Back to Basics: Guide to Using Checks
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Illustration of a check. An illustrated hand holding a pen appears on screen and moves as if getting ready to sign the check.
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State Farm® logo
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Back to Basics: Guide to Using Checks
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Illustrated Check
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Whether you are new to check writing or just need a refresher, here are the basics to know.
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How to write a check
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Illustrated check. An illustrated hand holding a pen writes the date on the check.
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Write today's date in the space in the upper right-hand corner. (Numbers only is OK.)
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Illustrated hand writes John Smith on the Pay to the Order of line on the check.
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Clearly print the name of the person or company you're writing the check to on the Pay to the Order Of line.
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Illustrated hand writes in the small box on the check.
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Write the numerical amount of the check in the small box.
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Illustrated hand writes Forty-three dollars and 21/100 on the Dollars line on the check.
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On the DOLLARS line, write the amount again, only spelled out.
- You can show cents as a fraction, such as 21/100 or no/100, or spelled out.
- If space remains, draw a line to fill it out to prevent tampering.
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Illustrated hand signs name on the Signature line.
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Sign your name on the bottom right-hand line.
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The line can include:
- A reminder for you or your payee
- Any requested info
- Nothing (it's OK to leave it blank)
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Illustrated hand writes in large letters across the check.
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If you make a mistake, write across the check and start a new one.
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Decoding the numbers at the bottom of a check
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Illustrated check. Set of numbers on the bottom left of the check is highlighted. Label indicates this set of numbers is the bank routing number.
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The number on the left is your routing number. It's specific to your bank.
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Illustrated check. Set of numbers in the middle of the check is highlighted. Label indicates this set of numbers is your bank account number.
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The number in the middle is your account number.
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You'll need to provide both numbers to set up direct deposit.
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Illustrated check. Set of numbers on the bottom right of the check is highlighted. Label indicates this set of numbers is the 4-digit check number.
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The 4-digit number represent the check number that appears in the right-hand corner of your check. It's used to help keep track of check payments on your statement.
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How to deposit a check
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Step 1: Endorse
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Illustration of the back on the check. A hand signs a name in the endorsement area.
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In the designated endorsement area on the back of the check, write:
-Your signature
-For deposit only (to prevent anyone from cashing it)
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Step 2: Deposit
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Illustrated hand holding a smart phone appears. On the phone screen is the State Farm® logo and MyTime Deposit®.
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You may be able to make a deposit electronically using your bank's app. State Farm Bank® customers can make a deposit using MyTime Deposit® or the State Farm mobile app.
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Illustration of a bank deposit slip. Check amount on slip is filled in along with the total.
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You may also make a deposit at your bank's branch or ATM. The bank may require you to fill out a deposit slip, which you can get at your bank or find in the back of your book of checks.
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Help prevent check fraud
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Illustrated locked safe.
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Store your checkbook and extra checks in a secure location.
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Illustrated shredder.
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Dispose of unused and cashed checks properly by shredding.
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Illustrated calculator and check ledger.
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Balance your checkbook monthly and regularly monitor your account.
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Illustrated bank with a red exclamation mark on it.
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Notify your bank immediately of any suspicious activity.
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State Farm® logo
