How to write a US business check, step by step →
A field-by-field walkthrough of writing a US business check correctly — date line, payee, amount, written line, memo, and authorized signature.
The anatomy of a US check →
Every region of a US check — payee line, amount box, written line, MICR, memo, and the back endorsement zone — explained.
The MICR line, explained →
How the magnetic ink line at the bottom of a US check encodes the routing number, account number, and check serial in the E-13B font.
Preventing US business check fraud →
Practical defenses small US businesses can use today: Positive Pay, watermark stock, dual signatures, and lockbox banking.
Printing your own business checks →
What you need to print US business checks at home or in the office: stock, MICR toner, alignment, and printer settings.
Voiding a check for direct deposit setup →
How and when to void a US check correctly so a payroll provider can set up ACH direct deposit for an employee.
How to stop payment on a US check →
When and how to issue a stop-payment order on a US business check, including timeframes, fees, and what stop-payment cannot do.
How long it takes for a US business check to clear →
Federal Reserve check-clearing timelines, Regulation CC funds-availability rules, and what affects how soon you can use deposited funds.