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Recently opened a bank account and would like to know the required information on starter checks?
When you newly opened a bank account, your bank will likely provide you with a temporary check also known as starter checks. You’ll be able to use the starter check before your printed checks arrive in the mail.
Starter checks basics
Starter checks are basically like the personal checks you’ll later receive when you open a checking account, they look similar to regular checks but without your personal information printed on them but do have the account and routing numbers connected with the new account.
Personalized checks can often take weeks to print and ship, therefore the bank provides customers with a starter equivalent before the personal check is ready. The starter check is a basic check that does not have the customer’s name or address, nor does it have the customer’s account and routing number. The starter check can be used to write checks and make withdrawals from the customer’s account until the personalized checks arrive.
What information needs to be on starter checks?
It is important to understand the information you need to provide when you fill out a starter check. By knowing this information, you can avoid any problems and ensure that the check is cashed correctly.
The required information on a starter check is usually similar to that of a regular check.
Because starter checks do not have personal information printed on them, you should write out your name and address in the upper left-hand corner of the check, and possibly your business name.
In addition to the name and address, you should also include the date of the check, the name of the recipient in the “Pay to the order of” section, and the amount of the check in the appropriate fields. You should also sign and put your phone number on the check, making it easy for someone to reach you if there’s a problem while cashing the check.
These pieces of information are important on a starter check. If the check is not properly filled out, it may be rejected by the bank.
Some starter checks don’t have check numbers so for your own personal record keeping, you might want to write check numbers on them such as “001,” “002,” and so on.
Issues with starter checks
There are a few reasons why some companies and financial institutions are wary of accepting starter checks. One reason is that they aren’t printed with the bank customer’s name. This can sometimes make it impossible to verify that the check actually belongs to the business or person who signed it.
There are a few different ways that companies can verify the identity of the person or business who has signed a starter check. One way is to ask for a photo ID along with the check. Another way is to contact the bank that the check is drawn on and ask them to confirm the identity of the account holder.
Do you write your name on starter check?
Yes, you need to write your name on a starter check because starter checks don’t have personal information printed on them. You’ll also need to write your address and possibly your business name. In addition to writing the check amount in the appropriate areas along with your signature.
Are starter checks acceptable?
Starter checks are acceptable at some stores including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Kmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Target, and Office Depot, though you’ll need to provide a valid photo ID. Apart from these stores, you can also cash starter checks at your local bank. Some of the biggest banks that accept starter checks include Chase Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Bank of Amerca, and Citibank.
How do I get a starter check?
The most common way to get a starter check is through your local bank. Most banks will require that you have an account with them in order to get a starter check which is usually given to customers when they open a new bank account. Banks and credit unions where you can get a starter check are BMO Harris Bank, Bank of the West (BNP Paribas), Chartway Federal Credit Union, Chase, Citibank, Citizens Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Connexus Credit Union, PNC Bank, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, and more.
Starter checks VS. regular checks
When you receive a starter check, you will need to provide some information in order to cash it. The information you need to provide on a starter check is the same as regular checks. The most important piece of information on a check is the account number. This can usually be found in the upper right-hand corner of the check. You will also need to provide the routing number for the bank. This can be found in the lower left-hand corner of the check. In some cases, you may need to provide your Social Security number to reduce the chances of identity theft.
If you are cashing a starter check at a bank or credit union, you will likely need to show your ID.