Ordering checks might seem like an antiquated practice in our increasingly digital world, but they remain an essential tool for many financial transactions. Whether you’re a recent graduate opening your first checking account, a new homeowner needing to pay contractors, or simply someone who prefers the tangible record of a paper check, knowing how to order checks is a crucial skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you get the checks you need quickly and securely.
Why You Still Need Checks in the Digital Age
Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s address the lingering question: why bother with checks in the age of online banking, debit cards, and digital payment apps? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Paying Rent: Many landlords, especially smaller operations, still prefer receiving rent payments via check. It provides a clear paper trail and simplifies their accounting.
- Paying Contractors and Service Providers: While some contractors accept digital payments, many still prefer checks, especially for larger sums. This is often due to lower transaction fees compared to credit card payments.
- Gifting Money: A check can be a more personal and formal way to give a monetary gift, particularly for weddings, graduations, or birthdays.
- Reimbursements and Refunds: Some companies or organizations may issue reimbursements or refunds via check, especially if they don’t have your bank account information on file.
- Avoiding Online Transaction Fees: While many online payment platforms offer free transfers, some charge fees, particularly for expedited transfers or international payments. Writing a check can be a fee-free alternative.
- Bill Payments to Smaller Businesses: Certain small businesses might not have the infrastructure to support online payments, making checks the easiest and most reliable option.
- Documentation and Record Keeping: Checks provide a physical record of your payments, which can be helpful for budgeting, tracking expenses, and resolving disputes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Checks for the First Time
Now that you understand the importance of having checks, let’s explore the process of ordering them for the first time. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Account Information
Before you can order checks, you’ll need to gather some essential information about your bank account. This information is crucial for ensuring your checks are correctly printed and linked to your account. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bank Name: The full legal name of your bank.
- Routing Number: A nine-digit number that identifies your bank to other financial institutions. This number is typically located in the bottom left corner of your checks.
- Account Number: Your unique account number, which identifies your specific checking account. This number is usually located to the right of the routing number on your checks.
- Your Name and Address: The name and address you want printed on your checks. Make sure this information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Starting Check Number (Optional): You may be able to choose the starting number for your checks. If you’re ordering checks for the first time, you’ll typically start with check number 101 or 1001. However, some banks might require you to start with a specific number.
Step 2: Choose a Check Provider
You have several options when it comes to ordering checks. Here’s a breakdown of the most common providers:
- Your Bank: Ordering checks directly from your bank is often the most convenient and secure option. Banks typically partner with established check printing companies, ensuring the quality and security of your checks. However, ordering through your bank can sometimes be more expensive than other options.
- Third-Party Check Printers: Numerous online check printing companies offer competitive prices and a wide variety of designs. Some popular options include:
- Checks.com: A well-known online check printer with a wide selection of designs and security features.
- Walmart Checks: A budget-friendly option offering basic check designs at competitive prices.
- Costco Checks: Similar to Walmart Checks, Costco Checks provides affordable options for Costco members.
- Bradford Exchange Checks: Specializes in themed and personalized checks with unique designs.
- Asap Checks: Offers a variety of business and personal checks with fast turnaround times.
When choosing a check provider, consider the following factors:
- Price: Compare prices between different providers to find the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, especially if it compromises on security features.
- Security Features: Look for checks that include security features such as:
- Microprinting: Tiny text that is difficult to reproduce.
- Chemical Protection: Paper that reacts to tampering with chemicals.
- Watermarks: Faint designs that are visible when held up to the light.
- Holograms: Three-dimensional images that are difficult to counterfeit.
- Erasure Protection: Features that prevent alterations to the check’s information.
- Design Options: Choose a design that reflects your personal style. Many providers offer a wide range of designs, from simple and classic to colorful and personalized.
- Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews to get an idea of the provider’s reputation for quality, customer service, and shipping speed.
- Shipping Costs and Delivery Time: Consider the shipping costs and estimated delivery time when comparing different providers.
Step 3: Place Your Order
Once you’ve chosen a check provider, you can place your order online or by phone. Here’s a general overview of the ordering process:
Ordering Online:
- Visit the Check Provider’s Website: Go to the website of the check provider you’ve chosen.
- Select Your Check Style: Browse the available check styles and select the one you want to order.
- Enter Your Account Information: Carefully enter your bank name, routing number, account number, name, and address. Double-check this information for accuracy to avoid errors.
- Choose a Starting Check Number: If you have the option, choose a starting check number. As mentioned earlier, you’ll typically start with 101 or 1001 if you’re ordering checks for the first time.
- Select Security Features: Choose any additional security features you want to include on your checks.
- Review Your Order: Carefully review your order summary to ensure all the information is correct.
- Add to Cart and Checkout: Add your checks to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout.
- Enter Your Payment Information: Enter your payment information and complete the order.
- Receive Order Confirmation: You should receive an order confirmation email with your order details and estimated delivery date.
Ordering by Phone:
- Find the Provider’s Phone Number: Locate the customer service phone number on the check provider’s website.
- Call Customer Service: Call the customer service number and inform the representative that you want to order checks.
- Provide Your Account Information: Provide the representative with your bank name, routing number, account number, name, and address.
- Specify Your Check Style and Features: Tell the representative which check style you want and any additional security features you want to include.
- Confirm Your Order: The representative will confirm your order details and provide you with an estimated delivery date.
- Provide Payment Information: Provide your payment information to the representative.
Step 4: Verify Your Order
After placing your order, it’s crucial to verify the information on your checks before you start using them. Here’s how:
- Inspect the Checks Upon Arrival: When your checks arrive, carefully inspect them to ensure that all the information is correct. Check the bank name, routing number, account number, name, and address.
