The individual or entity authorizing the payment from a checking account is the check originator. For example, if a business issues a payroll check, the business is the source of the funds. The name and often the address of this party are typically printed in the upper left-hand corner of the check.
Clearly identifying the source of the check is fundamental to the check-writing process. This identification provides crucial information for both the recipient and the financial institution processing the check. It establishes the payer’s responsibility for the stated amount and aids in verifying the legitimacy of the transaction. Historically, this identification helped establish trust and accountability in financial exchanges before the advent of modern electronic payment systems. It remains a key component of check security and fraud prevention.