Do you know that you may ask your bank to start your checks with a specific number? There are valid reasons against starting your checks with zero, especially if you are just opening a new checking account. So when ordering checks what is the starting check number?
Starting check number is the number of your first check, Whether you are ordering checks from an existing checking account or a new one. This information is asked by the check printing company to process your check orders.
Continue reading to find out more about Edit, change, and the starting check number in QuickBooks.
What is a Starting Check Number
You will be asked for the starting check number when placing an order for checks for your checking account. If you already have a checking account, you should begin your deposits where your last one ended. Although starting your checks with any number is not necessary against the rules, keeping your check orders in sequential order makes recording and tracking much simpler.
Whether you are ordering checks from an existing checking account or a new one, the starting check number is the number of your first check. It’s a good idea to start with a check number of 1000 when opening a new checking account. It’s rare, but some businesses could refuse to accept your check if it has a low check number. This is done for a number of reasons, including fraud and fear that the check won’t be cleared because it is for a new account.
Actually, as long as a check clears, it shouldn’t matter if the check number is low or high. Starter checks usually have a starting check number of 1000 since banks are aware of this.
What Is a Check Number?
A check number is a unique number that identifies an individual paper check within a check sequence. You usually find it in the upper-right corner of the check, and it may also appear in the MICR line at the bottom.
For example, if your checks are numbered 1501, 1502, and 1503, each number identifies a different check. QuickBooks can also record the check number for a transaction so you can match the accounting record with the physical check.
The check number is different from your bank account number. The check number identifies a specific check, while the account number identifies the bank account used to make the payment.
What Should Your Starting Check Number Be?
There is no universal required starting check number for every checking account. 101 is a common starting number, but some checkbooks may begin at 001, 1001, or another number.
The appropriate starting check number depends on the check sequence assigned to your account and any instructions from your bank or check supplier.
If you are ordering checks for an existing account, generally continue the previous check-number sequence. For example, if your last check was numbered 1500, the next check order would normally begin with 1501.
Before placing an order, check your previous checkbook, bank instructions, or check supplier requirements. The goal is to maintain a consistent sequence, not to choose a particular number simply because it is commonly used.
Why Do Checks Commonly Start at 101?
Checks commonly start at 101 because it is a widely used numbering convention for checkbooks. However, 101 is not a mandatory starting number.
Banks and check suppliers may use different numbering sequences. A checkbook can therefore start at 001, 101, 1001, or another number.
If you already use checks for the account, the existing sequence generally determines the next starting check number. Follow any specific numbering instructions provided by your bank or check supplier.
What Do I Put for Starting Check Number When Ordering Checks?
Enter the number that should appear on the first physical check in the new check order. The correct number depends on whether you are opening a new account, ordering checks for an existing account, or reordering the same check series.
● For a new account
Use the starting number specified by your bank or check supplier. If they do not specify a number, confirm the expected check sequence before placing the order.
● For an existing account
Check the number of the most recently used physical check and continue the sequence unless your bank or check supplier instructs you to use a different number.
● When reordering checks
Generally, start with the number immediately following the last check in the previous sequence.
For example, if your last check was 1500, your next check order would generally start with 1501. Continuing the sequence makes it easier to identify missing checks, duplicate numbers, and outstanding payments.
Starting Check Number When Ordering Checks vs. in QuickBooks
Although the term is the same, you use the starting check number at two different stages:
| Situation | What the starting check number represents |
| Ordering physical checks | The number printed on the first check in a new or reordered checkbook. |
| Printing checks in QuickBooks | The number of the first physical check you are using for the print batch |
For example, if your physical checks are numbered 1501, 1502, and 1503, the first check in the printer is 1501. QuickBooks Online asks you to enter that number as the starting check number before printing the batch.
Starter Check vs. Starting Check Number
A starter check is a temporary check that a bank may provide before personalized checks are available. It may contain limited information and is generally intended for temporary use.
A starting check number is different. It is the serial number assigned to the first check in a sequence. For example, if a checkbook contains checks numbered 1501, 1502, and 1503, 1501 is the starting check number for that sequence.
