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.