Bank check is a written order directing a bank to pay money. America’s Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act or Check 21 is a law allowing financial institutions to process substitute check, high quality paper reproductions of both sides of original check. Substitute check is created from an electronic image of the original paper check.

The Act aims to avoid bouncing checks as more checks will be processed electronically and obviously at a faster way. And this means that you need to have enough money in your bank account when you issue bank check or risk having bouncing checks, which typically charges you with another amount. In order to avoid check getting bounced, you must keep your checkbook up-to-date. The faster processing may also mean less time to place a stop payment on the check you have written.

Banking institutions have kept your original printing company bank checks for a short period and sent statements that show images of cancelled checks. Some have only listed check transactions on monthly statements and not routinely sent cancelled checks. The Act is to reduce the instances wherein original checks are returned to the bank, as it was done in the past. The bank where you deposited the printing company bank check have two options whether to return the original check to your bank or create an electronic image, produce substitute check and send it to your bank. Second option means that your original cancelled check is no longer available to you.

All check frauds cannot be protected by bank security procedures. Swindles may include changing of printing company bank checks, reprinting, or obtaining account numbers used to arrange for payments from accounts. You can do your part to prevent counterfeit of such checks. It is recommended that you monitor your account more often through online or through telephone banking programs of your bank. Regular notification of certain problem may lessen the forgery act of some individuals.

Safety precautions with your printing company bank check must also be observed. Account information must be kept personally and not provide credit card information, social security numbers and other personal information which could lead to the forgery of your printing company bank check. Checking account number can be given to reputable businesses only. Carrying more checks than expected is not advisable. You should secure them and contact your bank immediately if any checks are lost or stolen. Direct deposit of your paycheck and other checks is another way to prevent the printing company bank checks from getting lost, misplaced or stolen.