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Though checks are being used less frequently in the digital age of payment apps and automated bill pay, they can still be a handy method of making official payments or sending money through the mail. You can also use them to look up information like your bank routing number and check account number, which you'll need for certain transactions, such as setting up direct deposit or linking to a payment app like Venmo. Here are the different parts of a check to know when you're filling out or depositing a check.
1. 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. If you’ve moved and no longer live at that address, you should still be able to use the checks as long as your account number has stayed the same.
2. Check number
Located in the upper and lower right corners of the check, the check number is used for tracking. For example, if your checkbook is stolen, you can report to the bank which numbered checks were taken (e.g., check numbers 1 to 100), so that the bank can identify fraudulent check withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I endorse a check?
To endorse a check, turn the check over and sign your name on the blank line. Once it’s endorsed, you can deposit the check via mobile app, with a bank teller or at an ATM.
What’s the difference between the routing number and the account number?
Though the routing number and account number are both along the bottom of the check, they designate different things. The first group of numbers is the routing number, and it identifies your bank within the banking system. The second group of numbers is your account number, and it identifies from which account the funds will be withdrawn when your recipient deposits the check.
What’s a check number?
A check number — located in the upper and lower right corners of a check — designates which check you’re using out of the series of checks in your checkbook. A check number can help with tracking.
How do I endorse a check?
To endorse a check, turn the check over and sign your name on the blank line. Once it’s endorsed, you can deposit the check via mobile app, with a bank teller or at an ATM.
What’s the difference between the routing number and the account number?
Though the routing number and account number are both along the bottom of the check, they designate different things. The first group of numbers is the routing number, and it identifies your bank within the banking system. The second group of numbers is your account number, and it identifies from which account the funds will be withdrawn when your recipient deposits the check.
What’s a check number?
A check number — located in the upper and lower right corners of a check — designates which check you’re using out of the series of checks in your checkbook. A check number can help with tracking.
3. The date
When writing a check, you should put the date of the transaction on the date line. If you’re trying to postdate a check — where you don’t want the recipient to withdraw funds from your account before a certain date — keep in mind that writing the check date for the future might not delay your recipient’s ability to deposit the check earlier.
4. The recipient's name
The top long line in the middle of the check, usually preceded by “pay to the order of,” is where you write out the recipient’s name. The recipient can be either a person or an organization.
You can also pay to the order of "Cash,” which means anyone can cash the check. This may a convenient option if you don’t know a payee’s name, but you don’t have any control over who cashes the check. It’s typically a better idea to write down a specific recipient’s name.
5. The payment amount
There are two spots on the check where you'll write the payment amount. The first is in the box in the middle of the right-hand side, just after the recipient's name, where you’ll write the amount numerically (e.g., “$50.50”). The second is on the long line below the recipient’s name, where you’ll write out the amount in words (e.g., “Fifty and fifty cents” or “Fifty and 50/100”). This helps the bank clarify the total amount in case either the words or number amounts are hard to decipher.
A savings account is a place where you can store money securely while earning interest.
A savings account is a place where you can store money securely while earning interest.
4.20%SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 1.20% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.20% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in checking and savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 04/24/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
4.75%Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 05/09/2023. APY is variable and subject to change at any time without notice. No monthly service charge. No minimum balance requirement. Must fund with 15 days of opening account.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
4.50%Annual percentage yield (variable) is as of 5/8/23. 5.00% APY with a $75K deposit or 4.75% APY with a $25K deposit. New customers only with qualifying deposit. Terms apply.
Min. balance for APY
$0
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
3.30%Your annual percentage yield can be as high as 3.30% based on the following combined rate rewards: direct deposits (not including intra-bank transfers from another account) totaling $1,500 or more each month will earn 0.40%. A qualifying direct deposit is required for the remaining interest rate qualifications to apply. Ten (10) point-of-sale transactions per month using your Rewards Checking Visa® Debit Card for normal everyday purchases with a minimum of $3 per transaction, or enrolling in Account Aggregation/Personal Finance Manager (PFM) will earn 0.30%; maintaining an average daily balance of at least $2,500 per month in an Axos Self Directed Trading Invest account will earn 1.00%; maintaining an average daily balance of at least $2,500 a month in an Axos Managed Portfolio Invest account will earn 1.00%; and making a monthly payment to an open Axos Bank consumer loan (commercial and business loans excluded) via transfer from your Rewards Checking account will earn a maximum of 0.60%.
Monthly fee
$0
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
Filling out this line, in the bottom left corner, is optional but recommended. You can write something like “June rent” or “summer camp fees.” It helps your recipient know what the check is payment for, and it can help you remember what it was for when you’re looking over your finances later.
7. Bank name
In this area, you'll typically find your bank's logo and/or address.
8-9. Routing and account number
Along the bottom of the check you’ll see a string of numbers. You'll need to reference these numbers when doing things like setting up direct deposit or ordering checks.
Bank routing number
The first set of numbers is the routing number, which is the identity of your bank within the banking system (and usually denotes regional location as well).
Account number
The second set of numbers is your account number, for the account from which funds will be withdrawn; it's unique to your account.
10. Signature
On the bottom right corner of the front of a check there’s a blank line that you must sign. This signature indicates that you’ve given permission for the funds to be withdrawn from your account.
How to endorse a check that you’ve received from someone else
If you flip over a check that you’ve received, you’ll see a blank line on the back at the top of one of the short ends. When you’re ready to deposit a check through an ATM, with a bank teller or via a mobile banking app, sign your name on the blank line. This indicates that you’re the intended recipient and that you’ve authorized the deposit.
