A check is supposed to be endorsed, or signed by the recipient, before it is deposited or cashed. The back of a check, which isn't pictured here, includes a space for endorsements.

Your bank’s fractional ABA number contains the same information as the ABA in list item 9, but it's often presented in another format in the upper right corner of the check, as well.

The check number (note that this appears in two places) is a security measure to identify each payment and prevent fraud.

Your account number at your bank is another identifier that lets the recipient know where the money for the check will come from.

Your bank's American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number tells banks where to find the funds for the check.

Your bank’s contact information and/or logo is usually printed on the check.

The signature line verifies that the account owner has approved the payment.

The date line serves as a timestamp for the check.

The memo line is a space for any notes about the purpose of the check.

The amount of your check is written out in this section using words instead of numbers.

The dollar box displays the value of the check in numerical format.

The payee line designates who can receive the money.

The personal information section provides details about the account owner, who is the one paying money.

Others have interesting quirks that are unique to check writing, such as writing out dollar amounts with words. Some aspects of a check are self-explanatory, such as the date. Scroll down for both the name and purpose of each of these sections.

Each of the blue numbers corresponds to an important aspect of this blank check.

Components of a check