Check Types and Terminology: Complete Glossary Guide

What a Check Is: The Legal Definition

Under Regulation CC (the Federal Reserve's rules for funds availability and check collection), a check is defined as a negotiable demand draft drawn on or payable through a bank. A demand draft means the paying bank must pay the amount immediately upon presentment without delay. A negotiable instrument means the document can be transferred from one party to another and carries the right to receive the funds it represents.

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 3 governs negotiable instruments in the US. Under UCC Article 3, a check is a type of draft (a written order directing one party to pay another), specifically a draft payable on demand (meaning the bank must pay when the check is presented, not at a future date) and drawn on a bank. The account holder who writes the check is the drawer. The bank that holds the account is the drawee. The person or entity being paid is the payee.

This legal framework is why a check carries weight in financial and legal transactions. It is not merely a piece of paper requesting payment; it is a legally binding negotiable instrument that obligates the paying bank to honor it when the conditions of the check are met.

Every Field on a Standard Check Explained

A standard US personal or business check has six fields on the face of the check and three machine-readable numbers in the MICR line at the bottom.

The Six Face Fields

Payee line (Pay to the order of): The name of the person or entity to whom the check is made payable. Banks verify this matches the name on the account being credited at deposit.

Date line: The date the check was written. Banks use this to enforce stale date policies (checks older than 180 days may be refused) and to identify post-dated checks.

Convenience amount box: The dollar amount written in numerals in the small box on the right of the payee line. Called the "convenience amount" in banking terminology because it is the amount most quickly read by bank staff and processing software.

Legal amount line: The dollar amount written in words on the long line below the payee line. Under UCC 3-114, when the convenience amount and legal amount conflict, the written (legal) amount controls. This is why the written amount governs disputes about check amounts.

Memo line: An optional field for notes about the payment purpose. Not legally binding but useful for record-keeping and tax documentation. Writing an invoice number in the memo connects the check to the specific obligation being paid.

Signature line: The drawer's authorized signature. Without a valid signature, the check has no legal force and the bank will not honor it. The signature must match the one on file with the bank.

The Three MICR Line Numbers

ABA routing number: The nine-digit number on the far left of the MICR line. It identifies the financial institution (bank or credit union) on which the check is drawn. Administered by the American Bankers Association and maintained by the Federal Reserve routing number database.

Account number: The middle number on the MICR line. It identifies the specific checking account at that bank. Length varies from 8 to 17 digits depending on the bank.

Check number: The number on the far right of the MICR line. It matches the check number printed in the upper right corner of the check face. If these two numbers do not match, the check may have been altered.

For a complete explanation of how to read the MICR line and find your routing number, see our ABA routing numbers guide.

Check Types: Every Major Category Defined

Each check type below serves a different purpose and carries different guarantees regarding payment. Choosing the right check type for a transaction depends on the parties involved, the amount, and the level of payment certainty required.

Personal Check

A personal check is drawn on an individual's personal checking account. The drawer writes the check, fills in the payee, amount, date, and memo, and signs it. The check is funded by whatever balance exists in the account at the time it is presented for payment. Personal checks can bounce if the account has insufficient funds at the time of presentment. They carry no payment guarantee from the bank.

Personal checks are the most widely ordered check type and the primary product Checkomatic manufactures. The full range of personal check formats is at Checkomatic personal checks.

Business Check

A business check is drawn on a business checking account rather than a personal one. It is functionally identical to a personal check in terms of banking processing, but the drawer is an organization rather than an individual. Business checks are used for payroll, vendor payments, accounts payable, rent, utilities, and any other organizational expense requiring a paper payment record.

Business checks printed through accounting software (called computer checks) include voucher stubs that carry payment details like invoice numbers, payment dates, and remittance information. For a full breakdown of business check formats, see our business checks page and our business checks and payroll guide.

Cashier's Check

A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds rather than the customer's account. When a customer requests a cashier's check, the bank immediately debits the customer's account for the check amount plus a fee (typically $8 to $15), then issues a check signed by a bank representative and drawn on the bank's own funds. The bank is the drawer. Payment is guaranteed because the bank itself stands behind the check. Cashier's checks are commonly required for real estate down payments, large vehicle purchases, and any transaction where the payee cannot risk a bounced check.

