Customer Service > Anatomy of a Check

Anatomy of a Check

The diagram below highlights specific check components. Move your mouse over any area of the check for a description of each component.

Personalization

There are 5 lines available for the personalization of your checks. This information typically includes your name and address and optional information such as your phone number. For security reasons, we recommend that you avoid from including your driver's license number on your checks. For your protection and due to laws in several states, printing social security numbers on any material to be delivered by mail is no longer permitted.

Bank Information

Your bank information must be printed on your checks. The bank name is required, but you may also need to include your bank's address. Refer to your existing checks to determine what information should be included here.

Symbol/ Monogram area

If the design of your check allows, you may select an optional symbol or monogram to appear to the left of your personalization

Over Signature Text Area

If the design of your check allows for it, you may include a personal message in the over signature area on your checks.

Routing Number

The first number in the MICR line at the bottom of your check is your bank's routing number. It is 9 digits long and always starts with 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Account Number

Your account number may appear before or after your check number in your check's MICR line.

Check Number

The sequential number for your checks appears in both the MICR line at the bottom of your checks and the upper right corner of your checks. This number allows you to keep track of the checks you write.

Signature Line

The account owner endorses the signature line on a check to authorize its use.

Pay To Line

The "Pay To" line is where you identify the person/business to whom the check is written.

Dollars Box

The "Dollars" box is where you write the numeric amount of the check. It is written out additionally on the amount line, which is below the "Pay To" line on the check.

Amount Line

This line is provided for you to write out the amount of your check.

Fraction

The fraction on your check is used to identify your bank.

Padlock Icon

This icon references security features which have been included on your checks to help your bank identify check fraud. These features are described on the back of your checks.