Sending a check through your bank, like Chase, can be a convenient and secure way to make payments, especially for larger sums or when a paper trail is preferred. Whether you're paying a contractor, sending money to a family member, or making a down payment, understanding the process ensures a smooth transaction.
Ready to get that payment where it needs to go? Let's dive into how Chase Bank can help you send a check, step by methodical step!
How to Have Chase Bank Send a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a few primary ways Chase Bank can facilitate sending a check, each suited for different situations. We'll cover the most common methods: Online Bill Pay (for most regular payments) and obtaining a Cashier's Check (for guaranteed, high-value transactions).
Step 1: Determine the Type of Check You Need
Before you even log in or head to a branch, it's crucial to understand the type of check that best suits your needs. This choice impacts delivery time, security, and potential fees.
Sub-heading: Personal Check vs. Bank-Issued Check
Personal Check (You write it): This is the most common form of check. You fill it out from your own checkbook, and it's drawn directly from your Chase checking account. You then mail it yourself. While simple, it doesn't offer the same level of security or guarantee as a bank-issued check.
Bank-Issued Check (Chase sends it): This is where Chase directly sends a check on your behalf. This can be done through their Online Bill Pay service (which often sends a paper check if the payee isn't electronic) or by obtaining a Cashier's Check. These options offer increased security and convenience.
Sub-heading: When to Use Online Bill Pay (Paper Check Option)
Chase's Online Bill Pay service is ideal for recurring payments or one-time payments to individuals or businesses that don't accept electronic transfers directly from your bank. Even though it's "online," Chase will often mail a physical check if the payee isn't set up for electronic payments. This is great for:
Rent payments to a landlord who prefers checks.
Payments to small businesses or individuals without online payment portals.
Situations where you want Chase to handle the mailing for you.
Sub-heading: When to Obtain a Cashier's Check
A Cashier's Check (also known as an Official Check at some banks, including Chase) is a check guaranteed by the bank itself. The funds are drawn from the bank's own account, not directly from your personal account, making it a very secure form of payment. It's often required for:
Large transactions like down payments on a car or home.
Payments to individuals or businesses you don't know well.
Situations where the recipient demands guaranteed funds.
Make sure you've clarified with the recipient which type of check they require. Choosing the wrong one could delay your payment!
Step 2: Sending a Check via Chase Online Bill Pay (Most Common Method)
This method leverages Chase's digital banking platform to initiate a payment that might result in a physical check being mailed.
Sub-heading: Logging In and Navigating to Bill Pay
Access Chase Online Banking: Open your web browser and go to the official Chase Bank website (chase.com).
Log In Securely: Enter your User ID and Password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll complete that step as well.
Find Bill Pay: Once logged in, look for a section typically labeled "Pay & Transfer" or "Bill Pay." This is usually prominently displayed on your account dashboard. Click on it.
Sub-heading: Adding a New Payee (Recipient)
If you haven't sent money to this person or company before, you'll need to add them as a payee.
Select "Add New Recipient" or "Add a Payee": The exact wording may vary slightly.
Choose Payee Type: You'll likely be asked if you're paying a "Company" or an "Individual."
For a Company: Search for the company name. If found, Chase will often pre-fill some details. You'll then need to enter the account number associated with your bill (e.g., your utility account number, credit card number).
For an Individual: You'll typically need to enter their full legal name and their mailing address. Double-check the address for accuracy! This is critical for ensuring the check reaches the correct destination.
Confirm Payee Details: Review all the information you've entered. Accuracy is paramount here. Confirm the payee to save their details.
Sub-heading: Scheduling Your Payment
Select the Payee: From your list of payees, choose the one you wish to pay.
Enter Payment Amount: Input the exact dollar amount you want to send.
Choose "Pay From" Account: Select the Chase checking account you want the funds to be drawn from.
Select Send Date & Delivery Date:
You'll choose the date you want the payment to be sent (processed by Chase).
Chase will then provide an estimated delivery date. For paper checks, this is typically 5 business days after the send date. Keep this in mind for deadlines!
Add Memo (Optional but Recommended): Use the memo field to include important information, such as an invoice number, account number, or a brief description of the payment's purpose. This helps both you and the recipient track the payment.
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the payment details: payee, amount, send date, estimated delivery date, and memo. Once you're confident everything is correct, confirm the payment.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next?
Chase will process your request. If the payee accepts electronic payments, the money will be transferred digitally.
If the payee does NOT accept electronic payments, Chase will print and mail a physical check to the address you provided for the payee. This check will be drawn from your account and will not typically show your personal account number on the check, providing an added layer of security compared to a personal check.
You'll receive a confirmation, and the payment will show as "pending" or "scheduled" in your Chase Online Bill Pay history.
Step 3: Obtaining a Cashier's Check from Chase Bank
For situations requiring guaranteed funds, a Cashier's Check is the way to go. This typically requires a visit to a Chase branch.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Information
Before heading to the branch, make sure you have the following:
Your Chase Account Information: Your debit card, account number, or other identification to access your account.
Valid Photo ID: A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport) is required for verification.
Payee's Full Legal Name: The exact name of the person or entity you are paying.
Exact Amount: The precise dollar amount of the check.
Purpose of Payment (Optional but Helpful): While not always required, having the reason for the payment can be useful for the bank's records and your own.
