Category Archives: Checks

Can You Cash a Deceased Person’s Check?

Losing a loved one comes with many responsibilities, and handling their financial matters can be one of the most confusing. A common question that arises is: Can you cash a deceased person’s check?

The short answer is no, you cannot legally cash or deposit a check written to someone who has passed away. Whether it’s a tax refund, pension payment, or personal check, understanding the rules around cashing or depositing it is crucial. However, there are proper legal steps you can take to ensure those funds are distributed correctly.

Continue reading →

Checks vs Credit Cards: Which is Better & Why?

In today’s fast-paced world, the way we pay for goods and services has evolved. Credit cards dominate the checkout line, while paper checks may seem like an old-fashioned option. However, both methods of payment have their own advantages, and the best choice often depends on the situation, your spending habits, and your financial goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons of checks versus credit cards, so you can make informed choices about your money.

Continue reading →

Can You Deposit a Business Check into a Personal Account?

Depositing a business check into your personal account might seem like a quick and easy way to access funds, especially if you’re pressed for time or convenience. However, it’s important to understand the policies, potential fees, and best practices before doing so. Explore the ins and outs of depositing a business check into a personal account, so you can make informed financial decisions and keep your finances in good standing.

Continue reading →

How to Create a Basic Budget for a Family Vacation

Planning a family vacation is one of the most rewarding ways to spend quality time together, but without a budget, it’s easy to let costs spiral out of control. Whether you’re heading to a nearby beach or flying across the country, creating a simple, effective vacation budget can help ensure a fun, stress-free experience for everyone.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your vacation budget and how to make your money go further.

Continue reading →

What do Business Checks Look Like?

When it comes to managing your company’s finances, understanding the tools at your disposal is key, and business checks are one of those foundational tools. While they might seem mundane compared to digital payments, business checks offer an essential layer of professionalism, record-keeping, and security.

Let’s walk you through the defining features of business checks, how they differ from personal checks, and what to look for in terms of design and functionality. We’ll also share a side-by-side comparison of safety design elements in personal and business checks to help you make an informed choice.

Continue reading →

How Long Is a Personal Check Good For?

In the world of everyday banking, personal checks still hold a significant role, whether you’re paying rent, gifting money, or handling other personal expenses. But what happens if a check isn’t deposited or cashed right away? Knowing how long a check remains valid can help you avoid the hassle of bounced payments or missed deposits. Let’s break down how long a personal check is good for, what you should do with old checks, and how to avoid issues with stale payments.

Continue reading →

What are High-Security Checks?

Even as digital payment methods have grown in popularity over recent years, checks remain a standard form of payment for individuals and businesses. From paying bills and employee wages to making gifts or charitable contributions, checks offer a convenient and secure way to complete payments.  

However, even though checks are an analog form of payment, they’re still susceptible to fraud, misuse, and abuse, just like digital methods. In fact, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported receiving 15,417 reports on mail theft-related check fraud last year, accounting for payments of more than $688 million. 

To protect check payments amid the rising incidence of fraud, using high-security checks can be an easy swap for account holders. Continue reading below as we discuss the important features of high-security checks, who should use them, and whether they’re worth the extra cost. 

Continue reading →

Creating a Festive Checkbook: Checks for the Holiday Spirit

For many, there’s no better time of year than the holiday season. To help yourself get into the festive spirit this year, try surrounding yourself with all things holiday-themed — including your checkbook! 

Each time you go to write a check, you’ll be reminded of all the great things about this time of year — the gatherings with loved ones, bountiful feasts, gift-giving, and more. Take a look below at some of our favorite holiday-themed personal checks to place in your pocketbook as we head into the new year. 

Continue reading →

A Nostalgic Look at Checks: How They’ve Evolved and Remain Relevant Today

The first iterations of modern-day checks emerged ages ago. The behind-the-scenes banking practices and legal precedence supporting check-writing have evolved over the years, though the basic concept of making a written promise of payment has remained the same. 

As we close out yet another incredible year, let’s reflect back on the long and storied timeline of how we ended up with the modern version of checks we rely on today. 

Continue reading →