliability of writing a check.
- When compared with cash, checks are much more secure. If your wallet is stolen, your cash is probably as good as gone. If you’re sending money as a birthday gift,you’ll risk losing that cash in the mail.
One drawback of checks is that anyonewho gets their hands on one of your checks now knows your name, address, bank information and account number.
Key Takeaways
Need to know your routing number and don’t have a check handy?You can also find your routing number by:
- Using theABA routing number lookup tool
- Checking your bank’s website
You also can find your bank account number on your banking statement. If all else fails, you can call or visit the bank to find out the routing and account numbers.
No matter how you prefer to do your banking, being able to read a check is a good skill to have in case you might run into a situation where checks are the best or only valid form of payment.
This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2020. "The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study."
- Huntington Bank. "How To Endorse a Check: What It Means To Endorse a Check."
- State of Connecticut Department of Banking. "Checks and Related Issues."
- Huntington Bank. "How To Read a Check: Read Numbers on a Check."
- Federal Trade Commission. "Mobile Payment Apps: How To Avoid a Scam."
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. "FDIC Consumer News: Beware of Fake Checks."
- Forbes. 2020. "What Is The Bank Routing Number And Where To Find It."
FAQs
How do you read account information on a check? ›
Find the routing and account numbers on a check. What are the numbers on a check? At the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers. The first group is your routing number, the second is your account number and the third is your check number.
How do you read a bank account number on a check? ›Where is the account number on a check? You can find your account number at the bottom of your checks, the second set of numbers from the left that is between 9 and 12 digits. This number lets the bank know which checking account to take the funds from.
How do I verify a routing number on a check? ›Where is the ABA routing number on my checks? You can find the ABA routing number at the bottom of your checks. The ABA Routing Number is the left-most number, followed by your account number, and then by the number of the check.
How can I find my account and routing number without a check? ›- Go online: Your bank may post its routing number online via its website or mobile banking app. ...
- Bank statement: You might find the routing number on your monthly paper or electronic bank statement, although not all banks include it.
- Call the bank. ...
- Visit a branch.
While someone cannot hack your account directly using only your bank's routing number, a carelessly disposed physical check can compromise your bank account because personal checks contain both your routing and account number.
What information can you find with a check? ›- Your information. In the upper left corner of your check, you'll typically find the name and the address you have on file with your bank. ...
- Check number. ...
- The recipient's name. ...
- The payment amount. ...
- Memo line. ...
- Bank name. ...
- 8-9. ...
- Signature.
Cheque books, passbooks and account statements have your account number printed on them. You can check your bank account number online with mobile and internet banking. You can also visit your bank branch to know your account number.
How do I find my full checking account number? ›Look at a check
Your account number is located along the bottom of your check, to the right of the routing number and to the left of the check number.
Unfortunately, there is no simple, free tool for consumers to verify checks online. You need to contact the particular bank that the funds are drawn on (or the check issuer), and the bank needs to be willing to accommodate your request.
How do I verify a check before depositing it? ›- Make sure the check is issued by a legitimate bank and doesn't have a fake bank name. ...
- Look for check security features, such as microprinting on the signature line, a security screen on the back of the check, and the words “original document” on the back of the check.
How does bank verify a check? ›
Banks can verify checks by checking the funds of the account it was sent from. It's worth noting that a bank will not verify your check before it processes it, meaning you may face fees for trying to cash a bad check. The bank checks if there are funds in the account, and if not, the check bounces.
Can you deposit a check without a routing number? ›The bottom area of a check is called the codeline, and without it your bank will not be able to cash or deposit the eCheck.
How can I deposit a check without my account number? ›Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check) Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.) Cash the check at a check-cashing store. Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.
Can I find my account number without a check? ›Find Your Account Number on a Bank Statement
Typically, account numbers are provided in paper bank statements and electronic statements. If you have elected to receive electronic bank statements, you may have access to them online under Statements and Notices.
A fake cashier's check is sent, which the scammer asks the recipient to cash and then wire back the funds to cover the taxes and fees. Scammers might go to an online auction or classified listing site and offer to buy an item for sale, pay for a service in advance, or rent an apartment.
Can someone cash a stolen check? ›What can someone do with a stolen check? Once they've intercepted your check, thieves might find a way to cash it for the amount written or change it to a larger amount. In some cases, they may use chemicals to alter the name of the payee, or the amount.
What happens if you try to deposit a fake check? ›In most cases, once a check is found to be fraudulent, the amount will be charged to your bank account. Worse, the bank may charge you an additional fee for processing a fake check. You'll lose any money you sent to the scammer.
