What is a counter check?

• A. A temporary check that is blank and not pre-printed with the account owner's information.
• B. A standard pre-printed check from the account.
• C. A debit card used for withdrawals.
• D. A cashier's check issued by the bank.

Answer: (A)

Counter checks are temporary, bank-issued checks used when you don’t have your own checkbook handy yet. They’re printed by the bank at your request and aren’t personalized with your name and address, though they will be usable to draw on your account. They’re handy for a short period while you wait for your regular checks to arrive or if you need to write a check before your personalized stock is available. This is different from a standard pre-printed check, which comes with your name and address already printed. It’s also not a debit card, which is used for purchases or cash withdrawals, nor a cashier’s check, which is a bank-guaranteed check drawn on the bank’s funds for a third party.