--- title: What is a Check Register? | Advantages, Disadvantages, Example description: A check register, also known as cash disbursement journal, is the journal that records all the checks. Click for more information. --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** What is a Check Register? # What is a Check Register? ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Brooke%20Tomasetti.png) Written by Brooke Tomasetti | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents A check register, also known as a cash disbursement [journal](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/journal-entries/), is the journal that records all the checks, cash and cash outlay during an [accounting](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/accounting-profit/) period. A check register usually includes the dates, check number, the person that paid, account names, and the credit and debit associated with the transaction. ## What is a Check Register? Transactions are recorded in the check register before any business transactions are recorded in the general ledger. The most common accounts in the check register depend on the type of company. Retailers will make payments to inventory, accounts payable and salary expenses. Manufactures will have entries for raw materials purchases and production costs. The journal shows the accounts that are debited and credited in each transaction. It also shows the overall effect on the cash balance. ## Advantages of a Check Register - A check register will usually show a running balance in the checking account. In that way, it’s like a real-time record of the bank account. The bookkeeper can check the total bank balance as well as the check register to ensure that they align. - Management uses the journal to track what the cash has been used for. It is also used to see how much money was spent. Management can use the data to determine the [ratio of cash](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/cash-ratio/) that is spent on inventory compared to the amount of money being spent on paying other bills. - The check register includes the check numbers, management can look at the journal to see if there are any missing or incorrectly written checks. ## Disadvantages of a Check Register - Digital payments and receipts – technology has advanced in the past three decades making, the chequebook increasingly redundant. Transactions are mostly secured online, and it is effortless to access the records of those transactions. All files are stored electronically, and you have access to is all year around. - The check register does not consider any transactions that are happing outside of the chequebook. Even though the check register presents you with a final balance, this balance needs to be reconciled with the bank to get an accurate figure. ## Check Register Example A Chequebook Register Template can keep track of any funds that come into or leave the bank account through checks. Let’s look at the essential elements on the check register. - **Date** – is a field where the user will enter the date ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2022-12-57-50-15-PM.png?width=572&name=image-png-Apr-25-2022-12-57-50-15-PM.png) - **Check No** – the user will fill in the check number for incoming or outgoing checks. The check number is a unique identifier. This unique identifier makes it easier to track transactions. ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2022-12-59-53-88-PM.png?width=581&name=image-png-Apr-25-2022-12-59-53-88-PM.png) - **Bank Name** – the field needs to contain the bank that the check belongs to. ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-00-51-53-PM.png?width=584&name=image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-00-51-53-PM.png) - **Issuing Party –** this field is used for incoming checks. The name of the issuing party of the check is filled in. Outgoing checks should be left blank. ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-01-33-30-PM.png?width=554&name=image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-01-33-30-PM.png) - **Transaction Description –** this field is critical because it shows the nature of the transactions that are happening. It could be a sale, expense or another business or personal income or expense. ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-02-10-87-PM.png?width=545&name=image-png-Apr-25-2022-01-02-10-87-PM.png) - **Category –** every payment or income is defined by a category which is filled into this field. The categories can be broad or specific. You can specify the categories based on your business size and the nature of the transactions. ![Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-38-38-53-PM](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-38-38-53-PM.png?width=598&name=Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-38-38-53-PM.png) - **Withdrawal/Payment** – this field will be populated with amounts of the income or expenses of the company. ![Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-39-35-30-PM](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-39-35-30-PM.png?width=556&name=Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-39-35-30-PM.png) - **Reconciled/Cleared –** Cleared means that a transaction has been settled in the banks. Reconciled implies that the user has verified the account against his records. Use the words cleared or reconciled in the column. ![Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-40-42-93-PM](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-40-42-93-PM.png?width=547&name=Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-40-42-93-PM.png) - **Deposit/Credit**  – this field is used for incoming checks, and it will be a credit in the bank account. ![Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-42-10-74-PM](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-42-10-74-PM.png?width=631&name=Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-42-10-74-PM.png) - **Balance –** The balance is set at each date of the transaction. Leave the field blank if there is no withdrawal/payment and deposit/credit field. ![Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-43-09-46-PM](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-43-09-46-PM.png?width=683&name=Capture-Apr-24-2022-05-43-09-46-PM.png) ## Check Register Conclusion - A check register, also known as a cash disbursement journal, is the journal that records all the checks, cash payment and cash outlay during an accounting period. - Transactions are recorded in the check register before any business transactions are recorded in the general ledger. - Advantages include a running balance of all check payments, managers can use the date to track cash, and reconciliation of check numbers. - Disadvantages includes a system that is outdated due to technology advance in online banking, check registers do not contain any transactions outside of the chequebook. ## FAQs ### 1. What is a check register? A check register, also known as a cash disbursement journal, is the journal that records all the checks, cash payment and cash outlay during an accounting period. ### 2. What are the benefits of using a check register? Some benefits of using a check register include the following: a running balance of all check payments, managers can use the date to track cash, and reconciliation of check numbers. ### 3. When do you use a check register? A check register is generally used when recording transactions before any business transactions are recorded in the general ledger. For example, a business may use a check register to track cash payments for inventory or other expenses. ### 4. How do you fill out a check register? To fill out a check register, you first need to record the date of the transaction. Next, you need to record the name of the bank where the check was written. After that, you need to list the name of the person or company who received the payment. Finally, you need to list the description of what the payment was for (e.g. rent, inventory, etc.). You should also include the category of the transaction (e.g. income, expense, etc.) and whether it was a withdrawal or payment. You can also include a column for the balance at the beginning of the accounting period. This will help you track the changes in your account balance over time. ### 5. Where can I buy a check register? You can purchase a check register at most office supply stores. You can also find them online. ### Related Topics - [Sustainable 401(k) Plan](https://www.carboncollective.co/401k) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Retirement Glossary](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/retirement-planning-glossary) - [Best Retirement Plans](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/the-10-best-retirement-plans) - [Wealth Manager Vs Financial Advisor](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/wealth-manager-vs.