Check No. vs. Starting Check Number in QuickBooks Online
Check no. and starting check number serve different purposes in QuickBooks Online.
● Check Number
The check number identifies an individual check transaction. When you create a check, QuickBooks can record its number, and you can enter the number from a handwritten check when recording one.
● Starting check number
The starting check number identifies the number printed on the first physical check loaded into the printer for a print batch. QuickBooks Online asks for this number when you print checks from the print queue.
● Print later
The Print later option adds a check to the print queue instead of printing it immediately. You can then print multiple checks together and specify the first physical check number when you start the print process.
How to Set the Starting Check Number in QuickBooks Online?
QuickBooks Online lets you enter the number of the first physical check in the printer before printing a batch. Follow these steps to know how to change a check number in QuickBooks Online.
- Sign in to QuickBooks Online.
- Go to All apps > Expenses & Bills > Expense transactions.
- Select Print checks.
- Open the first check you want to print.
- Select Print check.
- Select the correct bank account from the dropdown.
- In the Starting check number field, enter the number printed on the first physical check loaded into the printer.
- Select the checkbox for each check you want to print.
- Select Preview and print.
- Review the preview to confirm that the check information and numbering are correct.
- If everything is correct, select Print.
- After printing, confirm whether the checks printed correctly. If they printed correctly, select Yes, they all printed correctly. If any checks need to be printed again, select Some checks need reprinting and enter the first check number that needs correction.
- Select Done.
What If the Checks Did Not Print Correctly?
If the checks did not print correctly, do not continue printing with an unchecked sequence. First, determine which checks printed correctly and which need to be reprinted. QuickBooks Online provides a reprinting workflow that lets you identify the first check number that needs to be corrected.
Before printing the replacement checks:
- Identify which physical checks printed correctly.
- Identify the first physical check that needs to be used for the replacement.
- Enter the appropriate starting check number when QuickBooks asks for it.
- Confirm which transactions remain in the print queue.
- Preview the checks before printing.
- Compare the printed numbers with the physical check stock.
- Avoid assigning a number that already belongs to another physical check.
For example, if checks 1501 and 1502 printed correctly but 1503 was misaligned, do not restart the batch at 1501. Find out the correct physical check that will be used for the replacement and enter its number before reprinting.
How to Change an Existing Check Number in QuickBooks Desktop
If an existing check transaction has the wrong number, you can edit the check and update its No. field.
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- Go to Banking and select Use Register.
- Select the bank account containing the check.
- Locate and open the check transaction.
- Review the No. field.
- Enter the correct check number.
- Save the transaction.
How to Set the First Check Number When Printing in QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop uses the check number entered in the No. field when you create a check and asks you to confirm the Printed Check Number when printing an individual check. To keep your physical checks and QuickBooks records in sequence, enter the number printed on the first blank check you plan to use.
Set the First Check Number for a Check
- Go to Banking and select Write Checks.
- Select the appropriate Bank Account.
- Create a new check or open the check you want to print.
- In the No. field, enter or confirm the check number assigned to the physical check.
- Enter the payee, date, amount, and other required check details.
- Load the corresponding blank check into the printer.
- Select the Print icon and choose Check.
- When QuickBooks prompts you, enter or confirm the Printed Check Number.
- Review the printer and check-style settings (Standard, Voucher, or Wallet), then select Print.
Make sure the number entered in QuickBooks matches the number printed on the physical check. This keeps the check transaction and physical check sequence aligned.
Set the First Check Number for Multiple Checks
When printing multiple checks, create the checks and assign their check numbers before adding them to the print queue.
- Go to Banking > Write Checks.
- Create the checks you want to print.
- Enter or confirm the check number for each check in the No. field.
- Select Print Later for each check you want to print in the batch.
- From the Write Checks window, select the Print icon and choose Batch.
- In the Select Checks to Print window, select the checks you want to print and select OK.
- Review the printer and check-style settings (Standard, Voucher, or Wallet).
- Load the physical check stock so that the first check corresponds to the first check number assigned in QuickBooks.
- Select Print.
