What Is a Starter Check and How Does It Work?

A starter check is a temporary check provided by a financial institution, typically when a new checking account is opened. Also known as a counter check, it allows account holders to make immediate payments without waiting for personalized checks to be printed and mailed.

Characteristics of Starter Checks

Starter checks have distinct features that differentiate them from standard, personalized checks. They lack pre-printed personal details like the account holder’s name, address, or contact information, leaving these areas blank for manual completion. Their design is plain, often with generic bank branding, and they are printed on ordinary paper, not the specialized security paper of custom checks. Despite lacking personalization, starter checks always include the bank’s routing number and the account holder’s account number printed along the bottom. They also feature a very low check number, or sometimes no pre-printed number.

Common Uses for Starter Checks

Starter checks address immediate financial needs, especially for new account holders. They are primarily used for initial payments or urgent transactions before custom-ordered checks arrive, which can take several weeks. These checks facilitate payments for essential services like utilities or rent, where electronic payments or personalized checks are not yet set up. They also serve as a stop-gap if a customer unexpectedly runs out of regular checks and needs an immediate paper payment option. While useful, some merchants may be cautious about accepting them due to the absence of pre-printed personal details, which can raise security concerns.

Obtaining and Completing Starter Checks

Starter checks are provided by the bank when a new checking account is opened, usually in small quantities (3 to 10 checks). They can also be requested in person at a bank branch if needed quickly. Banks may charge a small fee for these, around $1 to $3 per check.

To complete a starter check, the account holder must manually write their full name and address in the upper left corner. The current date needs to be entered in the designated space. Then, write the payee’s name on the “Pay to the Order of” line.

Both the numerical and written amounts of the payment must be clearly filled in. Ensure the written amount accurately matches the numerical value and fills the entire line to prevent alteration. Finally, the check requires the account holder’s signature. It is important to verify the pre-printed routing and account numbers at the bottom of the check for accuracy before use.