Question about Checking Account Processing?

Question about Checking Account Processing?
i was just wondering about check processing. let's say i write a personal check for $78.34 to the electric company. the electric company cashes the check at their bank. is there a live 'person' who types in the amount of the check to debit my account at the bank? how come the bank never makes an error and let's say deducts $78.24 from my checking account instead of $78.34? i've been wondering this for years...


Answers:

Lori:  I'm almost positive a live person types in the check amount. I work in accounting- trust me- the bank makes errors! Remember that the people keying the amounts do it every day. I know exactly where each of the numbers are on a number key pad and almost never type a wrong number because I work with numbers every day too.

I believe the only electronic part of it is the routing and checking account number, which are the MICR (I think) bars at the bottom of your check.
2007-03-18 19:36:27