Sub-heading: Visiting a Chase Branch
Locate a Branch: Use the Chase website or mobile app's branch locator to find the nearest Chase branch.
Speak to a Teller or Banker: Inform them you need to obtain a Cashier's Check.
Provide Details: Give the teller the payee's name and the exact amount of the check. They will deduct the funds directly from your chosen Chase account.
Pay Any Fees: While some Chase accounts may offer free Cashier's Checks (e.g., Chase Sapphire Checking), there might be a small fee (typically around $10-$15) for this service. Inquire about the fee beforehand.
Review and Sign: The teller will print the Cashier's Check. Carefully review all the details on the check, including the payee's name and the amount, before you leave. Once issued, it's a bit more complicated to correct mistakes.
Receive Your Check: The teller will hand you the official Cashier's Check.
Sub-heading: Sending the Cashier's Check
You are responsible for mailing the Cashier's Check yourself once you obtain it from the branch.
Consider using a reliable mailing service with tracking, especially for large sums, to ensure it reaches the recipient safely.
Step 4: Important Considerations and Best Practices
No matter how you send a check, there are a few general tips to keep in mind for security and efficiency.
Sub-heading: Security First!
Never Sign a Blank Check: Whether personal or official, always fill in the payee and amount before signing.
Use Blue or Black Ink: This makes it difficult to alter the check.
Keep Records: Maintain a record of all checks sent, including the date, payee, amount, and check number (if applicable). Your Chase online banking will typically provide this for Bill Pay. For Cashier's Checks, note the check number provided by the bank.
Shred Old Checks: When discarding voided or old checks, shred them to prevent fraud.
Sub-heading: Understanding Delivery Times
Chase Online Bill Pay (Paper Checks): Typically takes 5 business days for the check to be delivered after the send date. Factor this in when scheduling payments, especially for due dates.
Cashier's Checks (Mailed by You): Delivery time depends entirely on the mailing service you choose (e.g., standard USPS, priority mail, courier).
Sub-heading: Fees Associated with Sending Checks
Online Bill Pay: Generally, Chase Online Bill Pay is free for personal accounts.
Cashier's Checks: As mentioned, there might be a fee (e.g., $10-$15) unless your account type offers them for free. Check Chase's "Additional Banking Services and Fees" document for your specific account.
Sub-heading: What if Something Goes Wrong?
Incorrect Payee or Amount (Bill Pay): If the payment hasn't been processed yet, you might be able to edit or cancel it within Chase Online Bill Pay. If it's already sent, you'll need to contact Chase customer service immediately to discuss a stop payment (fees may apply).
Lost/Stolen Cashier's Check: Contact Chase immediately. You will likely need to fill out an indemnity agreement and there may be a waiting period (often 90 days) before a replacement check or refund can be issued, due to the bank's guarantee on the funds. There may also be a fee for a stop payment.
By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, sending a check through Chase Bank becomes a straightforward and secure process. Happy banking!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check the status of a check sent via Chase Online Bill Pay?
You can check the status of a check sent via Chase Online Bill Pay by logging into your Chase online banking account, navigating to the "Bill Pay" section, and reviewing your payment history. Payments will typically show as "pending," "processed," or "sent."
How to stop payment on a check sent by Chase?
To stop a payment on a check sent by Chase (either personal or through Bill Pay), log in to your Chase online banking, navigate to "Account Services" or "Stop Payment on a Check" and follow the prompts. You can also call Chase customer service or visit a branch. Fees may apply for stop payment requests.
How to know if a Chase-sent check has been cashed or deposited?
For checks sent via Chase Online Bill Pay, the status in your Bill Pay history will update to indicate if the check has been cashed or if the electronic payment has been received. For personal checks you wrote, you'll see the check clear your account in your transaction history.
How to order new checks for my Chase account?
You can order new checks for your Chase account online through your Chase online banking portal, by visiting a Chase branch, or by calling Chase customer service. You can often choose from various designs and quantities.
How to send money internationally with Chase instead of a check?
Chase offers international wire transfers through their online banking platform or at a branch. Fees apply, and you'll need the recipient's bank details (SWIFT/BIC code, account number, bank name and address, etc.). Zelle is also an option for some international transfers if the recipient's bank participates.
How to determine if a recipient accepts electronic payments via Chase Bill Pay?
When you add a new payee in Chase Online Bill Pay, Chase will often indicate if they are an electronic payee. If they are not, Chase will automatically send a paper check on your behalf.
How to get a duplicate copy of a check sent by Chase?
For checks sent via Chase Online Bill Pay, you can often view an image of the cleared check within your online transaction history. For personal checks, you can request a copy from Chase, which may incur a small fee.
How to void a personal check from my Chase checkbook?
To void a personal check, write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check, ensuring it covers the signature line and amount fields. Keep the voided check for your records.
How to send a check to myself from Chase?
You can send a check to yourself from your Chase account by simply writing a personal check made out to "Cash" or your own name. Alternatively, you can transfer funds between your Chase accounts online or withdraw cash at an ATM or branch.
How to use Chase QuickDeposit for depositing checks?
Chase QuickDeposit allows you to deposit checks using the Chase Mobile app. Open the app, select "Deposit Checks," take clear photos of the front and back of your endorsed check, enter the amount, and select the account for deposit. Funds are typically available by the next business day.
