Use your mouse to roll over any section of the check below for an explanation of its features. See the descriptions below the check image for more detailed information on the areas of a business check.
Personalization Area:
On business checks, you can imprint up to 6 lines of information in this area, including Name(s) and/or Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, and other optional information such as phone numbers, e-mail addresses or company slogans.
Bank Information Area:
This area below the written amount of the check includes information about the bank on which the check is drawn, and may include the bank's name, address and phone number. Only the name of the bank is required in this area. Check with your bank to determine what should be included.
MICR Line:
This is the encoded area at the bottom of your check which includes the check number, bank routing number, and account number. It is printed using special inks which can be read by encoding machines used by banks.
Check Number:
This sequential number is printed in the upper right of your check and is encoded
in your check's MICR line. It is used by the account owner to keep track of
the checks that are written and is used by the bank to report checks as they
clear the account.
Routing Number:
The routing number is part of the MICR line on your check. It is a 9 digit number that identifies your bank, and always starts with 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Account Number:
Also part of your check's MICR line, the account number identifies the account from which money is drawn.
Pay To The Order Of:
This line indicates to whom the check is made payable.
Fraction:
The fractional number on your check is used to identify your bank.
Over Signature Area:
This area is available for the account owner to incorporate a business or personal message to anyone using the check. Popular business uses include printing a company slogan or the text "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS".
Signature Line:
The account owner must endorse this line to authorize the use of the check. The signature line is actually made up of "micro security print", or very fine text that breaks up if someone attempts to photocopy the check.
Padlock Icon:
The lock icon beside the word "Dollars" indicates to your financial institution that the check contains security features that will help them detect a COPY from the ORIGINAL document.
Dollar Box:
This box to the right of the Pay To line is used to write the numeric amount of the check. The numeric amount must correspond to the written amount of the check (written on the line below the Pay To line). If the two differ, the written amount of the check will override the numeric amount.
Written Dollar Amount:
The dollar amount of the check must be written out on the line below the Pay
To line on the check. If the written and numeric amounts on the check differ,
this written amount will override the numeric amount of the check.