How can you trace a check? ›- Locate the name of the bank who issued the check, which also lists an address and a phone number.
- Search for the bank's contact information online or in a phone book. Don't use the information on the check.
- Call the bank who issued the check to confirm its authenticity.
Check Floating — When an account holder writes a check to another person or an individual, often in an attempt to buy a little time before they deposit funds into their account. Check Forgery — When someone forges an account holder's signature on a check. Check Theft — When someone steals someone else's paper check.
What information is sensitive on a check? ›“And because paper checks include visible personal and financial information—your name, and bank routing and account numbers at minimum—they could put you at increased risk for fraud.”
Are all checking account numbers 10 digits? ›
Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits.
What is account number check digit? ›The first four digits represent the Federal Reserve routing symbol. The next four digits identify an ABA institution. The last component (the ninth number) is the “check digit.” This single number is important because it is used to verify the authenticity of the routing number.
How many digits are in a full account number? ›Routing numbers are always 9 digits long. Account numbers may be up to 17 digits long. Some banks list the routing number first on the check, while other banks list the account number first, and still more list the routing number, check number, then account number.
What are the 3 most important things to remember when writing a check? ›After you write the check, remember to write the date, check number, payee, and the amount in the check register located at the front of the checkbook.
What is the most important part of a check? ›Signature. One of the most important parts of a check is your signature, located in the bottom right-hand corner. Without it, your check generally can't be cashed or deposited.
What part of a check is the least important? ›Memo. The memo blank of a check is probably the least important field you can find on a check. The memo is an opportunity for you to make special notes about the transaction that might be helpful to yourself or to the party receiving the check.
How long does it take for a bank to verify a check? ›When do checks clear? By law, banks are required to make at least the first $225 of a personal check deposit available for use by the next business day 1 . Note that certain checks may take additional time, particularly if it's an international transfer as those may take longer to verify.
Can a bank detect a fake check? ›A fake check isn't always spotted by a bank. You may be able to cash a check, even if it is fake. A bank may not know a check is fake until the bank tries to clear the check. This process can take weeks.
Can someone give me a fake check? ›Because technology has advanced so much, people can produce fake checks and money orders that are difficult for consumers and even bank employees to identify as fraudulent. In most fake check scams, the person will ask you to deposit or cash a check.
How many digits is an account number? ›How many digits is a bank account number? Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits.
How do I find out who a check is from? ›
The bank's routing number is the first set of numbers in the lower left corner of your check. Routing numbers (or sometimes also called an ABA number) are 9-digits that are used to identify the financial institution associated with your account.
What information does someone need to deposit a check into my account? ›If you'd like to deposit all or part of the check, provide the banker with the account number or identification, how much of the check you would like to deposit into your account, and how much you would like to receive in cash. The banker will provide a receipt for the transaction.
How long is a routing number on a check? ›The routing number, account number, and check number are located at the bottom edge of your check. Routing numbers are always 9 digits long. Account numbers may be up to 17 digits long.
What routing number is 041215663? ›Sutton Bank's routing number for non-Fedwire Payments is 041215663. To find your Cash App routing number and account numbers: From the Cash App home screen, select the “Money” tab.
Do all bank account numbers start with 0? ›Your base account number is 4-8 digits (6 is most common) and never starts with a zero. On your American 1 Direct Deposit Letter, your base account number follows the zeros and does not include the final two digits as indicated above.
Do banks verify checks before cashing? ›Banks can verify checks by checking the funds of the account it was sent from. It's worth noting that a bank will not verify your check before it processes it, meaning you may face fees for trying to cash a bad check. The bank checks if there are funds in the account, and if not, the check bounces.
How do I know if someone gave me a fake check? ›Any legitimate check issued by a bank has a check number. The check number appears at the top right-hand corner of the check. If the check does not have a check number, the check is fake. If it does have a check number, check the number against the number in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line.
What app will cash a check immediately? ›With the Ingo® Money App, cash paychecks, business checks, personal checks—almost any type of check—anytime, anywhere. Get your money in minutes in your bank, prepaid card and PayPal accounts.
Can you deposit a check into someone's account without them signing it? ›The answer is yes, generally speaking. It's possible to deposit checks on behalf of another person into their bank account or in some cases, your own bank account. Banks and credit unions may allow you to deposit checks for someone else when certain conditions are met.
Can anyone deposit a check into someone else's account? ›Just like cash, a check can be deposited into another person's account at a branch when you present it to the teller, along with the recipient's name and account number.