PREP Guide - Check Payments Flashcards
What is a check?
A written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed.
Defined by statutory and regulatory bodies, including UCC and Reg CC.
According to UCC §3-104, how is a check defined?
A negotiable instrument or an unconditional promise to pay; a draft payable on demand and drawn on a bank.
This definition is part of the Uniform Commercial Code.
What does UCC §3-106 state about a check?
A check is a draft payable at a financial institution.
This is a specific definition within the UCC.
What is the purpose of a check as defined in UCC §3-104?
Designed to transfer the amount of money for which it is written.
This ensures checks serve their primary function.
According to UCC §3-108, when can a check be cashed?
On or after the date specified on the check.
This relates to the validity of checks.
Who can a check be made payable to as per UCC §3-104/§3-109?
To a specific payee or to the bearer.
This provides flexibility in who can claim the funds.
What does Reg CC §229.2(k) define as a check?
A negotiable demand draft drawn on or payable through a bank, a Federal Reserve Bank, or the U.S. Treasury.
This is a regulatory definition under Regulation CC.
What other forms can a check take according to Reg CC §229.2(k)?
A U.S. postal money order or a traveler’s check.
These are included under the definition of a check.
In Reg CC §229.2(k), what does the term ‘check’ exclude?
A noncash item or an item payable in a medium other than United States money.
This clarifies what is not considered a check.
What is stated about drafts in Reg CC §229.2(k)?
A draft may be a check even if described by another term, such as money order.
This highlights the versatility of the term ‘check’.
What does Reg CC §229.2(ggg) define as an electronic check?
An electronic image of, and electronic information derived from, a paper check.
This includes checks that have been digitized.
What conditions must be met for an electronic check as per Reg CC §229.2(ggg)?
Sent to a receiving bank pursuant to an agreement and conforms with ANSI X9.100-187 standard.
This ensures that electronic checks meet specific regulatory standards.
What does MICR stand for?
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
MICR is a technology used to verify the legitimacy or authenticity of paper documents, especially checks.
What information is included in the MICR line per Reg CC?
Numbers which may include:
* routing number
* account number
* check number
* check amount
* other information
The MICR line is printed near the bottom of an original check in magnetic ink.
Where is the MICR line printed on a check?
Near the bottom of an original check or substitute check in magnetic ink
The MICR line is essential for the processing of checks.
What is a standard size of a personal check generally used for consumer accounts?
Six inches
This size is standard in the United States for personal checks.
What does the routing number identify?
All U.S. financial institutions
Each financial institution has its own unique routing number(s).
What are alternative names for the routing number field?
The routing number field may also be referred to as:
* ABA (American Banking Association) number
* RTN (routing transit number)
* RT (routing transit)
These terms are used interchangeably in banking.
How many digits does a routing number have?
Nine digits
This includes specific identifiers such as the Federal Reserve Routing number and the ABA institution identifier.
What do the first two digits of the routing number represent?
Federal Reserve Routing district
These digits are crucial for identifying the district of the Federal Reserve Bank.
What is the purpose of the third digit in a routing number?
Represents the branch office serving the bank
This digit helps in identifying the specific branch of the financial institution.
What digits represent the ABA institution identifier in a routing number?
Digits 5 – 8
This identifier is unique to each financial institution.
What is the check digit in a routing number?
Digit 9: Calculated value
This digit helps verify the accuracy of the routing number.
What are the two forms of routing numbers currently in use?
MICR form and Fractional form
MICR form is a nine-digit machine readable format; Fractional form is a legacy format for manually sorted checks.