Certified Check

A certified check is drawn on the customer's own account, but the bank verifies sufficient funds exist and earmarks those funds, setting them aside so they cannot be spent on other transactions until the certified check is paid. The bank stamps the check "CERTIFIED" to confirm this process. Unlike a cashier's check, you remain the drawer; the bank has not assumed payment liability. Certified checks are used for real estate transactions, government payments, tax payments, and large purchases where guaranteed funds are needed but the parties want the payment attributed to the customer rather than the bank.

Payroll Check

A payroll check is a business check issued to an employee as payment for wages, salary, or compensation. It is drawn on the employer's payroll account or general business account. Payroll checks often include a detachable stub showing gross pay, deductions, taxes withheld, and net pay. This stub is the employee's pay stub, which serves as evidence of income for tax, lending, and benefit purposes. In the US, payroll checks are being replaced by direct deposit for most employees, but some businesses and some employees still prefer paper payroll checks. Checkomatic manufactures dedicated payroll business checks in manual format.

Traveler's Check

A traveler check (traveler's check) is a pre-printed, fixed-denomination check issued by a financial institution, travel company, or similar entity. The buyer signs the check at purchase and again at the time of use; the dual-signature requirement prevents unauthorized use if the checks are lost or stolen. Traveler's checks do not expire and can be replaced if lost or stolen. Their use has declined significantly with the spread of debit cards and international ATM networks, but they remain available from some banks and American Express. Traveler's checks are not check-printed products; they are purchased pre-printed, not ordered personalized.

Counter Check (Starter Check)

A counter check is a generic check issued by a bank to a customer who has run out of personalized checks. It is printed with the bank's routing number but typically includes no personalized account holder name or address, just the account number. Banks used to issue them routinely over the counter; today they are less common because personalized check orders can be placed online and delivered within days. Starter checks (a nearly identical concept) are the generic checks provided when a new checking account is opened, before the customer's personalized order arrives. Starter checks work for banking purposes but lack the security features and identification information of personalized checks.

Blank Check (Blank Check Stock)

Blank check stock is security paper with no pre-printed account information. Businesses that print checks using a MICR printer and accounting software order blank check stock and print all check information including the MICR line at the time of payment. This model gives businesses on-demand check printing without ordering pre-personalized checks. Blank check stock requires a MICR-capable printer and appropriate software. Checkomatic produces ABA-compliant blank check stock in multiple formats at blank checks.

Electronic Check (eCheck)

An electronic check (eCheck) is a digital version of a paper check processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network rather than the physical check clearing system. The routing number, account number, and payment amount are transmitted electronically, and the funds move between accounts through ACH rather than through physical check imaging. eChecks are commonly used for online bill payment, recurring payments, and business-to-business transactions where the parties have agreed to electronic payment. No physical check document is produced or transported.

Substitute Check (Image Replacement Document)

A substitute check, also called an image replacement document (IRD), is a paper reproduction of an original check created by a bank during electronic processing. The Check 21 Act (2003) made substitute checks the legal equivalent of original checks. When a check is deposited and scanned, the bank may destroy the original and process the digital image, creating a substitute check if a paper copy is needed at any point in the clearing cycle. Mobile check deposits work because the bank creates a substitute check from the photograph. Substitute checks must conform to ANSI X9.100-140 specifications.

Money Order

A money order is a prepaid payment instrument issued by a bank, post office, retailer, or money service business. It is not technically a check (it does not draw on a personal or business checking account) but is commonly compared to checks as a guaranteed payment method. Money orders are purchased for a specific amount up to the issuer's maximum (USPS money orders go up to $1,000). They are used by people without bank accounts and in situations where personal checks are not accepted but cash payment is inconvenient. Money orders carry a small purchase fee, typically $1 to $5.

Personal Check Format Types

Beyond the basic personal check, there are several format variations that affect how the check is bound, how it tears from the pad, and how payment records are kept. These are distinct from the check types above, which are about the payment mechanism. Format types are about physical design.

Single Check (One-Part)

A single check is one layer of printed check stock. When torn from the pad, only the check leaves; nothing remains in the pad to show what was written. All transaction recording must be done in a separate check register. Single checks are the lowest-cost format per check.

