How to Mail a Check vs Digital Payment | Precautions & Tips

Surprisingly, Technology has upgraded to the next level, with both young and old using it for personal and professional payments. However, mailing a check remains a common practice, and many people or people in business believe it’s a more secure way to deliver payments. Hence, Precautions are still necessary to prevent fraud, such as lost checks or misuse of check information and bank total amount Loss. We recommend using Certified mail so that easy tracking and signature confirmation of the recipient can be made.

Online mailing a check is a better, more secure, faster option that is easy to track with peace of mind. Digital Check services allow you to send money, check and bill payments, etc. Reputable brands like UPS or USPS can deliver your checks safely and securely. Always choose reputed companies’ services. They often have reliable and responsive customer support.

Today, Mr Addy will explain the complete way to mail a check step by step without any confusion and also give you tips about using checks and precautions so that no fraud can happen. So Let’s Start

Fill out Your Check Details

Step 1 – Let’s Start the Process of Writing a Check. First, add today’s date to the top right corner. Then, Find “PAY TO THE ORDER OF” and enter the recipient’s name. Enter the Amount in $ dollars, such as $999.00. Write the AMOUNT in words (include in cents). Do your sign, which is in the bottom right corner, and mention your name correctly. Lastly, Note down the purpose of the check in the memo details. See the Example in the Image below.

First, add the Today's date in the top right corner. Then, find "Pay to the Order OF" and enter the recipient's name. Enter the Amount in $ dollars, such as $999.00. Write the AMOUNT in words (include cents or "even"). Do your sign, which is in the bottom right corner, and mention your name correctly. Lastly, briefly note the purpose of the check in the memo details.

Tip – Never leave the “Payee Name” or the amount blank on a check you sign. Leaving the payee’s name and amount blank creates a risk of check fraud. If these fields are left empty, anyone could fill them in with their information and steal funds from your account, especially if they have some knowledge of your account balance. By completing these fields correctly, you significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to check fraud.”

Note – If you write “For deposit only” on the back side of the check made out to you and then sign your name, the check can only be deposited in your account.

This process is called a “restrictive indorsement,” which should prevent you or anyone else from cashing the check. If you receive a check made out to someone else and that person endorsed it “for deposit only,” you should not be able to cash it.

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Use a Security Envelope to Hide the Check

Use a Security Envelope to Hide the CheckStep 2 – Security Envelopes are thick Papers covered with Glue in a printed shape. They are primarily designed in printed shape, which can’t be easily visible to the naked eye outside.

For more security, you can use black paper and wrap your Check with this, so your Private information can’t be visible easily. To prevent tampering, securely seal the envelope with solid Glue after placing the Check inside. This will make it difficult to open without tearing the envelope.

 Drop your Mail At Post Office

Drop your Mail At Post Office

Step 3 – Mailing a check is a reliable way to transfer payments, pay bills, send gifts, or conduct business transactions. However, to ensure financial security and privacy, there are some safety checks to perform before dropping your mail in a mailbox.

A stolen check can lead to identity theft, unauthorized withdrawals, or even illegal copying in the wrong hands.

Here’s what you should do:-

  • Always mail your check securely, preferably at the official post office.
  • Choose an envelope with security features like watermarks, tamper-evident seals, and tinting.
  • Ensure timely mailing, especially before the due date. Some companies consider the postmark stamp proof of on-time payment, so mail it well in advance.
  • Don’t put your check in your mailbox at night for pickup the next day. This is a common way for people to steal checks.
  • Instead, take your sealed envelope with the check to the post office and give it directly to a postal worker.
  • Check your payee’s address to ensure it’s accurate and complete. A wrong digit or missing information can cause delays or lost checks. Refer to the bill or invoice for the correct mailing address.

Pay & Track Your Mail and Confirm Delivery

Pay & Track Your Mail and Confirm DeliveryStep 4 – Always Prefer those carrier companies that offer tracking services and signature information. Popular Mailing Companies include USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon Logistics, OnTrac R+L Carriers, and many more that provide tracking services.

These services allow you to track your mail and confirm that someone signed for your check upon receipt. Some additional costs can be involved, but it’s an excellent way to ensure your check arrives safely at its destination.

The postal worker will write the tracking number on your receipt, so circle it with a pen to avoid forgetting which number is yours.

Track Your Check Online:

Step 4 – Your receipt will include the tracking number and the website to track your check. You can use this website to see the location of your check and when it’s delivered to the recipient. 

Use this tracking service until the check is delivered. The tracking number will show you all the step-by-step instructions for where your carrier is between the routes until it gets delivered.

Contact or Email to Confirm your Check Delivery:

Step 5 – When you get the delivery confirmation through the tracking number or email ID, you can ensure by contacting the receiver or emailing them to confirm that the Right Person received your check at the correct Address. The receiver will give Delivery confirmation through the signature or image.

