How to Write Electronic Checks

If you write a check, your information is processed electronically by a bank. It is digitally transferred from your bank account to another. Electronic checks work exactly the same as paper checks, but they are generally more convenient and less expensive to process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bank account
• A check book
• Routing Transit & Individual account numbers

Write Electronic Checks

1. Have enough money in your account. Even though it may take a day or so, be sure you have enough money in your bank when you write an electronic check. Banks and merchants are notorious for charging exorbitant overdraft and convenience fees. The cost could far outweigh the convenience.

2. Ready your routing transit and individual account numbers. The routing transit (RTN) is a nine digit number that appears to the left of the individual account number located at the bottom of a paper check. This number identifies your bank to others. Be sure to have both your routing and bank account information ready when you decide to write an electronic check.

3. Register your information. When you make payments on line, you will have to register with whatever site you use to make your merchant or other types of payments. One such entity is “Bill Pay.” You will have to give very basic information like your name, street and email address, city, state and zip code. Some sites will require your permanently store your personal information, as well. If you choose to register by telephone, you may be required to identify yourself each time you call.

4. Enter your routing transit and individual account numbers correctly. Once you have registered, whether via telephone or Internet, you will have to enter both your routing transit and bank account details. If online, be sure to put the correct numbers in the proper fields as the electronic check may bounce even if you have enough money to cover it. If you want to use or write an electronic check over the phone, be sure to have a company representative or automated service read your information back to you.

5. Watch your Internet cookies. If you make a lot of payments online, be sure to watch your cookies. Internet cookies are designed to mark or store information acquired by your web browser. Remember to keep this in mind when making payments from alternative payment locations other than your home.

Tips & Warnings

• When you first get a checking account, a bank will give you a check book. You can write your electronic checks with information located there.
• Learn about how routing numbers are assigned. The United States Government uses the routing number “00.”
• Never respond to email requests for personal or bank account information.

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission (Electronic Checks)

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