Whether you're writing a check to your landlord, cashing a check from Grandma or using a voided check to set up direct deposit at work, understanding the information that appears on the check will ensure you accomplish your goal. Here's how to read a bank check, including where to find the payee, payor, payment amount, routing number and account number.
1. Look for the Name of the Bank
On the lower left side of the check, above the "Memo" line, you'll find the name (and sometimes the address) of the bank that issued the checks. If a check is cashed at the same bank where it originated, the recipient may be able to access the funds faster than a check written from a different bank.
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2. Find the Payee
The payee is the person or entity to whom the check is made out. Their name should be written on the blank line following the words "Pay to the Order Of." The payee may have problems depositing the check if the name on this line doesn't correspond with the name on their bank account, so it's important to make sure they match.
3. Find the Payor
The payor is the person or entity who writes the check and from whose checking account the funds will be drawn. The payor's name, as well as contact information such as address and phone number, appears in the top left corner of the check.
4. Look at the Date the Check Was Written
The date line, on the upper right side of the check, says "Date" followed by a blank line. The payor fills in the date they are writing the check. You may postdate a check (that is, write a date in the future) if you want the payee to wait until that date to cash it. However, postdating a check won't keep a bank from cashing it if the payee decides to deposit it earlier. Unless there are enough funds in the checking account, the check could bounce, causing problems for both payor and payee. If you receive a postdated check, waiting to deposit it until the date written on the check can help ensure there's enough money in the account for the check to clear.
5. Find the Payment Amount Box
In the middle of the check on the right side, you'll see an empty box with a dollar sign to the left. The payee writes the amount of the check here, using numerals (for example, "250.00").
6. Find the Payment Amount Line
Below the payee line, a blank line ending in the word "dollars" is used to write out the amount of the check using words for the dollar amount and fractions for cents. For instance, the payment line for a $250 check should say "Two hundred fifty dollars and 0/100." When the payment amount in the box doesn't match the payment amount in words, most banks go with the written amount.
7. Check the Signature Line
The signature line, in the bottom right corner of the check, is where the payor signs their name. An unsigned check cannot be cashed, so look at this space to make sure it's filled out.
8. Look at the Memo Line
The memo line in the bottom left corner of a check is an optional field that payors can use to identify the purpose of the check. For instance, you might write "October 2023 rent" in the memo line on a check to your landlord, or list your account number on a check to your mortgage lender.
9. Find the Check Number
Checks are numbered in order, which helps account holders keep track of the checks they write. If you use a checkbook register to record your outgoing checks, you'll write the check number in the register. You can find the check number in the top right corner of a check. Some banks also print the check number on the bottom right side of the check. It may be distinct from the account number or appear at the end of it, separated by a small symbol.
10. Find the Routing Number
The routing number, found in the bottom left corner of a check, is a nine-digit number that identifies your bank. You'll typically need the routing number when setting up direct deposit or autopayments or making or receiving a wire transfer.
11. Find the Account Number
Account numbers are nine- to 12-digit numbers that identify your checking account. They're found at the bottom right of a check. They may be required (along with routing numbers) to initiate autopayments, direct deposits, wire transfers and other electronic funds transfers.
The Bottom Line
Reading a check is simple once you know how. Make it a habit to quickly scan a check after writing it to confirm everything is accurate and complete. Errors or incomplete fields could prevent the recipient from cashing your check, causing problems for both of you.
For instance, if you mail a bill payment but forget to sign the check, it will be returned to you uncashed, which could make your payment late. This can trigger late fees and may even hurt your credit score if the payment is over 30 days late and the creditor reports it to credit bureaus. Signing up for Experian's free credit monitoring service is an easy way to keep tabs on your credit and get alerts of important changes to your credit report.