A Short History of Bank Checks
William A. Gordon
Through all of time, no matter how many times the bank system makes changes, the bank checks remain constant. Today, just as the Romans of the ancient empire, we depend on bank checks as promissory notes.
First Bank Checks
The Ancient Romans used the earliest form of bank checks although it was much simpler than the method used today. There is recorded evidence that they used what were called praescriptiones as early as 100B.C. After about four hundred years, bankers in the Persian Empire started using a similar system of credit.
The Medieval Period
Another variation of the modern day bank check system developed in Europe around the middle ages. During that time, the banking center known as the Knights Templar used a check system to hold money for people who took trips across Europe. These people would deposit their money at one station, and then claim it from another by proof of a claim draft. This was one of the earliest uses of a paper check system for claiming funds. It is thought that the Knights picked up this idea from Muslims, who had been using it for a few hundred years prior.
Bills of Exchange
Today's check system is derived from the "bill of exchange" which was developed in earlier times by the bankers of that period. This system allowed bankers to receive bill payments by making use of bank mandated orders. People were then able to buy and sell goods without handling gold or other currency, making trade much easier and safer for the merchants.
Bank checks in the United States
Bank checks made their way to the United States by the Europeans during the Colonial period. Since the Europeans had already been dependent on the system since the early 1700s, it didn't take long for the Americans to adopt the system. Of course, the bank systems continue to evolve, especially in the past century, thus more control and security exists in present time. Bank checks pose as a form of protection to the consumer.
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