- Compare to Your Account Information: Compare the information on your checks to your bank account statements or online banking profile to ensure accuracy.
- Contact the Check Provider if Necessary: If you find any errors, contact the check provider immediately to request a correction. Do not use checks with incorrect information, as they may be rejected by your bank or other businesses.
Step 5: Protect Your Checks
Once you have your checks, it’s important to protect them from theft and fraud. Here are some tips:
- Store Your Checks Securely: Keep your checks in a safe and secure location, such as a locked drawer or cabinet.
- Don’t Leave Checks Unattended: Never leave your checks unattended in public places, such as your car or on a counter.
- Shred Voided Checks: If you void a check, shred it immediately to prevent it from being used fraudulently.
- Monitor Your Bank Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your bank account statements and online banking activity for any unauthorized transactions.
- Report Lost or Stolen Checks Immediately: If your checks are lost or stolen, report it to your bank immediately. They can place a stop payment on the checks to prevent them from being cashed.
Tips for Saving Money on Checks
Ordering checks can be an expense, but there are several ways to save money:
- Compare Prices: As mentioned earlier, compare prices between different check providers to find the best deal.
- Order in Bulk: Ordering a larger quantity of checks can often reduce the per-check cost.
- Look for Coupons and Discounts: Many check providers offer coupons and discounts, especially for first-time customers. Search online for promo codes before placing your order.
- Avoid Unnecessary Features: Consider whether you really need all the extra features offered by check providers. Opting for a simpler design and fewer security features can save you money.
- Consider a Basic Design: Elaborate designs often come with a premium. Opting for a basic, standard design can significantly reduce the cost of your checks.
- Use Your Bank’s Preferred Provider: Sometimes, banks have preferred providers that offer discounted rates to their customers. Check with your bank to see if they have any such partnerships.
Understanding Check Security Features in Detail
As mentioned previously, check security is paramount. Let’s delve deeper into the common security features you should look for:
- Microprinting: This involves printing extremely small text (often the bank’s name or logo) that is virtually impossible to reproduce accurately with standard copiers or scanners. Look for this microprinting on the signature line or borders of the check.
- Chemical Stain Detection: Special paper is used that reacts when exposed to certain chemicals commonly used to alter checks. The reaction typically results in a stain or discoloration, making the alteration obvious.
- Watermarks: A faint image or pattern is embedded within the paper during manufacturing. This watermark is only visible when the check is held up to a light source. It’s a simple but effective way to deter counterfeiting.
- Holograms: These three-dimensional images are very difficult to replicate and add a high level of security. They are often used on higher-value checks or by businesses handling large transactions.
- Toner Adhesion: This feature ensures that the toner used to print the check information is firmly bonded to the paper, making it difficult to scrape off or alter.
- Security Inks: Special inks are used that change color or disappear when exposed to certain chemicals or light. This provides an immediate visual indication of tampering.
- VOID Pantograph: When a check with this feature is photocopied, the word “VOID” appears prominently across the copy, preventing it from being fraudulently cashed.
- Warning Bands: These are printed messages on the check that highlight the security features and warn potential fraudsters against attempting to alter the check.
- Check Numbering: Pre-printed sequential check numbers help track and reconcile transactions, making it easier to identify any missing or fraudulent checks.
- MPR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) Line: This is the line of numbers at the bottom of the check containing the routing number and account number, printed with special magnetic ink that can be read by automated check-processing equipment. This is the most crucial element for automated clearing.
What to Do If You Suspect Check Fraud
Even with the best precautions, check fraud can still occur. Here’s what you should do if you suspect that someone has fraudulently used your checks:
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: The first and most important step is to contact your bank immediately. They can freeze your account, place a stop payment on any suspicious checks, and investigate the fraud.
- File a Police Report: File a police report to document the fraud. This can be helpful for insurance purposes and may be required by your bank.
- Report the Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC collects information about fraud and identity theft and can help you take steps to protect yourself from further harm. You can report fraud to the FTC online or by phone.
- Review Your Credit Report: Check fraud can sometimes lead to identity theft. Review your credit report for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
- Change Your Account Passwords: If you suspect that your online banking credentials have been compromised, change your passwords immediately.
- Monitor Your Bank Account Closely: Continue to monitor your bank account closely for any further suspicious activity.
- Consider Closing Your Account: In some cases, it may be necessary to close your account and open a new one to prevent further fraud.
Alternatives to Checks
While checks remain useful, several alternatives can be more convenient and secure in certain situations:
- Online Bill Pay: Most banks offer online bill pay services, which allow you to pay bills electronically without writing checks.
- Debit Cards: Debit cards are a convenient way to pay for goods and services in person and online.
- Credit Cards: Credit cards offer purchase protection and rewards programs.
- Mobile Payment Apps: Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle allow you to send and receive money electronically.
- Wire Transfers: Wire transfers are a fast and secure way to send large sums of money.
- Cashier’s Checks: A cashier’s check is a guaranteed form of payment issued by a bank.
- Money Orders: A money order is a payment order for a specified amount of money.
Conclusion
Ordering checks for the first time can seem daunting, but by following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember to gather your account information, choose a reputable check provider, verify your order, and protect your checks from fraud. While digital payment methods are increasingly popular, checks remain a valuable tool for many financial transactions. By understanding how to order and use checks safely and effectively, you can manage your finances with greater control and peace of mind. Always prioritize security and be vigilant in monitoring your accounts to prevent fraud. Keeping track of your check numbers and reconciliation with your bank statements are good practices to consider.