What Is a Temporary Check and How Do They Work?

Temporary checks provide a way to make immediate payments when a standard checkbook is unavailable. They offer a convenient way to handle financial transactions without delay, bridging the gap until personalized checks arrive.

What Are Temporary Checks?

Temporary checks, often referred to as starter checks or counter checks, are issued by a bank to provide a payment method before their custom-printed checks are ready. They function similarly to regular checks by allowing funds to be drawn from a checking account. This type of check is particularly useful when opening a new bank account and awaiting the first order of personalized checks, or when an individual has run out of their regular checks and needs to make an urgent payment.

These checks typically include the bank’s name, the account holder’s routing number, and their account number. While some temporary checks may have a pre-printed check number, others might not have one, requiring the user to fill it in. Unlike personalized checks, temporary checks often lack the account holder’s name and address pre-printed, appearing more plain in design.

Getting Temporary Checks

Obtaining temporary checks is typically done through your financial institution. The most common method involves visiting a local bank branch. At the branch, you can request counter checks from a teller or customer service representative.

To acquire these checks, you will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, and your bank account number. Some banks may also ask for additional identifying information to verify your identity and account details. While many banks provide a small number of temporary checks on demand, some may charge a nominal fee, which can range from approximately $1 to $5 per check or around $3 for a sheet of three. These checks are often printed on the spot.

Important Considerations When Using Temporary Checks

When using temporary checks, be aware of certain limitations and security aspects. Not all merchants or institutions may accept them, especially for large purchases, utility payments, or other transactions requiring pre-printed checks for verification. This is often due to their lack of personalization and the absence of advanced security features commonly found on standard checks. Businesses may exercise caution when accepting temporary checks due to historical concerns about fraud.

Filling out a temporary check is similar to completing a regular check, though you may need to handwrite your name and address in the upper left corner if they are not pre-printed. You must enter the date, the payee’s name, and the payment amount in both numerical and written formats, followed by your signature. Order your permanent checks promptly to avoid prolonged reliance on temporary ones. For transactions where temporary checks might not be accepted, alternatives such as online bill pay, money orders, or cashier’s checks are reliable payment methods.