Can You Mail a Check and How to Do It Safely?

Mailing a check remains a common method for sending funds, even with the rise of digital payment options. Paper checks continue to serve as a relevant tool for many transactions, including bill payments, gifts, or direct exchanges. Understanding proper procedures and safeguards helps ensure payments reach their intended destination securely.

Preparing Your Check for Mail

Properly preparing your check and envelope is the first step in ensuring a smooth transaction. Begin by accurately filling out the check. Write the current date in the top right corner. Next, clearly write the full name of the person or entity receiving the payment on the “Pay to the order of” line.

After specifying the payee, enter the numerical amount in the box to the right of the payee line, ensuring numbers are written closely to the left edge to prevent alteration. Below this, write out the payment amount in words on the designated line, filling any remaining space with a line to prevent additional text. For amounts including cents, use a fraction format, such as “and 50/100.” Finally, sign your name on the signature line in the bottom right corner. An optional memo line can note the payment’s purpose, such as an account number or invoice number.

Once the check is complete, prepare the envelope. Write the recipient’s full name and address, including any apartment or suite numbers, in the lower center. Place your full name and return address in the upper left corner. Affix the correct postage stamp in the upper right corner. Some individuals fold a blank piece of paper around the check to obscure its contents.

Ensuring Secure Mail Delivery

Mailing a check requires attention to security. Deposit mail containing checks directly into official U.S. Postal Service (USPS) blue collection boxes, hand it to a uniformed mail carrier, or mail it inside a post office. Avoiding an unsecured home mailbox flag for outgoing mail can prevent theft. Depositing mail before the last collection of the day ensures it does not sit unattended overnight.

For higher value payments or those requiring confirmation, consider enhanced mailing services. Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and electronic delivery confirmation. This service is suitable for important documents that do not have significant intrinsic value but require confirmation of delivery. Certified Mail generally follows standard delivery timelines.

Registered Mail offers a higher level of security for sending valuable or irreplaceable items, such as cash or important documents. It provides end-to-end security with a chain of custody, often involving locked containers and individual logging at each stage. Registered Mail also includes insurance coverage up to $50,000. While more secure, Registered Mail is typically more expensive and may have longer delivery times due to meticulous handling. Tracking services, available with various mail options, allow you to monitor the check’s progress online, providing peace of mind.

Actions for Unreceived Checks

If a mailed check does not reach its recipient, prompt action is necessary. First, contact the recipient to confirm the check has not been received or processed. This helps determine if the check is delayed or lost.

If the check remains unreceived, contact your bank to inquire about its status and potentially initiate a stop payment order. A stop payment prevents the check from being cashed or deposited if it surfaces. To place a stop payment, provide specific details: the check number, amount, payee’s name, and date written.

Banks generally charge a fee for stop payment orders, typically ranging from $20 to $40. These orders usually remain effective for about six months, though some banks offer extensions. Act quickly, as a stop payment can only be processed if the check has not already cleared your account. While waiting, monitor your bank statements for unauthorized activity. If theft or fraudulent cashing is suspected, report the incident to law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.