What Is a Starting Check Number and Why Does It Matter?

If you recently opened your first checking account or are ordering checks for the first time, you might be wondering about everything from how to write a check to starting check numbers to online bill payments and more. What is a starting check number, and why is it so useful?
Whether you're using personal checks or a business checking account, a starting check number is the first check number you will see on a paper check. It's usually located in the upper right corner of each check, and you often have the option to choose the starting check number.
The Significance of the Initial Check Number
Check numbers can help you keep track of your spending and keep good financial records. If a check gets lost or stolen, you’ll use the check number to report the loss to your financial institution. The initial check number will also help you and your bank track them over time and pick up in the right place when it’s time to order new checks.
A lower check number indicates that you are newer to the world of personal finances, while a higher number often shows a longer history of banking.
Purpose of Check Numbers in Financial Transactions
Believe it or not, check numbers are a big deal in the financial world. Unique numbers help you and your financial institution track where your money is going, including who you wrote the check to, the date, and the check amount. All of this can help you organize your financial records and prevent fraud or duplicate transactions.
Understanding Starter Checks
A starter check is a temporary one you may receive when you first open an account before you receive your customized checks. Starter checks won't have your personal information on them, but they will have the bank's information. These placeholder checks allow you to make payments while you wait for your personalized checkbook.
Do Starter Checks Have Check Numbers?
Sometimes, starter checks will have numbers, and sometimes they won’t. They will, however, always include basic account information necessary to process transactions, such as your bank's routing number and your checking account account number.
Why Do Checks Typically Start at 101?
Interestingly, many checks start at 101 instead of 1 for several reasons. The 1 at the end still indicates this is a new checkbook, but using a three-digit number instead of only a single-digit one makes it harder for forgers to alter a stolen check down to a lower number.
If you don't request a different number, your first check in a new checkbook will likely start with 101.
Selecting a Starting Check Number

What a good starting check number is can vary and might even surprise you!
Factors To Consider When Choosing
Yes, you could choose your lucky number or your birthday when selecting a starting check number, but there are other considerations to keep in mind.
- Avoid numbers less than 101, which are easier to duplicate or change for fraudsters. Likewise, smaller numbers show you are newer to personal finance.
- Stick with consecutive numbers. If you've ordered checks previously or used another financial organization, you might want to pick up where you left off, and you'll definitely want to do so when ordering your next batch. You should also write checks in sequential order and try to avoid skipping a check.
How To Order Checks With Your Desired Check Number
Once you decide on your ideal check number, it's time to place an order! You can order checks in person if you set up your checking account that way or you can do so online.
To order checks with your desired starting check number, visit your online banking account and select the "order checks" option. Complete all the requested information, and then input your preferred number. You can request any number you like, but starting with 101 is never a bad option.
You can check with your financial institution if you have any questions about this process. You can also go through outside organizations, though many banks offer free checks for account holders.
Importance of Secure Record-keeping for Check Numbers
Naturally, good record-keeping goes hand in hand with smart personal finance practices. Here's why tracking check numbers is a big deal.
- It prevents fraud. If you keep accurate and regular records, you can easily determine if a check has been altered or forged.
- It reduces overspending. If you notice you're writing checks for items you can barely afford, this practice can be a good reminder of the need to budget and live within your means.
- It offers evidence. In the case of an issue or dispute, you will have hard evidence thanks to your orderly record-keeping.
In a nutshell, good record-keeping for checks is a great way to stay on top of your finances and spending habits today and into the future.
Check numbers are not unique to each account, but you may have different ones based on the history of your personal and business accounts, for example. Account numbers, however, are unique.
If a check number is reused, naturally, it can cause confusion. Your bank might flag the check as suspicious and delay your deposit or reject it. A reused number can also make it harder for you to keep accurate records of your spending.
Common Questions and Myths About Check Numbers
Are Check Numbers Unique to Each Account?
Check numbers are not unique to each account, but you may have different ones based on the history of your personal and business accounts, for example. Account numbers, however, are unique.
What Happens if a Check Number Is Reused?
If a check number is reused, naturally, it can cause confusion. Your bank might flag the check as suspicious and delay your deposit or reject it. A reused number can also make it harder for you to keep accurate records of your spending.
Recommendations for Managing Check Numbers
While this three- or four-digit number might seem like a small thing, check numbers are a big deal when it comes to managing your finances and preventing fraud. Check numbers can help you follow the money and keep your financial records in order.
Make sure you review your checking records regularly and avoid ordering checks out of sequence. If you have a question or concern, call your financial institution immediately to prevent it from ballooning into a major financial issue.
If you’re looking for trustworthy platform for expert comparisons of banking, loans, credit cards, and investments, MoneyAtlas simplifies finances. We make it easy to compare top financial products, including checking accounts.
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