The post will help you find out if a check needs an address on it and what to do with checks that don’t. For some people, writing an address on the back of a check is important, like for those who live in rural communities where there are no banks nearby.
But for others, it’s not necessary because they use online banking and don’t need to worry about misplacing their checks or having them stolen by someone else. Understanding how your bank handles this can help you choose whether or not to put your address on the front of your checks before mailing them out.
The article will tell you how often banks reject orders from customers who write their address incorrectly and provide insights on whether the address matters during the check-cashing process.
Address on Checks
Do checks have to have an address?
No, checks do not have to have an address. For international transactions, in particular, it may be necessary to include an address for the bank account that the check is being deposited into.
The only important thing that matters is the bank account and routing numbers which must be accurate.
How to Address a check
When writing the sender address on a check, it is generally considered the proper procedure to use “we” when writing about more than one person. For example, “We are pleased to have you as our new customer.”
Another way that some people do this–although it’s not technically correct–is by using “our company,” which would be followed by the company name. For example, “Our company thanks you for your kind business.”
Check has a wrong address
Will a check bounce if the address is wrong? No, as long as the account number and routing number are correct the check will never bounce because the address is not considered in most cases.
Checks can be cashed whether there are all numbers for both address AND bank account or not, but you may have to go through a slightly more complicated process with the check’s issuing bank.
Of course, it is always easier to have an accurate address on your checks, so if it isn’t correct, contact your bank about changing the information currently listed on your checks.
RELATED: Reasons why banks will not cash a check.
Check without name and address
Well, name and address are not mandatory during check cashing. However, on some checks, you might have trouble cashing them if they were made payable to a specific person.
In this case, the rightful owner of the check would need to come with proper identification in order for you to cash it under his or her name.
Be sure before going into a bank that all necessary documents have been prepared ahead of time; otherwise your chances for success will be diminished significantly.
Remember also that customers will often need both ID and proof of residency in order to cash their own check at their local branch (meaning proof like an ID card, driver’s license).
The same thing applies when signing up for direct deposit online – customers must provide backup document(s).
Checks with Old Address
Can you use checks with an old address?
Yes, an address does not matter during check cashing. All banks have a process of verification that includes security checks and ID verification.
Whether or not your bank accepts a check with an out-of-date address is determined by the bank’s internal policies and may vary based on factors including where you’re depositing the money, whether you’ve ever had an account at that bank before, if the new account has been open for long enough to get back all of its outstanding balances from previous customers.
Banks will move money from old accounts towards ones with more current addresses if they do happen to accept one of these old checks. In any case, it’s worth finding out about their policy ahead of time so you don’t make an assumption.
Can you cross out the old addresses on checks?
This is not a good idea and anyone attempting this should be aware of the consequences of such an action.
If you do alter any information on your checks before cashing them, it is possible that your check will not clear properly with the bank that initiates the transaction.
You may still cash any checks without an account or routing numbers; however, you need to contact the issuing institution and offer to complete an indemnification form (according to federal law).
RELATED: Can you cash a ripped or damaged check?
Check Address FAQs
Can you use checks out of order?
Yes, you can definitely use checks out of order or sequence. While the checkbook has checks numbered numerically in a certain sequence, banks do not care which check is cashed first.
However, for your own benefit, you may make it a habit to write checks in numerical order or sequence so that if there is any case of fraudulent duplication f your checks, you can easily notice and address it.
Can you cash a check if your ID has a different address?
Yes, you can cash a check if your ID has a different address than the one indicated on the check because an address does not matter during the check-cashing process.
Does the check number matter?
No, the check number does not matter during the check-cashing process. Banks usually do not care about the sequence in which the checks are written from the checkbook.
Can you cash a check if the address is wrong?
Yes, you can, assuming the name, the account, and routing numbers are correct.
Is address required on personal checks?
No, an address is not required on personal checks. All you need to ensure is that the check has an accurate bank account and routing number. Also, the name of the cashier of the check should match the intended beneficiary.
READ MORE: Does Hannaford cash checks?