Duplicate Check (Two-Part, Carbonless)

A duplicate check has a carbonless copy sheet behind each check in the pad. Writing on the check face transfers through carbonless paper to the copy, which stays in the pad after the check is removed. The copy records the date, payee, and amount automatically. Duplicate checks cost slightly more but eliminate the need to manually enter every payment in a register. Our comparison of single vs duplicate formats is in our types of checks guide.

Top Stub Check

A top stub check is spiral-bound with a record stub above each check. The stub stays in the book after the check tears down and out. Full-width stub panel gives the most writing space per payment record of any format. Available at Checkomatic personal top stub checks.

Side Tear Check

A side tear check is perforated along the left edge rather than the top. The check tears away from the side of the pad, leaving the stub on the left. The shorter perforation produces a cleaner tear with less risk of accidental damage to the check face. Full guide at side tear checks.

Deskset Check

A deskset check is a larger-format personal check designed for desk use, not portability in a wallet or purse. Deskset checks have more writing room and a larger stub section. Available at personal deskset checks.

Business Check Format Types

Business check formats are categorized by the position of the check on the printed sheet relative to the voucher stubs. The position must match the accounting software's print template.

Check on Top

The check occupies the top third of the sheet, with two voucher stubs below. The most common format for QuickBooks, Sage, and most mainstream accounting software. Available at check on top.

Check in Middle

The check occupies the middle third of the sheet, with one voucher above and one below. Used with certain Sage 50 and MYOB templates. Available at check in middle.

Check on Bottom

The check occupies the bottom third of the sheet, with two voucher stubs above. Used with specific accounting software configurations where the voucher-above format is preferred. Available at check on bottom.

3-on-a-Page Check

Three checks occupy one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet with no voucher stubs. Used for high-volume check printing where per-check cost efficiency matters more than voucher records. Available at 3-on-a-page checks.

Manual Business Check

Manual business checks are handwritten rather than software-printed. They come in 3-on-a-page format with detachable stubs, in accounts payable, payroll, multi-purpose, executive deskbook, and pocket formats. The full manual range is at manual business checks.

Voucher Check

The term "voucher check" specifically refers to a business check with one or two attached voucher stubs (detachable sections that stay with the payer and/or payee as a payment record). In business check formats, the voucher carries remittance information: the invoice number, invoice date, payment amount, discount taken, and net payment. The payee detaches the check and deposits it; the voucher remains as a record of what the payment was for. Computer business checks (check on top, check in middle, check on bottom) are all voucher checks.

The Three Types of Check Endorsement

Endorsement is the act of signing the back of a check to transfer ownership or authorize deposit. There are three recognized endorsement types under the UCC, each with different legal effects.

Blank Endorsement

A blank endorsement is simply the payee's signature on the back of the check with no additional instructions. A check with a blank endorsement becomes essentially payable to whoever holds it, like cash. A signed check lying on a desk can be deposited by anyone who picks it up. For this reason, checks should not be signed on the back until the moment of deposit. A blank endorsement is sometimes also called an open endorsement.

Restrictive Endorsement

A restrictive endorsement limits what can be done with the check. The most common restrictive endorsement is "For Deposit Only" written above the signature. A check with this endorsement can only be deposited, not cashed. It cannot be transferred to a third party. Restrictive endorsements are recommended for checks deposited by mail or mobile deposit because they prevent the check from being cashed for cash if it is lost or stolen in transit. Self-inking endorsement stamps pre-print this phrase on every check at deposit. See our self-inking endorsement stamps.

Special Endorsement (Third-Party Endorsement)

A special endorsement transfers the check to a specific third party. The payee writes "Pay to the order of [Name]" and signs below it. The named third party then becomes the new payee and can deposit or cash the check. Third-party checks are viewed with suspicion by many banks because they increase the fraud surface; some banks refuse to accept third-party endorsed checks entirely. A check endorsed in this way is sometimes called a two-party check or a third-party check.

Check Problem Terminology: NSF, Stop Payment, Stale, Post-Dated

Check problems have specific banking terms that affect how they are handled by banks and what fees or consequences apply.

NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) and Bounced Check

A check returns NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) when the drawer's account lacks enough money to cover the check amount at presentment. The bank returns the check unpaid. The drawer is charged an NSF fee by their bank (typically $25 to $35) and may be charged by the payee as well. The payee's bank may also charge a returned deposit fee. Repeated NSF events can result in account closure and reporting to ChexSystems, which tracks banking history and can prevent the account holder from opening accounts at other banks.

Stop Payment

A stop payment is an instruction from the drawer to their bank not to pay a specific check if it is presented. Stop payments are requested when a check is lost, stolen, sent to the wrong payee, or when a payment dispute arises. Banks charge a stop payment fee (typically $20 to $35). Stop payment orders are valid for six months at most banks and must be renewed if the check is still outstanding after that period. A stop payment does not cancel the underlying payment obligation; if the payee has a valid claim to payment, the drawer still owes the debt.

Stale Check

A stale check is a check presented for payment more than 180 days (six months) after its issue date. Under UCC Article 4, a bank has no obligation to pay a stale check and may dishonor it without liability to the drawer. Banks may choose to pay stale checks at their discretion, but they are not required to. This is why checks should be deposited promptly after receipt and why check registers are important for tracking outstanding checks that have not yet cleared.

Post-Dated Check

A post-dated check carries a future date rather than the current date. The drawer writes a check today with next month's date, intending that the payee not deposit it until that future date. Under the UCC, a bank may pay a post-dated check before the date if it processes the check without noticing the date; however, if the drawer properly notifies the bank of the post-dated check in advance, the bank is obligated to wait until the date before paying. Post-dated checks are commonly used for installment payment arrangements.

Bounced Check

A bounced check is the informal term for a check that is returned unpaid by the paying bank, typically due to NSF but also due to a closed account, a stop payment order, an invalid signature, or a MICR encoding error. The check "bounces" back to the payee's bank and then to the payee, typically with associated fees from both banks.

Dishonored Check

A dishonored check is the formal banking and legal term for any check that is returned unpaid. Dishonor can result from NSF, a closed account, a stop payment, a forged signature, an expired check, or an account hold. Dishonor carries legal consequences: in most US states, issuing a check with knowledge of insufficient funds is a criminal offense if the drawer does not cure the dishonor within a specified notice period.

MICR and Check Processing Terminology

The technical side of check processing has its own vocabulary that appears in banking documentation, check printing specifications, and fraud investigations.

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)

MICR refers both to the technology (magnetic ink character recognition) and to the specific characters printed at the bottom of every check. MICR equipment magnetizes the ink and reads each character's unique magnetic waveform to extract the routing number, account number, and check number without optical recognition. MICR is mandated by the American Bankers Association and remains a requirement for check processing in the US as of 2025 despite the growth of digital payments.

E-13B Font

The E-13B font is the specific typeface used for MICR printing on checks in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. It was adopted by the ABA in 1958 and standardized in ISO 1004-1:2013 as the international MICR standard. The font uses characters 0-9 plus four special symbols (routing, on-us, amount, and dash). Each character is designed to produce a unique magnetic waveform distinguishable by MICR readers.

ABA Routing Number (Routing Transit Number)

The nine-digit number that identifies a US bank or credit union. The first four digits are the Federal Reserve routing symbol identifying the Federal Reserve district and the bank's type. Digits five through eight are the bank's ABA institution identifier. The ninth digit is a check digit calculated using a weighted sum formula from the first eight digits, which allows automated systems to verify the routing number is mathematically valid before processing. Our full routing number guide is at ABA routing numbers explained.

Float Time

Float is the period between when a check is written and when it clears the payer's account. During float time, the payer's bank account still shows the money as available even though the check has been issued. The elimination of float through the Check 21 Act (same-day and next-day check processing) has significantly reduced the float period that once allowed businesses to manage cash flow by writing checks against expected but not yet received deposits. Relying on float is now a risk rather than a tool.

Check Truncation

Check truncation is the process of converting a paper check to an electronic image during the clearing cycle and destroying the original paper. Under the Check 21 Act, financial institutions can truncate checks and process electronic images rather than routing physical paper checks between banks. Truncation is what makes mobile check deposits possible: the physical check is photographed, the image is transmitted, and the original paper is retained briefly before being voided or destroyed.

