How to Mail a Check Safely

Mailing a check is still common for rent, legal payments, and people who do not accept electronic transfers. At the same time, check washing and mail theft have made many people wonder if it is still safe to mail a check through USPS. This guide shows you how to mail a check safely by preparing the check correctly, packaging it securely, choosing the right USPS mail service, and knowing what to do if a check is lost or stolen.

Is it safe to mail a check?

Mailing a check through USPS can be safe when you take basic security steps. Most checks arrive without any issues. The risk increases when you:

• Leave outgoing checks in an unlocked residential mailbox with the flag up
• Use ballpoint ink that can be removed and altered
• Mail high-value checks without tracking or proof of delivery
• Write anything on the envelope that advertises a payment inside

If you use gel ink, package the check so it is not visible through the envelope, mail it from a secure location, and choose the right USPS service, you dramatically reduce your risk.

Prepare the Check Properly

Before placing a check in the mail, take these steps to reduce fraud risk:

• Use a gel pen or permanent ink: Gel ink bonds to the paper and resists common check-washing chemicals. Avoid light ink colors and ballpoint pens.
• Fill in all fields completely: Leave no blank spaces. Draw lines through unused portions of the payee and amount lines.
• Write the payee name clearly: Avoid abbreviations that could be altered.
• Write the amount close to the dollar sign: Leave no room for someone to add digits before your amount.
• Write "For deposit only to account of payee" on the back: This restrictive endorsement limits how the check can be cashed. If appropriate and safe for your situation, you can add the recipient's account number as well.

Packaging the Check

How you enclose the check matters:

• Use a security envelope: Security tinted envelopes prevent contents from being read through the paper.
• Wrap the check in paper: Fold the check inside a sheet of paper so it is not visible through the envelope.
• Do not write "Check Enclosed" on the envelope: This advertises valuable contents to thieves.
• Use a standard business envelope: Avoid bulky envelopes that attract attention.

Choosing the Right Mail Service

Different USPS services offer different levels of security:

• First-Class Mail: Standard delivery with no automatic tracking. Acceptable for low-value checks when you do not need proof of delivery.
• Certified Mail: Adds a unique tracking number and a record of delivery or delivery attempt. The carrier obtains a signature at delivery, but you only receive a copy of that signature if you add a Return Receipt.
• Certified Mail with Return Receipt: Provides tracking plus a physical or electronic copy of the recipient's signature for your records. Common for legal or high-value payments.
• Priority Mail: Faster delivery with tracking included. You can add Signature Confirmation if you want someone to sign for the envelope.
• Registered Mail: USPS Registered Mail offers the highest level of security. The item is logged at each hand-off, kept in locked containers or safes, and typically requires signatures during handling. This is often used for high-value checks and sensitive financial documents.

Where to Mail From

Where you drop off mail affects security:

• Best: Inside a post office, handed directly to a clerk
• Good: Post office blue collection boxes during the day
• Avoid: Residential mailboxes with the flag up (signals valuable outgoing mail)
• Avoid: Blue boxes late at night or in isolated areas (higher theft risk)

Thieves target blue collection boxes and residential mailboxes, especially near weekends when mail sits longer.

Timing Your Mailing

• Mail early in the day so the check is collected and processed quickly
• Avoid mailing on Fridays or before holidays when mail sits longer
• Check collection times posted on blue boxes and mail before the last pickup
• If mailing from home, place mail in your box right before carrier pickup

After Mailing

• Record the check number, amount, payee, and date mailed
• If using certified mail, save the tracking number and monitor delivery
• Notify the recipient that a check is coming so they watch for it
• Monitor your bank account for the check to clear
• If the check does not clear within 2 weeks, follow up with the recipient

What to Do If a Check Is Lost or Stolen

• Contact your bank immediately to request a stop payment. Fees vary by bank, but are often in the $20–$35 range.
• If you suspect mail theft, file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov
• Monitor your account for fraudulent activity
• Issue a replacement check only after confirming the original has not been cashed
• Consider switching to electronic payments for future transactions

For more information on missing mail, see our USPS lost mail guide.

Safer Alternatives to Mailing a Check Yourself

In many cases, you may not need to mail a physical check at all:

• Online bill pay through your bank: Many banks send funds electronically, or they print and mail a check on your behalf. The payment still arrives by mail, but thieves never touch a check with your signature on it.
• ACH or wire transfer: For businesses and larger payments, an ACH transfer or wire transfer can be faster and harder to intercept than a paper check.
• Cashier's checks or money orders: For very large payments, consider using a cashier's check or money order and sending it via Certified or Registered Mail.
• Mailing important documents with a service like The Letter Pilot: If you need to mail notices, letters, or forms (especially by Certified Mail), a service like The Letter Pilot can print, prepare, and mail them for you, so you do not have to visit the post office or handle envelopes yourself.

FAQs

Related Guides

• What is Certified Mail?
• What is Registered Mail?
• How to Send Certified Mail
• USPS Lost Mail Guide