How to Properly Fill Out a Temporary Check

A temporary check serves as a provisional payment instrument issued by a financial institution, typically when a new bank account is opened or when the initial order of permanent checks is pending. These checks allow account holders to conduct transactions without delay, bridging the gap until personalized checks become available. They often lack the advanced security features and pre-printed details found on standard checks, making careful handling and verification especially important.

Essential Information for Your Temporary Check

Before completing a temporary check, it is important to gather several pieces of information to ensure accuracy and proper processing. The current date must be entered, indicating when the check is written and becomes valid for payment. The full legal name of the individual or entity receiving the payment, known as the payee, is also required to direct funds correctly. Both a numerical amount and a written word amount must be included, with the written amount serving as the legal tender amount in case of a discrepancy. A brief memo or purpose line can be added to explain the reason for the payment, which aids in personal record-keeping and reconciliation.

Finally, your signature is required to authorize the payment from your account. Locating the routing number, account number, and check number on a temporary check is a distinct step, as these details may be printed differently than on standard checks. The routing number, a nine-digit code, identifies your financial institution and is typically found at the bottom left of the check. The account number, which identifies your specific bank account, usually appears next to the routing number. It is important to verify these numbers against your bank’s official records, such as online banking portals or a recent bank statement, to confirm their accuracy. The check number, a unique identifier for each check, may be less prominently displayed or even absent on some temporary checks; if present, it is usually in the top right corner or part of the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom.

Writing on Your Temporary Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once all necessary information has been gathered, writing on your temporary check follows a specific order. Begin by entering the current date in the designated space, typically located in the top right corner of the check.

Next, write the full legal name of the payee on the “Pay to the Order of” line, ensuring accuracy to prevent any payment issues. Write the numerical amount of the payment in the small box to the right of the payee line, using clear digits and placing a decimal point before the cents. Immediately below this, write out the exact payment amount in words on the long line provided, ensuring it matches the numerical value precisely. For example, “One hundred and 00/100” for $100.00.

The memo line, located in the bottom left corner, can be used to briefly describe the purpose of the payment, such as “Rent for July” or “Utility Bill.” Finally, sign your name legibly on the signature line in the bottom right corner, as your signature authorizes the financial transaction. While the routing, account, and check numbers are pre-printed, ensure they are visible and correct before issuing the check.

Key Practices for Using Temporary Checks

Using temporary checks effectively requires adherence to certain practices. It is important to always double-check all entries on the check for accuracy before tendering it, as errors can lead to processing delays or returned payments. Maintaining a detailed record of each temporary check issued, including the date, payee, amount, and purpose, is important.

This record-keeping, often done in a check register or personal ledger, is important for reconciling your bank statements and monitoring your account balance. Be aware that temporary checks may not be universally accepted in all situations, particularly for larger transactions or by certain merchants who prefer more secure, permanent checks.

For security, never pre-sign a blank check, as this could lead to unauthorized withdrawals if the check is lost or stolen. If an error is made while filling out a temporary check, void the check by writing “VOID” across the front and tearing it up to prevent misuse. Always dispose of voided or unused temporary checks securely to protect your financial information.