What Is Counter Check?

Counter Check

A counter check is a type of special check that the bank can provide to its customers. If you ever run out of your bank account’s check then the bank will print some checks for you and you can use them temporarily to withdraw money. So, basically, a counter check is a printed check for an account holder who has no checks available to withdraw money from his bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have a counter check then you will only be able to cash the check from the bank where the counter check is issued
  • A counter check is only be placed at the counter of the bank and they are filled and presented to the teller in order to withdraw the money
  • Usually, a counter check don’t have all the security features of personal checks
  • When you submit a counter check, the cashier will check the signature, account number, and the amount available on the account
  • If you have a bank account in the same bank, then you will be able to withdraw money using a counter check

Definition Of Counter Check

Definition Of Counter Check

According to Merriam-webster, a counter check is –

1. A check obtainable at a bank is usually to be cashed only at the bank by the drawer

According to Dictonary.Com, a counter check is – 

2. A blank check available in a bank for the use of a depositor in making a withdrawal from that bank

According to YourDictionary.Com, a counter check is – 

 YourDictionary.Com

1. A check (draft) that is printed temporarily for an account holder who has no printed checks available to him

2. A check is available to a bank customer to add their account number to make a withdrawal from their account

3. A bank check for the use of customers making a withdrawal

4. A check is available at a bank for the use of depositors in making withdrawals

According to TheFreeDictionary.Com, a counter check is – 

1. A bank check for the use of customers making a withdrawal

2. A blank check is provided by a bank for the convenience of customers who are making withdrawals

According to Vocabulary.Com, a counter check is – 

1. A blank check provided by a bank for the convenience of customers who are making withdrawals

According to Collinsdictionary.Com, a counter check is – 

Collinsdictionary.Com

1. A check available at a bank for the use of depositors in making withdrawals, originally kept in supply on a counter

2. A blank check is available in a bank for the use of a depositor in making a withdrawal from that bank

According to FineDictionary.Com, a counter check is – 

1. A blank check provided by a bank for the convenience of customers who are making withdrawals

What Does Counter Check Mean?

What Does Counter Check Mean

These types of checks are named counter checks mainly because they are placed at the counter of the bank and they are filled and presented to the teller in order to withdraw the money. Counter check is like a normal form; it doesn’t have all the complex security measures that personal or corporate checks have. The reason for less security is; a counter check will be received by an authorized bank representative in the presence of the genuine account holder. When you submit a counter check, the cashier will check the signature, account number, and check the signature. The cashier will make sure that you are the actual proprietor. Only the bank account holder can use the counter check to withdraw money, this facility is not available for third-party withdrawal.

How Counter Check Works

If you have run out of checks and your new checkbook has not arrived then you can withdraw money using a counter check. Just go to your bank branch and ask the teller to print a counter check for you. The teller will ask you about your account information and then he/she will print you a counter check. Usually, a counter check contains most of the information of a regular check so a counter check works just like a regular check. A counter check usually includes the ABA routing number and account number as well as the name and address of the account holder. But, a counter check is very basic and it doesn’t have a check number so merchants can usually tell when you’re using a counter check.

The main benefit of a counter check is, you can withdraw money without having your conventional checkbook; you don’t have to wait for your checkbook to arrive. So a counter check is a great solution during emergency times. Usually, banks charge a small fee to print the counter check. Depending on the bank the fee can be $1 to $2 per counter check. Another thing you have to remember about a counter check is; most merchants don’t always accept counter checks as payment. So you should contact the merchant before sending them a counter check as a medium of payment.

How To Get A Counter Check

If you want to use a counter check then you have to visit the branch physically where your account is. Before you visit the bank or credit union make sure you call them and make sure counter checks are available there. If your bank is an online bank then you won’t be able to enjoy the counter check facility because online banks don’t have physical branches to print you a counter check. Once you are at the branch, ask the teller to print you a counter check. You have to show your photo ID and fulfill other requirements if there is any to get a counter check.

How To Fill Out Counter Checks

Filling out a counter check is similar to filling out a regular check. Follow the steps below:

1. First, write the date in the upper-right corner of the counter check

2. On the line next to “Pay to the order of” write the name of the payee

3. Write the amount that you want to withdraw in the numeric form in the box on the right of the check

4. Then write the amount in the world form on the line under the payee line

5. Include a “memo” or any reference information, if there is any

6. Finally, on the bottom-right corner, sign the check

FAQs About Counter Checks

1. Are The Counter Check And Cashier’s Checks The Same?

No, counter check and cashier’s check are not the same things. Though a cashier’s check is also printed by banks unlike a counter check, a cashier’s check is for “cleared” or guaranteed funds and they have payee information printed on them. On the other hand, a counter check is not for guaranteed payments, and the information of the payee is also not printed on it.

2. Who Can Cash A Counter Check?

Only the account holder can cash a counter check. So, if you want to make a payment then you won’t be able to use the counter check. You have to use a regular check to pay the merchants.

3. What Is The Difference Between A Counter Check And A Starter Check?

There is no difference between a counter check and a starter check. Usually, a counter check is also known as a starter check.

4. Is A Counter Check A Personal Check?

Yes, a counter check is a type of personal check because only the account holder can use a counter check to withdraw money from his bank account.

5. Can I Get A Counter Check From An ATM?

You won’t be able to get a counter check from the ATMs. Counter checks are only available in bank branches and you have to be physically present in the branch to use a counter check.

6. Can I Cash A Counter Check At An ATM?

No, you can’t cash a counter check at an ATM. A counter check is only available in a bank branch and you can only cash a counter check in the branch where your bank account is.

7. Do You Need Your Name On A Check?

Legally, there is no requirement of having the name on the check. Moreover, no one checks the name on the check. The bank can identify the account easily with the bank account number so there is no need to put the name on the check.

8. Can A Bank Give You A Blank Check?

Yes, banks can give you a blank check, for example, a counter check. Usually, the bank or credit union gives you a counter check when you open a new bank account.

9. How Large Can A Personal Check Be?

There is no dollar limit on a personal check. As long as there is sufficient balance on your account you can withdraw any amount of money you want using your personal check.

10. What Do You Do With Old Checks?

If you have an old check and if you try to cash it and the bank declines then you should re-issue the old check. So contact the check issuer and see if they can re-issue you a new check.

11. Do Banks Verify Checks Before Cashing?                                

Yes, banks verify every check before cashing. Usually, the bank checks the account number, sign in the check, and amount in the account before issuing the check and releasing the funds.

11. Will Banks Accept Counter Checks?

A counter check is different from regular checks and usually, a counter check is accepted by the bank that has printed the counter check for the account holder. It means only the counter check issuer branch will accept the counter check.

References:

1. https://www.myaccountingcourse.com/accounting-dictionary/counter-check
2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countercheck

Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Magalie D.

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