Paper checks may seem outdated these days, but they still play an important role in many financial transactions. Whether you’re setting up direct deposit, arranging a wire transfer or keeping records, knowing how to read a check is a crucial skill.
Below, we’ll walk you through each part of a check and explain how to find essential information like your routing and account numbers.
Here’s a look at how to read a check and locate your routing and account numbers:
How To Read a Check
In today’s highly digital age, understanding and reading a check is starting to become a long-forgotten thing of the past. If you do end up getting your hands on a physical check, however, you’ll need a basic understanding of how to read it to know what to do with it.
Here are the different parts of a check and where you can find them:
1. Personal Information
In the upper left corner, you’ll see the name and address of the check’s owner. This identifies who the checking account belongs to.
2. Payee Line
Below the date line, you’ll find the phrase “Pay to the Order Of.” This indicates who will receive the money. If the check is made out to you, endorse (sign) the back only when you’re ready to cash or deposit it — doing so too early can pose a security risk if the check is lost or stolen.
3. Dollar Box
The dollar box (usually to the right of the payee line) displays the numerical value of the check, for example, “$20.65.” Make sure to write the amount as close to the left edge of the box as possible so no one can alter the figure.
Begin writing as close to the left side of the box as possible, with the dollar sign snug against the first number. You don’t want someone to alter the check to $2,220.65.
4. Check Amount (Written Out)
Directly below the payee line, you’ll see a line to spell out the check’s amount in words. Cents should still be written in numerical form. For instance, write “Twenty dollars and 65/100” for a $20.65 check. If space remains after writing the amount, draw a line through it to prevent any alterations.
5. Memo Line
The memo line is optional but helpful for noting why the check was written. For example, if you’re paying rent, you might write “March 2025 Rent” to track that month’s payment.
6. Date Line
This is the date the check is written. Some people postdate checks if funds won’t be available until a specific future date; however, banks can often still process a check immediately.
Sometimes, the paying party might postdate the check to indicate when the payee should cash it. For example, you might make out a check on March 5 but write March 15 on the date line. This is often done if account funds won’t be available until a specified future time.
Although the payee potentially could take this as a direction to wait before cashing a check, the check is valid from the moment it’s signed by the issuer. The payee doesn’t have to wait until the date on the date line to cash the check. If the payee attempts to cash the check before the date on this line and the check bounces, the person who wrote the check and the one who cashes it could face fees from their bank.
7. Signature Line
The account holder (issuer) signs here to authorize the payment.
8. Bank Name
You’ll find the bank’s name somewhere on the check, often in the bottom left area. If you have questions or concerns about a check’s validity, contact the bank listed.
9. Routing Number
The first set of digits at the bottom of the check is the routing number, usually nine digits long. This number identifies the bank and is required to set up direct deposit and electronic payments.
If you’re wondering how to read a routing number on a check, focus on the first set of digits at the bottom. You’ll use this number to set up direct deposits and recurring payments. Some banks will have more than one routing number, depending on their size, so always make sure you’re using the correct one before setting up these types of payments.
10. Account Number
The second set of digits along the bottom is your account number, which links directly to the checking account from which the funds will be withdrawn.
11. Check Number
You’ll see a check number in two places: the bottom right corner (as the last set of digits) and the top right corner. Each check has a unique number to help track payments.
12. Bank’s Fractional Number
Toward the top right corner, you may notice a fractional number containing parts of your routing information. This was more commonly used in the past; today, it’s not frequently referenced because the routing number and account number provide the necessary details.
How To Find Your Account and Routing Numbers If You Don’t Have a Check
If you don’t have a physical check handy, you can still find your routing and account numbers by:
- Using the ABA routing number lookup tool
- Checking your bank’s website
- Using your bank’s mobile app
- Reviewing your monthly bank statement
- Calling or visiting your bank in person
You can also locate your account and routing numbers on your monthly bank statement. Alternatively, you can call or visit the bank to find out your routing and account numbers.
Final Take to GO
Knowing how to read each part of a check can save you time and stress. Whether it’s for setting up direct deposits, paying rent or ensuring accuracy in financial transactions, understanding the basics is an essential skill.
If you’re ever uncertain about a check, don’t hesitate to reach out to the issuing bank for clarification.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about reading a check.- How do you read the numbers on a check?
- The routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom of a check. This number identifies your bank. The second set is the account number, linked to your specific bank account. The final set is the check number, which identifies the individual check.
- Which number on a check is the routing number?
- The routing number is the nine-digit number located at the bottom left of a check. This number tells you which bank issued the check. It is used for direct deposits, wire transfers and other transactions.
- How can you tell what bank a check is from?
- You can identify the issuing bank by looking at the name printed on the check, usually located under the memo line. You can also use the routing number at the bottom of the check to confirm the bank.
- How can you tell if a check is real or fake?
- To verify if a check is real, look for security features like watermarks or color-shifting ink. Verify the bank information, including the routing number, to see if it matches the issuing bank. If anything seems off, contact the bank directly to confirm its validity.
- How do you read a business check?
- Reading a business check is similar to reading a personal check. The routing number, account number and check number are located along the bottom of the check. However, business checks may include additional details, such as the company name, logo or custom fields for record-keeping.
- Where is the check number on a check?
- The check number is located in two places: the top right corner of the check and the far right along the bottom.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.