Positive Pay

Positive pay is a fraud prevention service offered by banks to business checking account holders. The business submits an electronic file to the bank listing every check issued (check number, date, amount, and payee). When a check is presented for payment, the bank compares it against the positive pay file. Any check not on the file, or with a mismatched amount or payee, is flagged for the business to review and approve or reject before payment. Positive pay is the most effective defense against check fraud for businesses with high check volume.

Remote Deposit Capture (RDC)

Remote deposit capture is the service that allows depositors to deposit checks by photographing them with a smartphone camera or scanning them with a dedicated device. The bank receives the image and creates a substitute check for processing. RDC eliminates the need to physically visit a branch or ATM to deposit a check. Most consumer banks now offer mobile RDC through their banking app.

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

The Automated Clearing House is the electronic network that processes batch payments between US banks, including direct deposits, electronic bill payments, and electronic checks (eChecks). ACH is not the same as check clearing; paper check clearing uses the Federal Reserve's check clearing system, while ACH processes electronic fund transfers. When a check is converted to an electronic transaction at a retail point of sale (called electronic check conversion), it moves through ACH rather than the paper check system.

Check Security Terminology

Check security has its own specific vocabulary that describes both the protection features built into check paper and the fraud methods those features prevent.

ABA-Compliant Check Paper

ABA-compliant check paper meets the security paper specifications required by the American Bankers Association for checks to be accepted by US banks and credit unions. ABA-compliant paper includes six standard security features: chemically reactive paper (stops check washing), genuine watermark (embedded in the paper fiber), microprinting (along the signature line, unreadable by copiers), thermochromic ink (heat-sensitive, disappears when warmed), void pantograph (reveals VOID text when photocopied or scanned), and UV fluorescent fibers (glow under ultraviolet light). Every Checkomatic check ships on ABA-compliant paper with all six features at the base price. For the full technical guide, see our check stock paper guide.

Check Washing

Check washing is the process of chemically removing ink from a check using bleach, acetone, or similar solvents, then rewriting the check with different payee information or a larger amount. It is one of the most common forms of check fraud. Chemically reactive paper prevents successful check washing by producing a permanent, visible stain when solvents are applied.

Check Forgery

Check forgery is the signing of another person's name on a check without authorization. A forged check is one that bears a fraudulent signature purporting to be the drawer's. Banks bear primary liability for paying over a forged drawer's signature under UCC Article 4 in most circumstances, provided the account holder was not negligent.

Counterfeit Check

A counterfeit check is a fictitious check produced to look like a genuine check drawn on a real account. Counterfeits are typically produced by scanning and reprinting a genuine check, or by creating one from scratch using stolen account information. The void pantograph background on ABA-compliant checks produces VOID text on any photocopied or scanned reproduction, making counterfeiting more detectable.

Check Kiting

Check kiting is a form of check fraud that exploits float time by writing checks between accounts at different banks to create the appearance of a balance that does not actually exist. As float times have shortened due to Check 21 Act electronic processing, kiting has become much harder to execute successfully.

CPSA (Check Payment Systems Association)

The Check Payment Systems Association is the industry organization whose membership and standards govern ABA-compliant check printing. The CPSA padlock icon on a check printer's ordering page confirms that the printer is a CPSA member producing checks on paper that meets ABA security specifications. All Checkomatic personal and business checks are CPSA-certified.

Complete Check Terminology Glossary A-Z

This alphabetical glossary covers every major check banking term. Terms are cross-referenced where relevant.

Why Order Your Checks From Checkomatic

Checkomatic has manufactured every check type described in this guide since 1997, from its Monroe, NY (Monroe NY) in-house production facility. Personal checkbooks, top stub checks, side tear format, deskset checks, business computer checks, manual payroll checks, QuickBooks checks, and blank check stock are all produced under one roof with direct quality control and no reseller markup.

Every Checkomatic check ships on ABA-compliant (ABA compliant) security paper with all six fraud deterrent features included at the base price. No security tier to select. The CPSA padlock on Checkomatic's ordering pages confirms CPSA certification and ABA compliance.

