Some people find checks confusing. Fortunately for you, I have broken down what each part of a check means into simple, numerically indicated sections.  While checks vary, this simplified explanation will give you a general understanding of what the parts of a check are.

1) Personalization Area

The top left area of a check is where the personal information of the account owner(s) are indicated.  It generally will include your name, address, state and zip code. You can also include your phone number for easy reference, but you should never include your drivers license or social security numbers for your own personal identification security.

2) Pay To Line

The “Pay to the order of” line is where you write who the check is payable to, or in other words, who you are writing the check and providing funds to.

3) Check Value Box

The box to the right of the dollar sign, immediately after the “Pay to the order of’ line, on the right hand side of the check is where you write the numerical value that correlates to the  amount of funds you are providing. (For example, “$43.87”).

4) Check Value Line

The line below “Pay to the order of” is where you must write out the numerical value of the box to the right of the dollar sign, including all dollars and cents being disbursed. This must be the same as the amount written in the Check Value Box. (For example, “Forty-Three Dollars and Eighty-Seven Cents.”)

5) Memo or Message Line

The “Memo” line is for your records to detail why you wrote this particular check. (For example, “Groceries for cookout” Or “Happy Birthday Johnny!”)

6) Date Line

The line towards the top right of the check titled “Date” is the date line.  Write the current date in numerical value.  (For example, “7/4/14”).

7) Signature Line

The line in the bottom right hand corner of the check is for your signature.  You must sign your full name as it appears on your checking account on this line, otherwise the check will not be valid. Some checks may include more than one signature line, but typically these are business checks.

8) Bank Information

The area above the memo line is generally where your bank’s contact information will be which can include the bank name, address and/or phone number, or even the banks logo. However, none of this information is required to be printed on your check.

MICR Line Area

This is where all of your bank and account numbers and information are listed.

9) Routing Number

The number on the bottom left of your check is your bank’s routing number.  This number identifies the bank and branch location at which you originally set up your account. If your branch moves or merges with a new bank, this number will need to be changed shortly afterwards.

10) Bank Account Number

The middle number on the very bottom of the check is your bank account number.  This is your personal bank account number and relates specifically to your account at a specific bank. Some banks do list the account number at the end of the MICR line. No worries if this is the case as your bank or direct check companies such as www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com will make sure your checks are printed exactly the way your bank requires them.

11) Check Number

Your check number is generally found in the upper right corner of your check, and is also included at the end of the MICR Line on lower right corner of your check.  This is designed to help you keep track of your checks in your records. For those banks where your account number is listed at the end of the MICR Line, the check number is then placed in the middle of the MICR Line.

Additional Features

There are additional areas and features on checks that may appear on your checks as well. These include EZShield which you can get when you order your checks at Bradford Exchange Checks or any other check fraud protection logos that verify you have this important security feature attached to your account. Another is the Padlock Icon that verifies there are additional security features on your check that are typically listed on the back side of most checks.