Guide To Checks: Complete Breakdown & What They Mean

At first glance, each part of a check can seem pretty confusing. Keep reading our Guide To Checks and find what each part of a check means.

In this post, we will explore what each part of a check is. With a better understanding of checks, you can be a more secure consumer.

What Does Each Part of a Check Mean

Each check comes in a similar form with slight differences in several parts. Follow this Guide to Checks to identify each part and what they mean.

1. Personal Information

The upper left corner typically shows personal contact information about you, such as your full name, address, phone number, and your email.

2. Payee Line

This is the area where you will write out the full information of whoever is to receive this check. This can be an individual, organization or business.

3. Amount of your check

In this section, you will write out the amount of dollars in word format followed by the cents in fraction form. For example if you are paying a person/organization $33.52, you will write out Thirty Three Dollars 52/100. 

In case you were wondering, if the amount that you wrote out is different from the amount in the box, words will prevail over the numerical amount.

Similarly, start from the left and enter the full amount across the section.

4. Bank’s Contact Information

This section shows the name of the bank you use and their phone number. Additionally they may sometimes include the address of the bank you used for making your checks. If you receive a check from someone, this section will show what bank they use and where the money should come from.

This information isn’t on every check. That is because the routing number is usually enough to identify the financial institution.

5. Memo Line

The memo line is used for any unofficial information written on a check such as who the money was for, or what account you used to pay for it. You aren’t required to fill out this section when writing a check.

6. Banks Routing Number

The routing number found at the bottom of the check serves as an address that will be used for other banks to contact your bank.

Routing numbers are like addresses for your bank accounts. They are comprised of a nine-digit code used to identify a financial institution.

7. Account Number

Your account number is also located at the bottom of the check to the right of your routing number. It is used to identify your account. The account number is formed by where you and who you opened your account with.

8. Signature Line

This is the line that you’ll sign your check. Be sure to not sign the line until you’ve finished and reviewed your check. If you’re to sign a blank check, anyone who gets a hold of it can write down any desired amount they want and cash in the check.

After you’ve reviewed and signed your check, whoever is to receive the check should sign the back of it to endorse the check. Your bank will have you sign a signature card when you set up an account to ensure that any check turned in with your name and signature matches to prevent anyone from writing and forging your signature.

9. Check Number

This is just used to keep track of the number of checks written. This is to help you and the financial institution keep track of the checks.

You may have even noticed that you will have a copy when signing a check. Keep track of your checks in event of a lost, bounced, or stolen check.

10. Bank Fraction Number

Your bank fraction number/American Bankers Association number is generally located in the top right corner. This number is formatted as 12-34567/8901.

This number represents the bank, its location, and the federal reserve branch which services the bank.

11. Date Line

This is the line where you’ll simply write down the date that you wrote the check.

12. Dollar Box

This is the box/space where you will write down the amount paid in numerical format. This box is also known as the courtesy box, because this box does not determine the amount given to whoever is receiving, it’s just there for convenience. If the dollar box and the written amount are mismatched, the written amount will always take precedence over the dollar box. It’s very simple to fill this box. If the amount paid is Thirteen Dollars and 80/100, you’ll just fill in the box as 13.80. The $ sign is already in place so you just need to add the numbers.

Author’s Verdict

It is important to understand what each part of a check is to be safer. When signing a check be sure to fill out all parts clearly and completely. This will ensure your account information and money is safe. We hope you enjoyed our Guide to Checks.

For a full guide on how to write a check, follow this guide.

Additionally, take advantage of our full list of Bank Promotions, Bank Rates, and Credit Card Bonuses.