These days, it might seem like electronic funds transfer and direct deposits have taken over financial transactions, but traditional paper checks still play an important role. A check is a legally binding promise that the writer of the check will have sufficient funds in her account when the check is presented to the bank for payment. Since it is a legal document, you should understand the information that’s on a check you write or accept from someone else.
Check Basics
Most of the layout of a paper check is pretty straightforward. Your name, address and maybe your phone number is at the top left and the check number at the top right. In the center are spaces for the person or organization you are paying money to. Below that is the name of your bank and spaces to write the purpose of the check and to sign it. At the very bottom is a long string of numerals. Pay attention to these digits – they are codes that make sure the check goes where it’s supposed to and the money a check represents is taken from the right account.
Routing Number
The numbers at the bottom of a check are actually three separate codes. Starting from the left, the first number is the bank routing number. Each bank or financial institution has a unique routing number assigned by the American Bankers Association. The routing number is used to identify which bank to send a check to for payment.
Account Number
A non-numeric symbol follows the routing number to separate it from a second string of numerals. The second number is the checking account number. It is assigned by the bank and identifies the account the check is written on. When a check is presented to the bank for payment, the account number tells the bank which account to take the money out of.-
Check Number
At the end of the checking account number you’ll see another non-numeric symbol. A four- or five-digit number follows. This last number is the check number and identifies the specific check drawn on the checking account. The check number also appears in the upper right corner of the check.
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Writer Bio
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, W D Adkins has been writing professionally since 2008. He writes about business, personal finance and careers. Adkins holds master's degrees in history and sociology from Georgia State University. He became a member of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2009.