What Is the Starting Check Number & How Is It Determined?

Check numbers serve a foundational role in managing personal and business finances. They provide a systematic way to track monetary transactions, offering both a reference point for record-keeping and a security measure against potential financial discrepancies.

What Check Numbers Mean

A check number is a unique identifying digit or sequence printed on each check. This number is typically found in the upper right corner of a physical check and often also appears in the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the reconciliation of bank statements, enabling account holders to match their records with bank processing.

Check numbers are sequential identifiers, meaning they increase with each check written, such as from 1001 to 1002. This sequential order helps in tracking payments made and identifying any missing checks. These numbers aid in dispute resolution or fraud detection by providing a specific reference point for each transaction.

How Check Numbering Begins

Check numbers are almost always pre-printed by the bank or the check printing company. For most personal checking accounts, users do not typically select their initial starting check number. Instead, the checks arrive with a pre-assigned sequence, often beginning with a low number like 001, 101, or 1001.

While banks generally assign numbers sequentially for internal tracking and to prevent gaps that could complicate reconciliation, there are situations where a starting number might be influenced. For instance, when reordering checks, individuals often request that the new checkbook continues the sequence from the last used number to maintain continuity. For a new business account, some account holders might prefer starting at a round number, such as 1001, as it can give the appearance of an established account, though the bank’s internal processing is not affected by this choice.

Maintaining Your Check Number Sequence

Maintaining a continuous and accurate record of your check numbers is essential for financial organization. When receiving new checkbooks, they typically continue the numerical sequence from the last check used, or they may begin a new series if from a different account or bank. It is advisable to record every check written, including its number, date, and purpose, in a check register or online banking system.

If a check needs to be voided, it should still be recorded in your financial records with its number and marked as “void.” This practice helps maintain the integrity of your numbering sequence and prevents confusion during reconciliation. A continuous sequence is important for accurate financial tracking, simplifying the process of balancing bank statements and identifying any discrepancies.