Five Most Common Check Writing Mistakes

As a bank teller, I am exposed to quite a number of customer errors regarding their checks. These errors can cause all sorts of trouble for everyone involved. Although some tellers take the liberty of correcting certain mistakes, officially they aren't allowed to modify checks.

Take a moment to carefully examine all banking documents, the financial institution will appreciate it.

Below is a list of the most frequent mistakes (in no particular order):

5) Written amount doesn't match the numeric amount.

For instance, a person may complete a check with the written amount as one hundred dollars, but the numeric amount is only $10.00. Almost daily we return checks for this reason. In cases like this, the bank is has the option of accepting the check for only the written amount, contacting the customer to authorize a change, or returning the check.

4) Not dated or incorrect date.

Some customers simply neglect to date their checks. Others supply the wrong date (post or stale dated) both intentionally and unintentionally. When post dating your check, make an effort to inform the payee of it. Checks with no date, future dates or those dated a certain number of days in the past will be returned.

3) Not signed.

Surprisingly enough, many people will complete every other portion of their check and then forget to sign it. These are returned instantly.

2) Signature doesn't match the one on file.

As we age, our signature changes. Other events can also alter the way a person signs documents. If the signature on a check differs noticeably from the initial sample provided it will be returned. The best way to remedy this is to furnish a more recent sample of the signature.

1) Modified or altered checks.

Checks that appear to have been altered with scratch outs, write overs, different colored inks or multiple handwriting styles are considered altered. Even if the cause is a simple mistake, these changes look suspicious and may cause the check to be returned. If a mistake absolutely must be corrected, use one line to cross out the error and initial the changes. This may not guarantee that the check remains valid, but it will lower the level of suspicion. Never use whiteout on or photocopy any checking documents.

To reiterate, closely examine checks and other banking documents before submitting them. Items are much more likely to be processed quickly if they have been completed correctly.

I would be glad to answer any personal banking questions anyone may have, feel free to ask. For my next Hub I'd like to write about the most common reasons for a check to be returned, if there is enough interest. Please let me know if this would be helpful!