Note: Before printing the batch, verify that the first physical check loaded in the printer matches the number QuickBooks expects for the batch.
What If QuickBooks Uses the Wrong Check Number?
QuickBooks may show or print an unexpected check number if the starting number does not match the physical check stock, a duplicate number already exists, or a previous printing attempt did not complete correctly.
● Wrong starting number
Check the number printed on the first physical check loaded into the printer. When printing in QuickBooks Online, enter that number in the Starting check number field before printing.
● Duplicate check numbers
Review the affected transactions and compare their check numbers with your physical check stock. Do not assign the same number to two different physical checks unless you are intentionally correcting a transaction and understand the accounting impact.
● Physical checks do not match QuickBooks records
Compare the physical check number with the number recorded in QuickBooks. Correct the transaction or print-batch setup before issuing additional checks.
● Wrong number after a failed print
Determine which checks actually printed and which did not. When reprinting, use the number of the first physical check that will be used for the replacement print rather than automatically restarting from the original starting number. QuickBooks Online provides a reprinting workflow that lets you identify the first check number that needs correction.
● Numbering issues after migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to Online
After a Desktop-to-Online migration, review recent check transactions and the physical check sequence before printing new checks. Compare the last physical check used with the check records in the new QuickBooks Online company so the next printed check continues the intended sequence.
Does a Starting Check Number Matter?
The starting check number itself does not usually determine whether a check is valid. However, maintaining an accurate check-number sequence is important for bookkeeping and reconciliation. Consistent numbering helps you:
- Maintain accurate financial records
- Reconcile checks with bank statements
- Identify missing checks
- Detect duplicate check numbers
- Track outstanding checks
- Match physical checks with transactions recorded in QuickBooks
Practical Examples of Check Numbering
Suppose your physical checkbook contains the following checks:
- Physical checks: 1501, 1502, 1503
- First check loaded into the printer: 1501
- QuickBooks starting check number: 1501
When you print the batch, QuickBooks uses the starting number to align the selected transactions with the physical check sequence.
| Item | Number |
| First physical check | 1501 |
| Second physical check | 1502 |
| Third physical check | 1503 |
| QuickBooks starting check number | 1501 |
How to Edit the Starting Check Number on QuickBooks Desktop?
There can be scenarios when users are required to change or alter the check or begin check number in their particular QuickBooks Desktop prior to printing it or sending it. This particular approach can be taken in two distinct ways. One way is when you wish to edit the check number from your particular QuickBooks menu or during the printing of the check.
Here, we will display to you the method to both edit the check numbers and also change the starting check numbers when printing the checks.
Let us begin with how to change or alter the starting check number in your QuickBooks Desktop.
How to Change the Check Number in QuickBooks Desktop
To begin with the process of QuickBooks change check number, you need to navigate through the Banking menu. Here are the detailed steps for a better understanding:
- Launch the QuickBooks Desktop in your system.
- Now, Go to the Banking menu that is present on the top menu bar.
- Post that, Choose the Use Register button
- Here, you are needed to choose the account where your particular paychecks and checks are saved.
- Once you have found them, press on check and paycheck and check two times in order to open them.
- Now navigate to the Check Number field.
- Now, you need to add the right check number in the given field.
- When the changes are done by you, you need to shut the window
- If notified, then you need to choose the button Yes and save the changes.
In this way, it is possible to change the starting check number in QuickBooks Desktop. All you are required to do is open the particular check from the available Banking menu and do the changes to the check. Post that, you can keep sending the check to the person concerned through QuickBooks.
How to Edit the Starting Check Number during the Printing of the Checks?
If you have landed on the Create Payment page and want to edit the starting check number during the printing of the check, it can be done with ease with the help of the steps mentioned below:
- Go to the Banks menu
- Now press on the option for Print Checks.
- Now select the Record Bank Drafts.
- Ensure you choose the EFT Notices and Print Checks in the Payroll.
- Now, you can add the desired details on the available tabs.
- When you are on the particular Format tab, shift to the left and choose the Payment Type.
