Review how your interest is calculated (this information is usually on back of your statement) and make sure that right rate has been used for each category. On purchases, most cards take your average daily balance over billing cycle and divide it by one-twelfth of your annual percentage rate (APR).

Lastly, but maybe most importantly, make sure you send your payment in well before due date. In order to have your payment credited on time to avoid a late fee, it must be posted by due date shown on statement. Therefore, if paying by mail, it is advisable to mail your payment at least a week in advance. For those whose cash flow doesn’t allow an early remittance, paying by phone or on-line might be a good alternative.

Of course best thing you can do to protect yourself from thieves is balance your checkbook and reconcile monthly statements. This should let you know if someone is writing false checks in your name. Top stub checks provide an easy and convenient place for you to write down transaction details if you don't have time to document purchases in your check register immediately.

Worried that cheap checks won't provide same protections? Fear not! When buying cheap personal checks find out whether print on checks is small. This will help prevent photocopying. Foil and embossing is also available on some styles. This, and any intricate design will help reduce likelihood that someone will photocopy your checks. The simpler check, easier it may be for a thief to copy.

Lastly, if your someone steals your checkbook be sure to contact your bank immediately. There are several measures you can take to protect your identity. You can either transfer funds to a separate account or stop payment on series of checks in checkbook stolen. Your bank should provide you with extra information about protecting your identity.

Check Verification

Retailers are also protecting themselves from check fraud. The number one way they are doing this is through check verification. There are several check verification companies that use machines to verify whether a check will clear or not. The more common companies include:

• SCAN
• TeleCheck
• Check Rite
• Equifax
• ChexSystems

If one of these machines dings your check as bad and you know you have cash in your account, it is possible someone might be passing checks in your name. You can call check verification company to find out and correct any wrong information.

Keep in mind while most people don't intentionally write bad checks or checks they know will bounce, if you do these machines are likely to stop you cold in your tracks.

Now that you know how to protect yourself from check fraud and what security measures are available to help protect you, why not get those daffy duck checks you have been dreaming about?