What is a counter check?

A counter check is a type of check issued by a bank customer to themselves, drawn against their own account. It is typically used when a customer needs to make a payment or withdrawal immediately but does not have their regular checks available. Counter checks are often provided by the bank teller at the branch location and typically do not have the customer's name, address, or account number pre-printed on them.

Counter checks are not considered as secure as regular checks because they do not have the necessary security features, such as watermarks or microprinting, to prevent fraud. Therefore, banks may place restrictions on the amount that can be withdrawn or paid using a counter check, or require additional verification to process the transaction.

Counter checks are generally only valid for a limited period, such as 60 or 90 days, after which they will become void. It is important to use counter checks responsibly and securely to protect against potential fraud or unauthorized use.