Free black and white logo printing is included on every personal and business check order. Color logo printing is available for a small additional charge. No per-order handling fee is added at checkout. Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from digital proof approval.

For a complete look at every check type available at Checkomatic, start with the personal checkbook collection for personal formats and business checks for business formats. The full accessories range including deposit slips, check envelopes, 7-ring binders, and endorsement stamps ships from the same Monroe, NY facility. Order at checkomatic.com.

The Short Version on Check Types and Terminology

A check is a negotiable demand draft drawn on a bank account. The drawer writes it, the drawee (bank) pays it, and the payee receives the funds. Every check has six face fields (payee, date, convenience amount, legal amount, memo, signature) and three MICR line numbers (routing, account, check number).

The major check types are personal (drawn on individual accounts), business (drawn on business accounts), cashier (drawn on bank funds, guaranteed), certified (personal account, bank earmarks funds), payroll, electronic (eCheck via ACH), and blank check stock. Format variations include single, duplicate, top stub, side tear, and deskset for personal checks, and check on top, middle, bottom, and 3-on-a-page for business checks.

Key terminology to know: MICR (magnetic encoding at the bottom), ABA routing number (nine-digit bank identifier), NSF (non-sufficient funds, why checks bounce), endorsement (back of check authorization), float (gap between writing and clearing), positive pay (fraud protection service), substitute check and Check 21 Act (why mobile deposit works), stale check (over 180 days old), and stop payment (instruction to bank not to pay a specific check).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a personal check and a business check?

A personal check is drawn on an individual's personal checking account and is used for personal payments: rent, utilities, gifts, services. A business check is drawn on a business checking account and used for organizational payments: payroll, vendor invoices, accounts payable, and business expenses. The key structural difference is that business computer checks include one or two voucher stubs attached to the check that carry payment detail fields (invoice numbers, descriptions, amounts) for accounting records. Personal checks are wallet-sized with no stub unless you choose a top stub or side tear format. Both types are negotiable instruments processed through the same banking infrastructure.

What is the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?

Both guarantee payment, but from different sources. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds: the bank immediately debits your account, then issues a check with the bank as the drawer, signed by a bank representative. A certified check is drawn on your own account: the bank verifies sufficient funds exist, earmarks them so they cannot be spent elsewhere, and stamps the check certified. You remain the drawer on a certified check. Both are used when the payee needs guaranteed payment and cannot accept the risk of a bounced personal check. Cashier's checks involve the bank assuming the payment obligation; certified checks involve the bank verifying and securing your funds but leaving you as the responsible drawer.

What does NSF mean on a check?

NSF stands for Non-Sufficient Funds, also called insufficient funds. An NSF check is returned unpaid by the paying bank because the drawer's account did not have enough money to cover the check amount at the time it was presented. Both the drawer and payee typically incur fees: the drawer's bank charges an NSF fee (commonly $25 to $35), and the payee's bank may charge a returned deposit fee. The check is returned to the payee, who must seek payment through other means. Persistent NSF events can lead to account closure and reporting to ChexSystems, which may prevent the account holder from opening new bank accounts.

What is a MICR line on a check?

The MICR line is the row of numbers printed along the bottom edge of every check in magnetic ink using the E-13B font. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. The line contains three numbers: the nine-digit ABA routing number on the far left (identifies the bank), the account number in the middle (identifies the specific checking account), and the check number on the right (matches the number in the upper right corner of the check face). Banking equipment magnetizes and reads these characters to route the check automatically to the correct bank for clearing. Any error in MICR encoding causes processing failures and check returns.

What types of checks does Checkomatic offer?

Checkomatic manufactures personal checkbooks, top stub personal checks, personal deskset checks, secretary deskbook checks, QuickBooks wallet personal checks, business computer checks (check on top, in middle, on bottom, and 3-on-a-page), manual business checks (accounts payable, payroll, multi-purpose, executive deskbook, pocket), QuickBooks-compatible computer checks, blank check stock (top, middle, bottom, 3-per-page), and Z-fold pressure seal checks. Every format ships from the Monroe, NY production facility on ABA-compliant security paper with six fraud deterrent features and free logo printing included at the base price.