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You can contact the Servicer provider to verify whether the check was delivered if you lost contact. You need to provide the basic details like the name and Address of the receiver.

You can also Stop Payment if the recipient does not receive the check or has not reached the destination. It usually takes 1-3 business days except for public holidays or festivals.

Sending Payment Via Digital Options

Step 1 – Open an Account on Checkbook using your email ID, First and last Name, and Password, and Tap on the “Sign up” Button. Next, enter your email ID and password sent to your email, and enter the 6-digit verification code to join the checkbook. Then, log in with your email ID and password and connect them to your bank account. You can use multiple payment methods, such as ACH Payments, Real-Time Payments, Printable Checks, Instant Pay, Mailed Checks, Virtual Cards, FedNow Payments, and Zelle Payments. As per the service, the charges will be deducted.

Send A Check

Step 2 – Once you get Logged in then Go to the Dashboard and Select the Send a check Option from the Drop down menu and Tap on ‘Send a Check” Button.

Enter Payee’s Details

To send money or a check, you'll need to enter some basic details. These include the payee's name, email address, and the total amount you want to pay, including cents.Step 3 – To send money or a check, you’ll need to enter some basic details. These include the payee’s name, email address, and the total amount you want to pay, including cents.

You can also enter a description in the memo field to help you keep track of what the payment is for. Be sure not to share any personal information like your account number or security PIN.

Digital Payment Confirmation

After sending a check or bill payment to the payee's account, you can confirm receipt by contacting them directly via phone or email. Always keep a copy or record of the transaction when sending a digital payment.Step 5 – After sending a check or bill payment to the payee’s account, you can confirm receipt by contacting them directly via phone or email. Always keep a copy or record of the transaction when sending a digital payment.

This will provide you with a transaction or tracking ID to monitor the payment status, as it typically takes 3-5 business days to settle in the recipient’s account. If you encounter any issues, contact your bank or checkbook service’s online support team.

How Long Does it Take to Mail a Check?

When you send the mail to the Post office, The time it takes to mail a check on business working also depends on the shipping distance. The time it usually takes –

  • Regular mail: 3–6 days
  •  Priority Mail Express: 1–2 days or overnight
  • Priority Mail: 1–3 days
  •  First-class mail: 1–3 days 
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It would help if you preferred USPS, which has a secure mail drop inside a post office instead of an unsecured public mailbox. For better security, you can restrict the check by writing “For deposit only” on the backside of the check. Your check must be deposited directly into a bank account rather than cashed. Digitally mailing a check online usually takes 3-5 business working days.

Precautions While Mailing a Check

Consider Certified Mail: For added security, especially for large amounts, consider sending the check via certified mail. They provide a tracking number and confirmation of delivery until the Recipient receives it.

Drop-off Location: Try to Avoid leaving your mail in an unsecured mailbox, especially for checks. Instead, please Give it to a designated post office collection box or hand it directly to a mail carrier.

Track and Confirm: If you are using certified mail, track the delivery status. You can also request a return receipt to confirm who signed for it.

Alternative Methods: Try alternative payment methods like online bill pay or direct deposit, which can be faster and more secure.

Be Cautious of Fake Checks

Check Fraud is still a big concern. Here’s how are some tips to identify a fake check:

Paper Quality: Fake checks may be printed on poor-quality paper that feels different from an Original check.

Printing Inconsistencies: It looks like the fonts are too blurry, the ink is applied unevenly, or the printing colors are mismatched.

Perforations: Fake checks may lack the perforations typically found on the edges of accurate checks.

Routing Numbers: Verify your routing number (usually located at the bottom left corner) with your bank. 

Verification with Issuing Bank: Always contact the bank listed on the check’s issuer line to confirm its legitimacy.

Tips of the Day

Use Faster Payment Method: For faster transactions, explore online bill pay, mobile payment apps, or even credit cards. 

Instant Transfers: Mobile apps also allow you to deposit checks for instant access to the funds. 

Security & Efficiency: Bank wires offer secure or fast transfers with slightly higher fees. 

Prevent Fraud: if you want to Stop payment services can block lost or stolen checks before they’re cashed. 

Save Time: Always use innovative payables to pay vendors or suppliers automatically.

Bonus Tips

If you believe a check is fake, don’t deposit it. Contact the sender immediately for clarification. You can also report the incident to your bank and local authorities to swindle from Fraud or Scam. Remember, online payment options are convenient, easy, and Quick.

Author Bio

Katie Dippold

Katie Dippold has a passion for writing engaging and informative content on a wide range of topics. Katie Dippold brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her writing. She is passionate about education, Gaming, sports, technology, Entertainment and many more. She has spent the last 9 Years

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