People who use personal checks as their preferred non-cash payment option are smart. They know that checks can help you stay on top of your personal finances.
But there are some smart moves you can make as a user of personal checks and there are some stupid moves too.
Here are some mistakes you should avoid and some suggestions for the right way to make use of personal checks the.
Bad Idea - Using a Pencil to Write Personal Checks
Pencils are nice for when you make mistakes, but not with personal checks. People can erase what you wrote and rewrite the check to change who the check was written out to or the dollar amount.
Also - never erase mistakes you make when writing checks. Either write VOID on the check, tear it up, or fix the error and write your initials next to it.
Good Idea - Using a Gel Pen to Write Personal Checks
You should always use a blue or black ink pen to write both personal checks and business checks. Checks written with ink in other colors will still be accepted but standard blue or black is preferred. It's best to use a gel pen instead of a normal ballpoint pen. This can help prevent check washing , which is the process of removing ink from personal or business checks using household chemicals.
Bad Idea - Signing Blank Checks
Checks can be stolen and used just like cash. If you sign a check without filling in the other areas, a criminal (or even someone you think you can trust) could take the opportunity to fill in the dollar amount for as much as they want. You are going to be the one held responsible when all the money disappears from your checking account.
Good Idea - Signing Checks Exactly as Your Name is Printed
That means when you order checks with your full name, or with just your middle initial, you sign it that same way. Remember, your bank has a signature card on file. For that reason you should get into the habit of always signing your name in the same fashion. That will make it easier to recognize a forgery.
Bad Idea - Writing Checks for More Money Than You Have in Your Account
A lot of bad things can happen if you bounce personal checks. You'll most likely be charged an overdraft fee by your bank. The place where you wrote the bad check may also charge you a fee, or could decide to refuse checks from you for the rest of your life. Your name might end up on a "risk check" list and other businesses will also refuse your personal checks. Your bank or credit union could stop allowing you to write checks or your account could be closed completely.
Good Idea - Using a Check Register with Your Personal Checks
Check Advantage sends you a free check register every time you order checks. You can also get extra registers for just $1.49 each! A check register is an effective tool for staying on top of the money going in and out of your checking account. If you keep it up to date, you'll never have to worry about writing a bad check again.
Bad Idea - Choosing to Reorder Checks from Your Bank
It might seem to make sense to contact your bank or credit union when it's time to reorder checks. But you could be throwing away money that you'd save when you choose to order personal checks online.
Banks need to order checks too. They are paying for them to be printed and then mark up the price before selling them to customers like you. That's why buying checks from your financial institution seems so expensive.
Good Idea - Choosing to Order Checks Online
The next time you're ready to reorder personal checks or business checks - head to Check Advantage.
We are an online company that prints and sells our own personal and business checks directly to our loyal customers. Our prices are as much as 75% less than what your bank charges. Plus, unlike some online check retailers, we won't raise the price when you reorder checks. What you pay on the first order will be the same on your second order.
Look through all checks offered at Check Advantage and find the style that's right for you! We offer a wide selection of designs from Nature Checks to Country Living Checks to Scenic Views Checks. All our personal check designs are 100% original - just like you!
100% Satisfaction If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please contact us immediately. We promise to take care of it.
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