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With the rise of online payments, checks aren’t nearly as ubiquitous as they used to be. But this form of payment hasn’t disappeared. You may get a government check with your tax refund, a rebate check from a company, or an expense reimbursement check from your employer. Plus, in order to make an online payment, you’ll need to look at your own checks to determine what your routing and account numbers are.
The upshot: Even in the digital age, it’s important to know how to read a check. Here’s a simple guide to help you find any info you need on a check.
Key Points
• Understanding check components is crucial, even in the digital age, for managing transactions such as tax refunds or reimbursements.
• The routing number, located on the lower left, identifies the bank holding the account.
• The account number follows the routing number and is essential for identifying specific bank accounts.
• The check number helps track and manage personal finances by recording transactions.
• Writing the payment amount in both numbers and words ensures the check’s validity and banking compliance.
The Routing Number,
Your routing number is the first series of nine digits listed on the lower left corner of a check. This number identifies the bank where your checking account is held and reduces the chances of miscommunication in financial transactions. Even if two banks have similar names, they’re distinct from one another because of their different routing numbers.
You’ll need to know your routing number to set up direct deposit at work, transfer money into your account, and make a bill payment.
The Account Number
Your bank account number can be found on the bottom of your checks and is the second set of numbers, just to the right of your routing number. It’s usually 8-12 digits long (though it can be longer).
Bank account numbers are used to identify a bank account. The one listed on your checks is the number assigned to your checking account. If you also have a savings account at the same bank, it will have a different number.
If you don’t have access to a check, you can find your bank account number on your statement or by logging into your account.
Check Number
The check number is typically located in the upper right-hand corner of a check, though it can sometimes be found at the bottom of the check after the account number in the magnetic ink character recognition line . It’s usually three or four digits long.
Checks are numbered in ascending order, so you can easily keep track of checks that you’ve written. When you write a check, it’s a good idea to note the check number and the amount in your check register. This will help you keep the account balanced and avoid accidental overdrafts.
Pay to the Order Of — Payee Line
This line is located in the middle of the check and is where the name of the person or business being paid is written. When endorsing a check you’ve received, it’s important to sign your name as it appears on the payee line.
It’s possible to write a check to yourself. In that scenario, you would simply add your name in the payee line. This is one way to move money from one bank account to another. You can also write “cash” in the payee line. In this case, anyone can cash the check.
Date Line
The date line is usually located in the upper-right area of a check. It’s where you add the date you wrote the check.
If your cash flow is tight, you might be tempted to write a future date in this line so the recipient doesn’t cash the check until there are available funds in your account. However, know that as soon as you write and sign a check, the recipient can cash it immediately, even if you post-dated the check.
Payment Amount in Numbers
The payment box appears to the right of the “pay to the order of” line, and where you write the dollar amount the check is written for in numeric form, including both dollars and cents. For instance, if the check is for three hundred dollars, you would write “300.00.”
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Payment Amount in Words
Below the payee line is a space for the check issuer to write the payment amount in word form. Cents, however, are typically written as a fraction or included in numerical form after the word amount. For example, a check for “$500.25” is written out as “Five hundred dollars and 25/100.” If there are no cents, the issuer might write XX/100.
The payment amount in words needs to match the payment amount written in numerical form in the payment box. If these amounts don’t match up, the check can still be cashed, but the bank will only honor the amount that’s written out in word form.
Fractional Bank Number
The fractional bank number often goes unnoticed, as it’s typically printed in a smaller font size and isn’t of much importance today. You can find this number toward the top right of your check, and it’s sometimes listed in two parts: a numerator, then a slash, and a denominator, thus a “fraction.”
A fractional bank number identifies the bank where your checking account is held, but since the same information is included in your routing and account numbers, it’s not used much anymore.
Your Information
If you’re writing a check, your personal information is typically located at the top left of the check. This includes your name on the first line, your address in the next few lines, followed, in some cases, by your phone number.
If your checks have an outdated address printed on them, don’t worry — you can still use them. Financial institutions use routing numbers and account numbers to identify where they should pull the money from, not your personal information written on the top left of your check.
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For/Memo
The memo box is housed at the bottom left corner of the check and may begin with “for”. This space gives you an opportunity to briefly note the purpose of the payment, or maybe add a personalized message to the recipient. For instance, you might write “June rent” or “Happy Birthday Sally.”
Signature
The line on the lower right area of a check is where you sign your name. Your signature needs to match the one the bank has on file. If you accidentally sign with a shortened first name or nickname (such as Jon versus Jonathan) or with your maiden name versus your current last name, the bank might flag or question the transaction.
Bank Name/Logo
The bank name and logo are usually located near the top of the check, often above or to the left of the memo box. This tells where the checking account is held. It also adds an additional layer of security. If you receive a check where the logo looks slightly off, or you’ve never heard of the bank listed here, it’s a tip-off that the check might be counterfeit.
Endorsement Line
The endorsement line is located on the back of the check and is usually on the right side. This is where the check recipient, or payee, provides their signature. Without proper endorsement, the bank may not accept or process the check.
If you’re endorsing a check for a mobile deposit, you may need to write “For mobile deposit only” (or similar wording) under your signature, or check a box labeled “for mobile deposit.” Rules vary by bank.
The Takeaway
While checks aren’t as common as they used to be, you may still receive and write checks. You’ll also likely need to refer to your checks to find important details about your account, such as your routing and account numbers. You’ll need these numbers to sign up for direct deposit or set up an electronic payment or funds transfer.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
Why do I still need to understand checks in the digital age?
Even though online payments are common, checks are still used for things such as tax refunds, rebates, and reimbursements. Understanding checks also helps you find important information, including your routing and account numbers for online banking.
Where can I find my routing and account numbers on a check?
Your routing number is the first nine digits on the lower left of a check and identifies your bank. Your account number follows it and identifies your specific checking account.
What is the purpose of endorsing a check?
Endorsing a check means signing the back of it to authorize deposit or cashing. For mobile deposits, some banks may also require special instructions like “for mobile deposit only” to ensure proper processing.
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