There is no perfect number to pick as the ideal starting checking number. You can pick the numbers 001, 101, 1001, or whatever you want. However, according to many financial experts, it is better to start your checking number with 101 or 1001. A higher checking number will make your account older and more established. Therefore, most USA banks start the checking number with 1001 unless the account holder wants a different number!
What is Starting Checking Number?
Starting checking number is the first number of your first checkbook of a checking account. Basically, it’s the number that starts your checking account! When you open a new checking account, the bank authority will ask you about the starting checking number. You can start your checking account with any number you want but it is better to start with 001, 101, or 1001. However, the ideal starting checking number is 1001. If you start your checking account with a lower starting number then it will indicate that your account is new and sometimes businesses don’t accept a check from the new account.
So, the higher checking number will make your account more established. Also if you start with the number 1001 then it will be easier for you to keep track of your checks. For instant, if your current checking number is 1537 and if your checking starting number is 1001 then you only have to subtract 1000 and you will get your total check number and that’s 537. However, if your starting checking number is 101 then your total check number would be 1437! So, it will be difficult for you to keep track of your total check number.
How to Open a Checking Account?
Opening a checking account is a simple process. First, you have to choose the type of checking account you want to open. Almost all banks offer to check accounts with various features and facilities. So choose the right checking account according to your needs. Then visit the nearest bank branch and ask the front desk officer to open a checking account for you. The officer will ask you to provide some documents –
| For Identity Verification | Government-issued photo ID, or |
| Driving license, or | |
| Social security card, or | |
| Taxpayer identification card, or | |
| Passport, or | |
| Birth certificate | |
| For Address Verification | Utility bill, or |
| Credit card statement, or | |
| bank statement, or | |
| Mortgage documents, or | |
| Lease documents |
Then the bank officer will ask you to fill out an application form with the required information. Depending on the bank, you might have to open a deposit with a debit card, cash, or ACH transfer. Then the bank officer will do the rest of the paperwork and open a checking account for you.
How to Order the First Check?
If you have opened your checking account and want to order your first check then you will be happy to know that there are quite a few ways you can order the checkbook. Usually, banks give a few checks when you open a new checking account and these types of checks are known as starter checks. When you run out of starter checks you have to order new checks. There are three ways you can order a new check –
- You can visit the nearest bank branch and order a new check directly. You might have to fill up a check ordering form and submit it to the bank representative.
- You can order a new check online using your mobile app or from the computer. You just have to log in to your online bank account and order the check.
- You can also order a new check by phone. You can call the bank’s customer service number to order a new checkbook. You have to provide your bank account number, name, and routing number to the customer service agent to complete the process.
List of Best Checking Accounts of 2022 with Key Features
1. Capital One 360 Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | None |
| Overdraft Fee | $35 if you opt-in to next day grace |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 0.10% |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | None |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
2. Ally Interest Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | None |
| Overdraft Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 0.10% less than the $15,000 minimum daily balance 0.25% over $15,000 minimum daily balance |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | Up to $10 per statement cycle |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
3. Discover Cashback Debit Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | None |
| Overdraft Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | None |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | None |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
4. Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | None |
| Overdraft Fee | $25 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 1.00% |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | Up to $20 per month |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
5. Chase College Checking℠ Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $6 monthly service fee |
| Minimum Balance | None |
| Overdraft Fee | $34 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | None |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | None |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
6. Axos Bank Rewards Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Overdraft Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $50 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Up to 1.25% |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | Unlimited |
| Mobile Check Deposit | No |
7. PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $10 |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Overdraft Fee | $20 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $25 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 0.15% to 0.35% on balances up to $50,000 |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | None |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
8. TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Overdraft Fee | $30 |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $100 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | 0.10% |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | Up to $10 per statement cycle |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
9. Quontic Bank High-Interest Checking Account
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Overdraft Fee | None |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $100 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Up to 1.10% on all balances |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | Yes |
| Mobile Check Deposit | No |
10. Citibank Access Account Package
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $10 |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Overdraft Fee | None |
| Minimum Deposit to Open | $0 |
| Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | N/A |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | No |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
FAQs about What should be the Ideal Starting Checking Number
Can I use the same check number twice?
No, you can’t use the same check number twice. Every bank has an internal database where all the previously used check numbers are stored. So, if you use a check number twice then the bank will be able to identify the duplicate number and reject the check!
Can you restart check numbers?
No, it is not possible to restart the check number again. If you have an old checking account then you have to start the new check number where your last check left off. For example, if your last check number is 1275 then your new check must have the number 1276.
Does check number really matter?
For banks, check numbers don’t matter much. However, it is very important information for the account holder because the check number helps the account holder keep track of transactions.
How do I find my check number without a check?
If you don’t have a check and if you don’t remember your check number then the only way you can find your check number is from your monthly bank statements. Usually, the check number is printed on the monthly bank statement.
Reference:
https://fornoob.com/what-should-a-starting-check-number-be/
https://answer-to-all.com/object/what-should-my-starting-check-number-be/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/checking-accounts
Last Updated on August 1, 2022 by Ana S. Sutterfield
