Check by phone, or electronic funds transfer (EFT), is a payment option that uses your checking account without using a debit card. A company uses information you supply to charge your checking account instantly over the phone. Before you decide to pay with a check, find out if the company accepts checks by phone.
Open your checkbook to the first unused check. You need the check number, checking account number and your bank's routing number. Check number can be found in the upper-right corner of the check.
Find your checking account and routing number on the check at the bottom of the check. Your routing number is a nine digit number, and the remaining numbers are your checking account number.
Call the company you want to pay using a check. If it is an automated service, navigate to payment options and choose a "pay by phone" or "check" option. If you speak to a representative, tell him you want to pay using a check over the phone. Be ready to supply additional information such as your name, address or driver's license number.
Give the representative your checking account information and for a confirmation number for your records. Your checking account information is sent to a secure third-party who processes the check by debiting your checking account and crediting the business you are paying. Make sure the funds are available in your checking account because the payment is taken from your checking account the same day you make the transaction.
Warnings
Unlike traditional check writing, the check amount will come out of your checking account instantly.
References
- Cox: About Fast Electronic Fund Transfer
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. "Weekly National Rates and Rate Caps - Weekly Update." Accessed May 6, 2020.
- Bankrate. "Checking fees rise to record highs in 2012." Accessed May 8, 2020.
- Bankrate. "Best Checking Accounts of May 2020." Accessed May 8, 2020.
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York. "How Effective Is Lifeline Banking in Assisting the ‘Unbanked’?," Pages 1-2. Accessed May 8, 2020.
- Bankrate. "Survey: Rising ATM and overdraft fees leave consumers paying much more than they did 20 years ago." Accessed May 8, 2020.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. "Deposit Insurance FAQs." Accessed May 8, 2020.
- National Credit Union Administration. "Bank to Credit Union Conversions." Accessed May 8, 2020.
- National Credit Union Administration. "Share Insurance Fund Overview." Accessed May 8, 2020.
Warnings
- Unlike traditional check writing, the check amount will come out of your checking account instantly.
Writer Bio
Ana Chandler has been writing about graphic design since 2007. Her positions have ranged from guest blogger to freelancer, reflecting more than 10 years of experience in Web design. Chandler draws from her technology and beauty background to write for various websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.