In this article, we’re explaining how to read a check. This article is part of our beginner series, helping individuals navigate the process of opening, managing, and benefiting from international bank accounts and financial services.
This includes a wide range of topics related to bank checks and bank accounts, including our ultimate guide to bank checks, which you can access here right now.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
How to Read a Check?
Reading a check requires you to identify 10 unique check details, which include:
- Account holder information
- Check number
- Date of issue
- Name of the payee
- The numerical value of the check
- Written value of the check
- Purpose of the check on the memo line
- Signature on the check signature line
- Routing number of the paying account, and
- Account number of the paying account.
We’ll explain each of these check details in greater detail below to help you fully understand what they each involve.
Of course, the specific check layout and check features may shift depending on the country where the check is issued. So, in addition to knowing where these 10 details are typically located, individuals should strive towards understanding checks, including how long it takes to clear a check.
That said, certain check details are universal, like the use of a MICR code and other check components. MICR codes are located at the bottom of each check and include the most important check numbers.
Not surprisingly, these numbers include the routing number, account number, and check number. MICR code is the international standard for reading check information and processing checks quickly.
Personal Information
The personal information for the account holder issuing the check is typically in the top left-hand corner of the check. In most cases, it includes their name and address.
Date the Check Was Written
The date that the check is being issued is usually placed at the top right of the check. Most checks expire six months after this date.
Payee Line
The payee line refers to the name of the payee that is receiving the check. This name needs to include the full legal name of the individual or company.
Dollar Box
The amount of the check is included in both numerical and written format. The numerical format is written in the available space along with decimals.
Amount of Check
The written format of the check is placed under the name of the payee and includes the total amount with any cents written over 100.
Routing Number
The routing number is a bank-specific identifier that indicates the specific financial institution and branch location that issued the check.
Account Number
The account number identifies the specific bank account that is issuing the check on behalf of the payer to the payee.
Check Number
The check number is a four-digit identifier for the specific check being issued.
Memo Line
The memo line is above the check numbers and includes a written note regarding the purpose of the check.
Bank Contact Info
At a minimum, the check will include the name of the bank and in certain instances, it may also include bank contact information.
Signature Line
Lastly, the signature of the payer of the check will be included above the check numbers and below the amount of the check.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people looking into how to read a check. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Which Number Is the Routing Number on a Check?
The routing number on a check is the first set of numbers in the long sequence of check numbers located at the bottom of the check. The routing number is nine digits long and identifies the specific bank and branch where the check originates.
What Do the Numbers on the Bottom of a Check Mean?
The numbers on the bottom of a check refer to the routing number, account number, and check number. That said, in certain countries, there are additional numbers that may be included such as the transit number and the institution number in Canada.
What Are the Parts of a Check?
The main parts of the check include the payer information, the payee information, the value of the check, the date and purpose of the check, and the check numbers. In total, there are 10 key check details that individuals need to identify to full read a check.
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