I have a checkbook from my US-based online bank, but the address on the checks is now out of date. What is the best way to destroy the checkbook? Do I need to notify my bank that I am not using the checks anymore?
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2if you have a fireplace, just use them to start the fire. – JTP - Apologise to Monica Sep 13 '15 at 07:02
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3I still use checks with my last address and its never been an issue. – user662852 Sep 13 '15 at 19:13
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To get rid of old checks, just use a shredder or other supervised destruction method. You generally aren't liable if someone steals your checks and uses them fraudulently; however, you don't want to give someone the opportunity to do so, either.
No, you don't need to notify your bank. As long as you have new checks that have your current address, you are fine. The bank doesn't care if the numbers on the checks they receive are consecutive or not.
Ben Miller
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1I rip the books apart and send the checks in stacks through the shredder. – briantist Sep 13 '15 at 17:46
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I burn them, myself. Shredders are easy to overcome with modern technology unless they randomly destroy the material as well.
That said, I don't use them anymore. Too much liability for not enough return these days. Better to use bill pay for such things so that it is drawn on an internal account to the bank.
Michael Trausch
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5The purpose of shredding the checks isn't to hide your account number; everyone you have ever given a check to has access to that number. Shredding just destroys the physical checks, which prohibits someone from taking a blank check, forging your signature, and trying to spend it. No one will accept a check that has been shredded and taped back together. – Ben Miller Sep 15 '15 at 02:12
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I understand that. This is why I use bank provided bill pay if I have to send a check ever. It means my account number is never exposed. – Michael Trausch Sep 15 '15 at 02:14
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@MichaelTrausch - your account number is "exposed" to anyone who receives your check it's part and parcel of how checks work: every last one of them has your account number and the bank routing number printed on them. – warren Sep 17 '15 at 21:25
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You've obviously never heard of bill pay. You fill out a form on the banks Web site. The bank takes the money from your account and places it into an account from which all bill pay customer checks are issued. Your account number never appears. The bank pays on your behalf as a proxy. – Michael Trausch Sep 17 '15 at 21:27
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@MichaelTrausch - that is *NOT* how billpay works in the US: they write a check and mail it to the target company. If you have automatic paying setup with the biller instead, you are still giving them your account and routing numbers. – warren Sep 18 '15 at 15:21
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@warren, I'd write your bank and ask them to catch up. When I send a bill pay, the money is removed from my account immediately. The bank does indeed draft a check and put it in the mail. It is drawn on an account reserved for that purpose. (Additionally: if that check isn't cleared in 90 days, it becomes void and the funds are redeposited in my bank account.) Perhaps your bank just needs to upgrade to using computers in order to offer better services. ;-) – Michael Trausch Sep 18 '15 at 21:19
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@MichaelTrausch - not all banks work that way. Happy for you yours does. – warren Sep 21 '15 at 02:20