- In the box for Starting Payment Number, add the right numbers situated on the right
- Once it is complete, press the option, Create Later or Create Now.
By implementing the steps mentioned above, you will be able to edit or change the starting check number in QuickBooks Desktop. Just ensure that you have opened the right check-in payroll.
How to Edit the Check Number in QuickBooks Online?
As mentioned before, arranging the checks in order is a very crucial aspect for business owners. In case you locate any check number in the incorrect sequence, it is possible to change the details manually. All that is needed is to reset the number and then include the right sequence.
To alter the check numbers in QuickBooks Online, you must allow a set of features to enable you to edit the check number if needed in the future.
How to Set the Preferences to Edit Check Numbers?
By stating these preferences, you will be allowed to edit the check numbers if needed. All you need to do is go to the Settings option.
Here is a detailed overview of the steps to set the preferences to change the check numbers in QuickBooks Online:
- You need to log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
- Now go to the icon for Gear, placed on the top right.
- Now you need to press on the page for Account and Settings.
- Now, Shift to the Sales tab.
- Now choose the Sales form content.
- Next, you need to ensure that the option for Custom Transaction Numbers is chosen.
- Once completed, Press the Save button.
- Next, you need to go to the tab for Advanced on the same page.
- Post that, Press on the screen for Other Preferences.
- Here, you need to ensure that the option for Warn if duplicate check number is utilized is chosen.
- Now, Press the Save button in order to save the actions that are applied.
- To complete the process, Press the Done button.
Once the right preferences are set, you will not be able to locate any issues or duplicates with the particular check number in QuickBooks Online.
How to Change the Check Numbers in QuickBooks Online?
If you are able to locate any duplicate numbers and do not want to reset or edit the number, then you are advised to create a new check. This will help you to include the right order for the check.
Here are the steps given below that will help you to edit the starting check number in QuickBooks Online:
- Press the icon for Plus (+).
- Now press on the check.
- Now, you can include the details needed for the check.
- In case you cannot locate the right numbers for the Check No. field, then you can manually include the right check number.
- To complete the process, press the button for Save and Close.
- Now, navigate to the icon for Plus once more.
- Navigate to the Check option to authenticate the number.
With the help of the steps mentioned above, you will be able to change or reset the check number in QuickBooks Online. In case, if needed, you can prepare the check number report to locate which check number has been in use for the particular QuickBooks account till now.
For all business owners, big and small, it is compulsory to put the check number in a normal sequence. But, while making the check, you may locate the number indifferent that can be changed.
To set, change, and print the starting check number, enter the first physical check number in QuickBooks Online, verify or change the check number in QuickBooks Desktop, and confirm the sequence before printing. When ordering checks, use the number that should appear on the first physical check and continue the existing sequence when reordering.
If checks print with incorrect numbers, verify which physical checks printed, correct the check number for the replacement checks, and confirm the sequence before printing again. Keeping the starting check number aligned with your physical checks helps you maintain accurate records, reconcile transactions, track outstanding checks, and prevent duplicate check numbers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, But the new number should follow your bank’s or check supplier’s assigned sequence and your accounting records.
QuickBooks can record or print checks with numbers that do not match your physical checks, which can create reconciliation and tracking problems.
Yes, if the new checks begin with a different number from your current sequence, enter the number printed on the first physical check you plan to use.
Yes, check numbers can be skipped when necessary, but you should document unused or voided numbers to keep your check records accurate.
The mismatch can make it difficult to identify transactions and reconcile your check register with your bank statement.
You should generally avoid reusing a check number within the same account sequence because duplicate numbers can confuse transaction tracking and reconciliation.
QuickBooks may retain or assign a number based on the transaction’s existing check number or the sequence used in the check-printing workflow.
Not necessarily. The appropriate action depends on whether the physical check was issued, printed, or left unused, so review the transaction and physical check status before making changes.
Record the number from each physical check accurately, maintain documentation for voided or skipped checks, and regularly compare your QuickBooks records with your bank statements.
Yes, QuickBooks can print checks using a consecutive physical check sequence when the starting number and loaded checks are aligned correctly.
