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Checks Glossary (Preliminary)


Bad Check

A bad check is a check that has bounced and also meets certain legal conditions to be "bad". For example it must be for an immediate exchange of goods and services. If a bounced check is not bad then civil action must be taken to recover the funds. If the check is "bad" then a direct bad check violation can be undertaken. Time must be allowed for the check writer to make good the funds.

Contact your state legal or banking system for accurate legal definitions.

Bank Routing Number

The bank rounting number is a nine digit number on the micr line of a check. This number, which starts with 0, 1, 2, or 3, specifies the bank that the check account is held at.

Bounced Check

A bounced check occurs when there were inadequate funds in the bank account associated with the check when the check was presented to the bank, or the account was closed or on hold.

The practice of check floating is writing a check knowing that funds are not in the account, but will be when the check is presented. The check 21 act allows check presentation to be speeded up and so makes floating more likely to lead to bounced checks.

Check 21

Check 21 is a federal act which became active in October 2004. It allows the electronic replacement and transmission of checks for fast transfers through the banking system. It is intended to reduce the paper transfers of checks, which has been substantial, and increase efficiency. Funds may be taken from an account more quickly if check 21 is used.

Check Number

The check number is a unique sequential number, for the account on which a check is drawn, which gives each check a unique identity. This number is encoded on the MICR line at the bottom of the check. It is used by the bank and account owner for record keeping and matching checks to purchases.

Check Register

A check register is a record keeping device that allows a person writing checks to track expenditure and account balances. This ensures that a check is not used that is in danger of bouncing. To keep a useful track of account balances all movements into and out of the account must be recorded as soon as you are aware of them occuring. It is also important to cross check the register against the actual account to confirm the accuracy of both the register and the account.

Checkbook Cover

A checkbook cover is simply a protective and functional device which encloses a checkbook. Various materials can be used, for example high quality leather checkbook covers are popular. They can also have useful credit card pockets. A Cool checkbook cover is whatever the owner thinks it is.

Computer Checks

Broadly computer checks are checks intended to be used with a computer. Some accounting software packages can be used to print onto computer checks directly. The most common format for computer checks is 3 on a page, which can be directly used by your check printer.

Floating Checks

Floating Checks refers to the practice of writing checks knowing that there is currently not sufficient money in the account to cover the check, in anticipation that there will be funds when the check clears in a few days time. This clearing can take up to a week with the large numbers of checks in the system. The check 21 Act is intended to increase efficiency and speed the check clearing system, so reducing chances to float checks.

Micr Line

The Micr Line part of a check is an acronym for "Magnetic Ink Character Recognition". This part of the check is printed using a specialized font designed for easy computerized recognition. The MICR line is well defined and includes routing number, acount number and the individual check number.

Side Tear Checks

A side tear check is a check where the tear perforations are at the left hand side of the check. The check torn off the book is used exactly like any other check. I have seen a side tear check with a small stub for record keeping, however this seems to be quite unusual.

Top Stub Checks

A top stub check is a check where there is a area (stub) left above the check after the check has been torn off. This top stub is used for keeping a check register or record of the transactions and any other details thought necessary. This makes it more likely that a record will be kept, since the record keeping area is to hand when the check is written.