-financial-advisor) ![Attend Our Next Webinar](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-webinar.12af7b6e.svg) ### Attend Our Next Webinar Join our next Sustainable Investing 101 webinar, get our favorite DIY options, and walk through how we build our portfolios. [Watch Now](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing-webinar-green-retirement-month) ![Get Our Newsletter](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-demo.6ed28722.svg) ### Get Our Newsletter Go a level deeper with us and investigate the potential impacts of climate change on investments like your retirement account. Join Newsletter ![close-typeform](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhEQARAIAAAODn7P///yH5BAEHAAEALAAAAAARABEAAAIqBIKpab3v3EMyVHWtWZluf0za0XFNKDJfCq5i5JpomdUxqKLQVmInqyoAADs=) ![Talk To A Human](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-chat.49d48c5b.svg) ### Talk To A Human Joining a new investment service can be intimidating. We’re here for you. Click below to email us a question or book a quick call. [Ask a Question](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f70pooobq) Topics ## Sustainable Investing Topics View our list of some topics below. See More - Portfolios - [Performance](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/returns) - About - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - Learn - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - Contact - [Contact us](mailto:hello@carboncollective.co) - [Legal](https://www.carboncollective.co/legal) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/2022-11%20Carbon%20Collective%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) - [Back to top](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/check-register#top-of-page) DISCLAIMERS: Advisory services provided by Carbon Collective Investment LLC (“Carbon Collective"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. A copy of Carbon Collective's current written disclosure statement discussing Carbon Collective’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website – [www.adviserinfo.sec.gov](https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129) or [our legal documents here](https://blog.carboncollective.co/legal-documents/). The articles and research support materials available on this site are educational and are not intended to be investment or tax advice. Carbon Collective does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Carbon Collective’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Investments in securities: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and Carbon Collective's charges and expenses. Carbon Collective's internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving discrete financial goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client's financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form CRS, Form ADV Part 2 and other disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and the likelihood of investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature. Not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities in jurisdictions where Carbon Collective is not registered. © 2026 Carbon Collective Corporation. All rights reserved. × #### Fact Checked Carbon Collective partners with financial and climate experts to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our team of reviewers are established professionals with years of experience in areas of personal finance and climate. They have contributed to top tier financial publications, such as Reuters, Axios, Ag Funder News, Bloomberg, Marketwatch, Yahoo! Finance, and many others. This team of experts helps Carbon Collective maintain the highest level of accuracy and professionalism possible. × #### Why Trust Carbon Collective Carbon Collective is the first online investment advisor 100% focused on solving climate change. We believe that sustainable investing is not just an important climate solution, but a smart way to invest. We follow ethical journalism practices, which includes presenting unbiased information and citing reliable, attributed resources. Much of our research comes from leading organizations in the climate space, such as Project Drawdown and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Our goal is to deliver the most understandable and comprehensive explanations of climate and finance topics. Our writing and editorial staff are a team of experts holding advanced financial designations and have written for most major financial media publications. Our work has been directly cited by organizations including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, Axios, TechCrunch, Forbes, NerdWallet, GreenBiz, Reuters, and many others. We strive to empower readers with the most factual and reliable climate finance information possible to help them make informed decisions. } ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "alternateName" : "Carbon Collective", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "(650) 868-2697" }, "logo" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png", "name" : "Carbon Collective Investing LLC", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/carboncollectiveinvesting/", "https://twitter.com/carbncollective", "https://www.instagram.com/carbon.collective/", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC769Y-F-L_B37kyQfdpvyXA", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon-collective/", "https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/carbon-collective", "https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110243690" ], "url" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/" } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a check register?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A check register, also known as cash disbursement journal, is the journal that records all the checks, cash payment and cash outlay during an accounting period." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the benefits of using a check register?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Some benefits of using a check register include the following: a running balance of all check payments, managers can use the date to track cash, and reconciliation of check numbers." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "When do you use a check register?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A check register is generally used when recording transactions before any business transactions are recorded in the general ledger. For example, a business may use a check register to track cash payments for inventory or other expenses." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How do you fill out a check register?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "To fill out a check register, you first need to record the date of the transaction. Next, you need to record the name of the bank where the check was written. After that, you need to list the name of the person or company who received the payment. Finally, you need to list the description of what the payment was for (e.g. rent, inventory, etc.). You should also include the category of the transaction (e.g. income, expense, etc.) and whether it was a withdrawal or payment. You can also include a column for the balance at the beginning of the accounting period. This will help you track the changes in your account balance over time." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Where can I buy a check register?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can purchase a check register at most office supply stores. You can also find them online." } }] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "https://20345524.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20345524/Brooke%20Tomasetti.png", "url" : "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/author/brooke-tomasetti" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-01", "datePublished" : "2021-03-24", "description" : "A check register, also known as cash disbursement journal, is the journal that records all the checks. Click for more information.", "headline" : "What is a Check Register? | Advantages, Disadvantages, Example", "image" : "", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/check-register", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png" }, "name" : "Carbon Collective" } } ```