Friday, December 12, 2008

Checking Mechanics - Usage of Checks

By George Williams

Buying cheap personal checks from a commercial printer is the same as ordering from a bank. Parties to regular checks generally include a maker or drawer of the check, the depositor writing and endorsing a check; a drawee, the financial institution where the check can be presented for payment; and a payee, the entity to whom the maker issues the check.

Even if you purchase your checks online or at the bank, when you write a check, legally you are considered a drawer of the check. The vernacular "cutting a check" has the same meaning.

What makes it all work smoothly is that there is also at least one endorsee which would typically be the financial institution servicing the payee's account. In some circumstances may be a third party to whom the payee owes or wishes to give money.

So when you accept a check from someone else you act as the payee. When can deposit it at your bank or take the check to the branch of the drawee and cash it there.

Many banks now offer free regular checking accounts. Every dollar counts and it is more important than ever for consumers to be vigilant about avoiding bank fees.

If you've experienced chronic bounced check problems in the past, you may think of signing up for overdraft protection. This allows you to write as many checks as you like without the worry of bounced check fees.

It's worth to note that he IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit when they file their return because it puts an end to lost, stolen or undeliverable checks. This way taxpayers can receive refunds directly into personal checking or savings accounts. Choosing direct deposit status is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns.

When income tax season rolls around, you can have your refund sent to your IRA or investment accounts or to your bank or checking account. Be wary of any kind of instant refund since it could carry high-interest rate and fees since it is a loan.

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