Many say that writing checks is a thing of the past. However, research actually shows that nearly 46% of people write at least 1-2 checks a month.
Checks aren't as common as they used to be, but they are still relevant- even among Millennials. Checks are a cost-effective payment solution, but the recipient needs to physically receive it in order for it to be effective. Checks are commonly mailed for personal and professional transactions, but necessary precautions are needed to ensure their delivery.
Keep reading to learn the safest way to mail a check.
Send a Check Using Regular Mail
Standard mail services in the US are typically quite safe - in fact, people send checks via snail mail every day. In today's world, this might not seem like the most effective form of delivery, but before everything went digital, this was common practice. For years, individuals, businesses, and government agencies have all made use of regular postal services to send checks.
It can still feel a bit daunting putting an important check in the mail, especially if it's for a lot of money. It is, however, still considered by many to be the safest way to mail a check, so it's very unlikely you'll have any issues.
Tips on How to Mail a Check Safely
While mailing checks is a common practice, taking these steps will help to ensure your check reaches its intended destination.
Deliver to a Safe Place
Instead of leaving the letter, with the enclosed check, in your flagged mailbox for outgoing mail, it is best to drop off the letter in an official postal collection box, hand it directly to a uniformed mail carrier, or take it to the Post Office.
Track the Package
Certified Mail® is the best way to send a check. The tracking capabilities associated with Certified Mail are helpful when monitoring where a check is after you've mailed it. The sender also receives delivery confirmation when the check is signed for by the recipient.
Certified Mail does cost more than a first-class postage stamp, but the peace of mind it provides is worth the added spend. You'll be able to track it in the mail stream and will know when it arrives. You can even give the tracking details to the recipient so they can monitor it too.
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Restrict the Check
On the back of a check, there is an endorsem*nt area. Here you can write "For deposit only to account of payee” which will make things safer. It ensures that no one will be able to cash it without leaving a record.
If someone other than the intended recipient intersects the check, they might try to cash it or sign it over to someone else. When doing this, it will leave a record of the bank account. This solution, while not completely foolproof, is often very helpful.
It is not wise to send checks payable to cash through the mail. This is essentially the same as sending cash, which is quite risky.
Hide the Check
When mailing a check, it is a good rule of thumb to disguise it as a letter. Especially, if the envelope can be easily seen through when held up to the light. Wrapping the check in a folded sheet of paper can make it harder to decipher the contents of the envelope. Checks frequently get mailed, so many may consider this unnecessary, but it is an additional step to provided senders with peace of mind.
Double-Check the Address
This may seem like an obvious tip, but you should always double-check the address before sending a check. It's an easy mistake to make, and it only takes a few seconds, so it's well worth doing this every time you need to mail a check.
What if Something Happens?
You can take all of the precautions above to keep a check as safe as possible, but there's always a slight risk that something can still happen. If someone steals it, they'll need to forge your signature or alter the check to steal your money, but this is very difficult to achieve with modern checks and banking technology.
The thief will also need to get a bank to accept the check using a fake endorsem*nt, which is highly difficult without showing proper identification. If they do this, there's a good chance you'll be able to get the thief's identity.
In the chance they manage to pull it off and get your money, you should immediately contact your bank and law enforcement officials. You may be protected from loss by state laws, but you need to make sure you follow the applicable steps for your state. If you suffer any losses, the bank that cashed the check may be liable.
If the check never arrives at the destination, you can request a stop payment from your bank. This will flag the check so that it cannot be cashed. Just note that there is sometimes a fee associated with doing this.
If the check was mailed via Certified Mail and does not reach its destination, you are eligible for a refund from USPS. To request a refund for services not rendered from the U.S. Postal Service, you will need to get the Revided PS Form 3533, here’s how.
Alternatives to Mailing a Check
Modern banks allow you to send money in different ways, so it's possible to use another method if you prefer.
Wire transfers are a common choice, or you could use another service such as PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp. Remember, these apps do not offer the same protection as FDIC insured banks though.
Best Way to Mail a Check
It's becoming less common, but many people still mail checks the old-fashioned way, and there's no reason you can't, too. Just bear in mind that you should take the precautions above to keep your check as safe and secure as possible.
When you mail a check, Certified Mail Labels is the easiest and cheapest way to do so. Create and print your Certified Mail labels online now!
Once your check is delivered, we'll send you an Electronic Delivery Confirmation Report™ directly to your inbox so you can be confident your piece was securely delivered.
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