What Is Payee?

Definition
The person or company who receives a payment. On a check, the payee is the name written on the "Pay to the Order of" line.

Example: "When writing a rent check, my landlord is the payee."

Why It Matters

Understanding the payee concept matters every time you write a check, set up online bill pay, or send money electronically. The payee is the recipient, and getting the name right is essential for the payment to process correctly. On a check, the payee name must match the recipient's bank records. For online bill pay, you need the exact company name and account number. When sending money through peer-to-peer apps, double-check the recipient's information before hitting send because many transfers are instant and irreversible.

Try it: Practice with our Check Writing Worksheet. Open tool →

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