Mailing a check is a common way to send money through the mail. However, mail can be risky and you want to make sure that your check arrives safely and securely to the recipient. In this article, you will learn how to mail a check safely and efficiently, as well as some alternatives to sending checks by mail.
Why Mail a Check?
There are many reasons why you might want to mail a check. For example, you might need to pay a bill, send a gift, make a donation, or reimburse someone. Mailing a check is convenient, cheap, and easy. You don’t need to have the recipient’s bank account information or use any online service. You just need to have a checkbook, an envelope, and a stamp.
However, mailing a check also has some drawbacks. It can take a long time for the check to reach the recipient, especially if you send it by regular mail. The check can also get lost, stolen, or damaged in transit. If someone intercepts your check, they might try to forge your signature or alter the check amount. Therefore, you need to take some precautions when mailing a check.
How to Mail a Check Safely?
The first step to mail a check safely is to fill out the check correctly. You need to write the recipient’s name, the date, the amount in words and numbers, and your signature. You should also write “For deposit only” on the back of the check, along with the recipient’s account number if you have it. This will restrict the check to be deposited directly into the recipient’s account and prevent anyone else from cashing it.
The second step is to enclose the check in a security envelope. A security envelope has a patterned lining that prevents anyone from seeing through it. You should also avoid writing anything on the envelope that indicates that there is a check inside, such as “Payment enclosed” or “Check enclosed”. Instead, just write the recipient’s name and address, your name and return address, and affix enough postage.
The third step is to choose the best way to send your check. The safest way to mail a check is via certified mail with return receipt requested. Certified mail provides you with a tracking number that allows you to track your mail online and confirm that it was delivered. Return receipt requested gives you proof of delivery by requiring the recipient to sign for the mail. This way, you can ensure that your check reaches the intended recipient safely and securely.
However, certified mail can be expensive and time-consuming. It costs $3.60 per envelope in addition to the regular postage fee. It also requires you to go to the post office and fill out a form. If you want a faster and cheaper option, you can use priority mail or express mail. Priority mail costs $7.95 per envelope and delivers within 1-3 days. Express mail costs $26.35 per envelope and delivers overnight. Both options provide tracking and insurance for your mail.
Another option is to use a check mailing service. A check mailing service is an online service that prints and mails checks for you. You just need to enter the recipient’s name, address, and amount on their website and they will take care of the rest. Some of the benefits of using a check mailing service are:
- You don’t need to have a checkbook or an envelope.
- You don’t need to go to the post office or buy stamps.
- You can schedule your payments in advance or set up recurring payments.
- You can track your payments online and get confirmation emails.
- You can save money on postage fees and printing costs.
Some of the drawbacks of using a check mailing service are:
- You need to pay a fee for each check you send.
- You need to trust the service with your bank account information and personal details.
- You need to have internet access and an email address.
Some examples of check mailing services are Checkbook.io, Checkeeper, and Deluxe eChecks. You can compare their features and prices on their websites.
How to Mail a Check Internationally?
If you need to mail a check internationally, you should follow the same steps as mailing a check domestically, but with some additional considerations:
- You should use international mail instead of regular US mail. International mail is more secure and reliable than regular US mail when sending checks overseas. It also provides tracking and insurance for your mail.
- You should use an international money order instead of a personal check. An international money order is a type of check that can be cashed in any country that accepts US dollars. It is safer than a personal check because it does not contain your bank account information or routing number. It also has less risk of being rejected or returned by foreign banks.
- You should convert the amount into US dollars before writing it on the check or money order. You should also write the amount in words and numbers, and spell out the currency. For example, “One hundred US dollars (USD 100)”.
- You should check the exchange rate and the fees before sending your check or money order. The exchange rate is the value of one currency in terms of another currency. The fees are the charges that you or the recipient have to pay for sending or receiving money through the mail. You can use online tools such as XE or TransferWise to compare the exchange rates and fees of different options.
What are the Alternatives to Mailing a Check?
Mailing a check is not the only way to send money through the mail. There are other options that are faster, cheaper, and safer than mailing a check. Some of the alternatives to mailing a check are:
- Online banking: Online banking allows you to transfer money from your bank account to another bank account electronically. You just need to have the recipient’s bank account information, such as their name, account number, and routing number. You can use your bank’s website or app to initiate the transfer. Online banking is convenient, secure, and free or low-cost.
- Online payment services: Online payment services are platforms that allow you to send money online using your credit card, debit card, bank account, or balance. Some examples of online payment services are PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App. You just need to have the recipient’s email address, phone number, or username. Online payment services are easy, fast, and low-cost or free.
- Mobile wallets: Mobile wallets are apps that allow you to store and send money using your smartphone. Some examples of mobile wallets are Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. You just need to have the recipient’s phone number or QR code. Mobile wallets are convenient, quick, and secure.
- Wire transfers: Wire transfers are electronic transfers of money from one bank or financial institution to another. You can use a service such as Western Union, MoneyGram, or TransferWise to send a wire transfer. You just need to have the recipient’s name, address, and bank account information. Wire transfers are reliable, fast, and global.
Summary
Mailing a check is a common way to send money through the mail. However, it can also be risky and slow. To mail a check safely and efficiently, you should:
- Fill out the check correctly and restrict it to be deposited only into the recipient’s account.
- Enclose the check in a security envelope and avoid indicating that there is a check inside.
- Choose the best way to send your check, such as certified mail, priority mail, express mail, or a check mailing service.
- Use an international money order and convert the amount into US dollars if you need to mail a check internationally.
- Consider using alternatives to mailing a check, such as online banking, online payment services, mobile wallets, or wire transfers.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your check reaches the recipient safely and efficiently.
