Did you know that you can order your new checks online, and thank you don't even have to order them from your bank? How does that work? Is it legal to order personal checks online and will stores and other commercial vendors accept personal checks?
How to Buy Personal Checks Online
Buying personal checks on line is easy and legal. The most important thing to remember is that the online company must communicate with your bank. They need to collect the routing number, the checking account number and the check sequence number. Most online companies do this for you, you simply need to provide this information either with an online form or over the phone.
The routing number is a nine digit number, usually to the far left and on the bottom of of the check. Next to it is the checking account number which may be a long one if there are zeros in front of it. Then there is the check sequence number which can anywhere from three to five digits, and is used in bookkeeping to keep track of all your checks. Using this financial information, the online company can print out your personalized checks (featuring a picture of practically anything) along with your personal contact information and your routing, checking and sequence numbers. The checks can be delivered to your home or even be printed out on line using your own printer, that is, if you have special check printing software.
Problems with Checks
The fact that it is legal does not mean that all banks will agree to this arrangement, however. If your bank refuses to work with the online company, then it is certainly not legal, and your Star Wars-themed personal checks are as suspicious as they look to store cashiers. There might also be a problem with the store itself. Not only do some stores not accept any personal checks at all, some store cashiers may believe your check looks too suspicious to be trusted. Though this is left up to the store's discretion, you could try familiarizing yourself with the owner and cashiers beforehand, so that they will know your checks are good and you are trustworthy.
It's now easy to buy personal check online and can make your shopping experience all the more enjoyable.