(MENAFN- Serpchampion)
When you're running a home-based business, you have to keep track of many things. One of the things you might not think about often is the type of check you're using to pay your employees or contractors. If you're not careful, you could write a personal check for business expenses, which could have serious consequences. Let's take a look at the key differences between personal and business checks so you can ensure you're always using the right one as a small business owner.
Personal checks are linked to your personal bank account. Business checks are linked to a business bank account.
For starters, personal checks are typically linked to a personal checking account or savings account. This account is typically in your name only and is used for managing your finances. On the other hand, business checks are usually linked to a separate business checking account. This account may be in your name, but it is used primarily for managing business finances. A personal check is designed to enable individuals to write against their personal checking account. Business checks are designed to enable individuals to write checks against their business checking account. If you need both, it's very convenient to order online from Carousel Checks.
The Purpose of the Check
The next key difference between personal and business checks is the purpose of the check. A personal check is, as the name suggests, personal. That means it's typically used to pay for personal expenses like rent, online banking services, utilities, or groceries. On the other hand, a business check is used to pay for business transactions and business-related expenses. That could include anything from office supplies to employee salary. If you're unsure whether a purchase is considered business-related, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use a business check.
Account number
Another key difference between business and personal checks is the account holder number. Personal checks typically have the account holder's Social Security or driver's license number printed on them. In contrast, business checks and separate checking accounts
have the business's federal tax payments ID number. This is for security purposes, as small businesses are more likely to be the target of fraud than individuals.
Security features
Another key difference between personal and business checks is that personal checks typically do not have as many security and anti-fraud features as business checks. This is because business checking accounts are generally used for larger transactions, such as paying for merchandise or services. Businesses need to have a higher level of security to protect their finances. Personal checking accounts usually have just a basic watermark and security thread. In contrast, business checks may have additional security features such as ultraviolet (UV) invisible ink, two signature lines, and microprinting.
Costs
Personal checks typically don't have a monthly maintenance fee, whereas cashier's checks often do. Additionally, if you use a personal check to make a purchase from a business, the small business may charge you a small fee (usually around $2 or $3).
Personal checks don't require a bank account.
When you write a check, the money is withdrawn from your account and deposited into the account of the person or small business you're paying. This is because they're not linked to your bank account like business checks are. All you need is the check number and the routing number, which can be found at the bottom of the check. On the other hand, a cashier's check is linked to your financial institution's bank account. This is because businesses need to have a bank account to accept payments.
Business checks are great for keeping your business and personal finances separate.
Business checks offer many advantages for those who wish to keep their personal and business expenses/finances separate. For one, using business checks helps with organization and can simplify budgeting and bookkeeping. Additionally, business checks can be used for merchant services and quickly transfer money to accounts. Additionally, accounting software can be used to track expenses and income, which helps keep your finances organized. Paper checks also offer a way to pay for expenses without using your ACH debit, which can help you avoid debt.
Financial institutions can charge you for using blank checks.
Some financial institutions often charge customers for using personal certified checks. While there may be a charge for using debit cards, it is usually less than the cost of using a certified check. In addition to any other fees the bank may charge for the account, the customer is often charged a per-check fee. Some institutions also charge a monthly service fee. In most cases, the customer can avoid these fees by using the bank's online bill payment service or by transferring the money directly to the payee's account.
Access to funds
With a personal check, you are drawing funds from your personal checking accounts for personal use. This account is typically just in your name. On the other hand, a business check is drawn from business checking accounts, which may be in the business name or the business owner's name. The account may also have other signers on it. Another key difference is that a personal check will typically have your personal information, such as your name and address.
In contrast, a business check will have the information for your business. This can include the business name, address, and phone number. A business check may also have a company logo.
Writing Checks
When you write a check from your personal account, you sign your name on the line that says "Pay to the Order Of." The signature line for a business checking account will say "Authorized Signature." It will usually have the business owner's signature and the title of the authorized signer, such as the President or Treasurer.
Ease of use
Another key difference between personal and business checks is the ease of use. For instance, you may be charged a fee if you have insufficient funds in your personal account. Business checks, however, can often be processed even if there isn't enough money in the business checking account. This is because businesses often have lines of credit that they can use to cover the checks. This can be a convenient way to process payments.
Bank Representative:
If you have a problem with a personal check, you usually have to go through your bank's customer service representative to resolve it. On the other hand, if you have a problem with a paper check, you can often deal directly with the business itself.
MENAFN03082022005557012267ID1104636748
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.