Q&A: What is the Clear Band Area on Checks?


Financial institutions (i.e. banks) process your checks by scanning the account information from the bottom of the check (so called MICR printing, now read by Optical Character Recognition). This saves them oodles of time.

If other information printed on the check (e.g. a comment/memo, not a wild signature) encroaches on the bottom (5/8") area, the check may need to be processed manually (and the bank may levy a charge for processing your checks).

Hence, the bottom 5/8" of the check is referred to as the Clear Band Area. (3556)






Big Business is designed for use with Deluxe check #81013. Forms Info is available on the Print Options list from any Big Business transaction (e.g. a Quote). Substitute checks should be examined carefully for fit.



Related:

  Chapter 8 Banking

Return to Help