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- Check Acceptance Policy
Check Acceptance Policy
Create and post for both customers and employees a check acceptance policy that is clear and easy to follow. We suggest you include the following:
It is the choice of each individual and business to accept a check as payment for their goods or services. You do not have to accept a check as payment and can request another form of payment. If you do feel unsure or do not trust the individual writing the check, ask for another form of payment.
- Make sure a check has a valid street address and not just a post office box address. Write the residential address on the face of the check if it only shows a post office box address.
- Require a photo identification (ID), either a State issued Identification Card or a Driver's license. Other government issued ID cards should be included if acceptable. We suggest that a proof of residence be required if it is not included on the ID.
- Verify that the address printed on the check and on the ID match. Put a notation on the face of the check to indicate the correct current address.
- Verify the phone number, if printed, on the check. If no number is printed on the check, get a current phone number and write it on the face of the check.
- Make certain that the written and numeric dollar amounts are the same.
- Compare the writer's signature and be confident that it matches the signature on the check.
- Install security cameras to get a full face picture of the check writer.
- Make a notation of the date and time when the check was received in a margin on the check. This will allow easier searches through security tapes to locate the delivery of the bad check.
- Only accept checks with the current date. Post-dated checks are civil matters and are not eligible for the Bad Check Program.
- Avoid out of state checks and checks with low numbers. We suggest that no counter checks be accepted.
- Require the individual to sign the check in your presence. If it is a company check, have the individual print their full name under their signature.
Checks as Payments
It is the choice of each individual and business to accept a check as payment for their goods or services. You do not have to accept a check as payment and can request another form of payment. If you do feel unsure or do not trust the individual writing the check, ask for another form of payment.