Checking Account Resources
8 Reasons to Stop Writing Checks
Do you really need to write a check? They've come in handy for years, but these days there just aren't many places that you still need to write a check to. Alternatives are safer, easier, greener, and cheaper. Let's see why you should strive to never write a check again.
A Visual Example of how to Write a Check
When you first get your checkbook, you may not know how to write a check. It's really easy once you get the hang of it. This visual example shows how to write a check with pictures and descriptions of each step. In addition, you learn how to write a check in a way that reduces the chance of a scammer altering the check.
ATM Deposits
ATM deposits are one way to make your life easier. Some people don’t know how to do it, or they’re not comfortable with the idea of deposits to ATM machines. What do you need to know before you try it? Here are the basics of making ATM deposits.
10 Essential Checking Account Terms
In order to get the most out of any checking account, you'll want to know what these terms mean.
My First Check - What I Wrote my First Check For - What I Wish I Knew
What was it like when you wrote your first check? Is there something you didn't know but wish you did? Share your story and learn about writing checks from others.
Interest Checking
Interest checking accounts allow you to earn interest on easily accessible cash. They’re like a mix between checking accounts and savings accounts. Let’s look at the basics of interest checking accounts and some of the major providers.
A Visual Example of How to Write a Check
When you first get your checkbook, you may not know how to write a check. It's really easy once you get the hang of it. This visual example shows how to write a check with pictures and descriptions of each step. In addition, you learn how to write a check in a way that reduces the chance of a scammer altering the check.
Debit vs Credit - Using Debit vs Credit Cards in Everyday Life
When you use plastic, you've got to choose between debit vs credit. Which is best? Like all things in life, the debit vs credit decision involves tradeoffs. This page covers the pros and cons and helps you decide whether you should use debit vs credit in your everyday life.
Balance Checking Accounts - Step by Step Guide
It is important to balance checking accounts regularly. You'll reduce the chance of bouncing checks, you'll pay less in fees, and you'll know if somebody is stealing your identity. How do you balance checking accounts? See our simple step-by-step process on balancing the books.
Check 21 Basics
Check 21 is a law that allows banks to process checks more efficiently. Instead of shipping checks back and forth with trucks and airplanes, they create electronic images of checks and zap those images around electronically. Check 21 can make things easy for the banks, but harder for you. Let’s review the basics of Check 21 and how the law...
Stolen Debit Card Risk
You are protected if your debit card is used by a thief. However, you have to act fast. Compared to credit cards, stolen debit cards carry a lot of risk. This page covers the basics of stolen debit cards and your liability.
Learn the Parts of a Check and What all the Numbers Mean
Find out what goes where on a check. What do the numbers on a check mean?
Debit Cards - The Basics
Debit cards are similar to credit cards, except debit cards pull money out of your checking account. Debit cards do not create or increase a loan like credit cards do.
Stop Payment
Definition of stop payment. To request that your bank not….
MP on a Check
Find out what those letters next to your signature mean.
Outstanding Checks
You wrote a check and it was never deposited. What should you do?
Where is the Account Number on a Check?
Find out where your account number is located.
After I Write a Check
Make sure you have funds in your account when you write a check. The money may be due before you realize it.
Basics of How Checks Clear
When banks clear checks, the money is taken from a checking account and sent to the check recipient's account. However, there is a lot of confusion about how quickly banks clear checks and your risks when you deposit a check.
Check Registers - Definition - Where to Find Free Check Registers
A check register is your personal record of your checking account. It’s a good idea to use your check register as a backup system even if you trust the bank. You can use the paper check registers that come with your checks, or you can use an electronic system. Let’s look at how check registers work and how you can get them for free.
Types of Checking Accounts
Find out what your options are when it's time to open a new checking account.
Check Amounts Don't Match
What happens when the amounts on a check don't match (the numbers written out with words are different from the numerical digits)?
Bouncing Checks?
When you bounce a check, it costs money and can lead to other problems. Find out how to stop bouncing checks for good.
No Check Register? No Problem
Check registers are the best way to keep tabs on your checking account. What if you don't have one? It's not difficult to find a solution.
Endorse - Definition
What does it mean to endorse a check? It more or less means you sign it so the bank can do something with it. Find out what endorsing is all about.
Cashier's Checks - Overview and Discussion - How to Get Cashier's Checks
Cashier’s checks are checks issued by banks. Cashier’s checks are most often used when a payee is not certain that a check will clear, or when rapid settlement is necessary. Here, we’ll cover some of the details on cashier’s checks.
How do I Reorder Checks?
So it’s time to reorder checks. There are a few ways you can handle it, and they all have advantages and disadvantages. Find out how to reorder checks, where you can do it, and how to be safe.
How to Verify Funds
Can you verify funds on a check somebody writes you? It may be helpful to know if the check will bounce ahead of time. You can avoid bank fees if you verify funds, and you can start taking steps to collect a valid payment from the person.
High Interest Checking
With high interest checking accounts, you can earn impressive returns while keeping access to your cash. Rates are often higher than savings account rates, but there are strings attached. Find out how high interest checking accounts work and where to open one.
Endorse Checks Payable to Multiple People
Some checks are made payable to multiple people. For example, a check may be written to a husband and wife. The right way to endorse these checks depends on how they're written.
Before You Print Your Own Checks - What You Need to Print Your Own Checks
Before you print your own checks, make sure you know how to do it correctly. You can save a lot of time and money, but simple mistakes can ruin all of your gains. This page will show you how to successfully print your own checks and avoid hassles.
Checking Account Holds
Does your bank place a hold on your funds? It’s important to know how a hold works, what can cause it, and what your bank’s rules are. Most importantly, you need to know how to keep your bank from freezing your entire account.
Direct Deposit From Setup to Sit-Back
Direct deposit is a great way to move money electronically. You don't have to mail or sign any checks over to the bank, and your money tends to move more quickly when you use direct deposit. Read on for more information about direct deposit and setting up direct deposit for your accounts.
How to Earn Interest With Your Free Checking Account
Free checking accounts are wonderful because you get a lot of features for free. However, you have to give up a very important feature: earnings on your free checking account balance. For those of us who want to earn a little extra, there is a way to earn interest and still have a free checking account.
Debit or Credit?
When you purchase with plastic you’re often asked in if you’d like to make it a debit or credit transaction. What’s the difference? The choice you make determines how your purchase is processed, who pays the bill for that processing, how long it takes, and what your rights are.