How to Send a Check Safely Through the Mail

Sending a check through the mail remains a common practice for many financial transactions, from paying bills to sending gifts. While digital payment methods have become widespread, understanding the proper and secure way to mail a check is still valuable. This guide provides practical steps and important considerations to help ensure your check reaches its destination safely.

Preparing Your Check and Envelope

Begin by filling out all fields on the check using a pen with indelible black ink. This helps prevent alteration attempts like “check washing.” Ensure the date is current, and write the payee’s full name accurately in the “Pay to the Order of” line. Avoid leaving any blank spaces on this line or the numerical amount line to deter fraudsters from adding extra names or increasing the amount.

Write the numerical amount clearly in the dollar box, followed by the written amount on the line provided. The written amount serves as the legal tender, so it must match the numerical value precisely. Filling in the memo line is optional but can be useful for your records, such as noting an account number or purpose of payment. Sign the check with your consistent signature, ensuring it matches the signature on file with your bank. Keeping a record of the check number, amount, and recipient is a good practice for tracking.

Once the check is complete, prepare the envelope. Clearly write the recipient’s full name and address, including street address, city, state, and zip code, in the center. Place your complete return address, including your name, street address, city, state, and zip code, in the upper left-hand corner. Using a security envelope can also help conceal the contents, preventing others from seeing the check inside.

Sending Your Check by Mail

Determining the correct postage is essential to ensure delivery. For a standard one-ounce letter within the U.S., the cost is $0.78 as of July 13, 2025. If your letter weighs more, an additional ounce typically costs $0.29. Forever Stamps, which are always valid for First-Class postage regardless of future rate changes, are a convenient option.

Stamps can be purchased at various locations:
Your local post office
Many retail stores, including grocery stores and pharmacies
Large retailers such as Walmart
Online through the United States Postal Service (USPS) website
Other online retailers

The most secure mailing methods include dropping your mail inside a post office at the counter or using internal mail slots. Handing the letter directly to a mail carrier is another secure choice. While external blue USPS collection boxes are widely available, depositing mail into these boxes, especially after the last collection time or on weekends and holidays, carries increased risk of theft.

Security Measures for Sending Checks

Beyond preparation and mailing, ongoing vigilance enhances security. Avoid writing sensitive personal details like your Social Security number or driver’s license number on the check.

Public blue USPS collection boxes, especially those in isolated areas or used after hours, can be targets for mail theft. Thieves may use fishing devices to retrieve mail, making it less secure than direct deposit at a post office. Avoid leaving checks in your personal mailbox with the flag raised, as this signals outgoing mail to potential thieves, making your mailbox a vulnerable target for theft.

Regularly monitor your bank accounts to detect unauthorized transactions quickly. Make it a habit to check your bank statements and transaction history frequently, looking for unfamiliar activity or withdrawals you did not authorize. Many banks offer account alerts that can notify you of certain activities, such as withdrawals over a specific amount or logins from new devices.

If you detect any suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately to report the unauthorized transactions and take steps to secure your account.

Alternatives to Mailing Checks

Several digital alternatives exist for sending money or making payments. Many banks offer online bill pay services, allowing you to schedule payments directly from your bank account to companies or individuals. This method often processes payments electronically, reducing the need for paper checks.

Electronic transfers, such as Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers and wire transfers, provide direct movement of funds between bank accounts. ACH transfers are commonly used for routine transactions like direct deposits and online bill payments, typically taking one to three business days to process and often incurring low or no fees. Wire transfers are generally faster, often completing within the same day, and are usually reserved for larger, more urgent payments with higher fees.

Digital payment applications offer convenient peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, enabling quick money exchanges between individuals. Popular apps include Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. These services often link directly to your bank account or debit card, providing an instant and traceable way to send funds without physical checks. For payments requiring guaranteed funds or for individuals without bank accounts, money orders and cashier’s checks are viable alternatives. Money orders are generally for smaller amounts (often capped around $1,000) and have lower fees, while cashier’s checks are issued by a bank, suitable for larger transactions, and considered more secure.