Is it Legal to Use Personal Checks with Outdated Information?
Let's say you move to a new home, get a cell phone with a different number, or get married and change your name. What happens to all of your personal checks? Is it still legal to use them if you still have checks left in your box, or should you order more?
Don't worry. Your old checks are still perfectly good and you can use them without worrying about legal issues. However, some merchants may ask you to update personal information in writing.
There's a lot of information found on personal checks. You will fill some of that information in yourself, and some of it is already printed on your checks. The most important information on your checks is the MICR line.
MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition. You'll find it on the very bottom edge of your check. The magnetic ink can be read by the bank's processing equipment even if you write over the numbers. The MICR line includes your financial institution's routing number, your checking account number, and the number of that specific check (also found in the top right corner).
The personal information found on checks can differ depending on the individual. That's because what's printed on that section is often entirely up to you. Companies like Check Advantage that let you order cheap checks online often only require one line of personal information.
Using checks with an old address will not affect how payment is made. It's perfectly legal to continue using them.
When a bank clears one of your personal checks, the address and other personal information is somewhat irrelevant. What's most important is that you filled in all the fields correctly, it is signed with your signature, and you have sufficient funds in your checking account.
There may be times when a cashier asks you if the personal information on your checks is current. This is because they want to be able to track you down if your check happens to bounce, or if there are other problems - like if you accidentally forgot to sign or date the check.
If a merchant wants you to update your personal information, simply cross out whatever is outdated and write the correct information on the check. You may also be asked to initial any changes you make.
Never have your social security number printed on personal checks. If a merchant asks your SSN when using a personal check, make sure you know the reason why, and can be assured it will be properly handled.
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