How do starter checks work

Theoretically, anything piece of paper and some things which are not paper can be used as a check. Practically, a lot of places don't want starter checks. For instance, my online bank account won't let me deposit any starter checks from other people.

Presumably it's an anti-fraud issue. Also, ING doesn't use deposit slips; you write account information in your endorsement section. Show 3 more comments. Jack Jack 1, 1 1 gold badge 13 13 silver badges 20 20 bronze badges.

I've been allowed to use checks like these by writing my name and address in by hand. If you want to post it as an answer, I'd gladly accept that instead of this one. Love, Snookums. Your Signature and the current date Some funny stories about weird checks in this Straight Dope article: Can you write a check on any old piece of paper? Curious about the down-vote. Am I mistaken on one of the facts? The inability to move checks by air after the terrorist attacks of prompted a complete redesign of check processing.

That's why, among other things, you don't get paper checks back anymore. They must now be digitizable to be processed. So the rules are now totally different and all those old stories inapplicable. Bank account holders who have a name and address stamp may choose to simply stamp the check. Including the bank customer's identifying information is important, particularly when the customer must mail the check to a creditor or utility company.

If the check becomes separated from a payment voucher or bill, the check recipient can easily credit the check to the customer's account. Some companies are wary about accepting temporary checks. While some businesses may refuse to accept temporary or starter checks, others may simply flag the check and wait until it has cleared before sending a paid-for product, crediting a customer's account or providing a service. Because custom-printed checks can take weeks to arrive, business owners who want to make payments using their new checking accounts may have to develop some workarounds until they are in possession of their new checks.

Here are some options when dealing with businesses that won't accept a starter check or that place restrictions on their use:.

Additionally, some companies may be concerned that the check will bounce since the low check number indicates it is from a new account and the initial deposit may still be pending.

These are legitimate concerns for businesses, and would clearly cause frustration and potential embarrassment for the customer. To prevent the customer headaches associated with generalized pre-printed starter checks, financial institutions can utilize an on-demand check printing system in-house to offer customized starter checks for a fee.

By charging a fee for this service, financial institutions can experience an increase in revenue, as many customers will opt for personalization of their starter checks. An in-house check printing solution allows banks to print starter checks that include personal information, including customer name, account number, address, and phone number. Printing personalized starter checks at the bank branch for new customers has many advantages for banks, including generating a new revenue stream.

Financial institutions that print their new account kits and starter checks on site:. Once at the branch, ask the teller or personal banker to print the checks, show your ID, and complete any other steps required by the bank. You should have your checks in-hand in just a few minutes. Writing a check with a counter check is the same as using any other check:. You might also need to write your personal information on the check, usually in the upper-left hand corner.

Again, some banks print those details for you. For example, they may require you to provide your name and phone number at a minimum. To use fewer checks, take advantage of technology:. Counter checks are not for guaranteed payments, and the payee information must be filled in. Fees vary, but you can expect to pay a few dollars for counter checks. Counter checks may be the fastest way for you to get checks. If you have the proper type of printer and paper, you may be able to print them from home.

If you don't live near a bank branch, local printing companies can also help. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. Accessed April 11, Chase Bank.