Bill vs. Check — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
Bills often refer to a statement of charges for services or goods, whereas a check is a written order directing a bank to pay money.
Difference Between Bill and Check
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bill is typically an itemized statement listing the total amount owed for services rendered or goods purchased, often presented after a transaction in settings like restaurants or utility services. Whereas, a check is a financial instrument used to transfer money from the check holder's bank account to another party's account as payment.
Bills are commonly used in commercial transactions to request payment from a customer, detailing the quantities, products, and agreed prices. On the other hand, a check serves as a promise or instruction by the payer that the bank will honor the payment from their account when the check is presented.
In terms of formality, a bill is usually a printed or digital document provided by the vendor to the consumer. Meanwhile, a check is a formal document that involves writing the amount, the recipient's name, the date, and the payer's signature.
The legal implications of a bill relate primarily to the obligation of the customer to pay the amount listed. Conversely, a check not only represents an obligation but also can become a legal matter if it bounces or is not honored by the bank due to insufficient funds.
Both bills and checks are crucial in their contexts; however, while a bill serves as a request for payment, a check is an actual method of payment that completes a transaction.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An itemized list of goods or services with prices leading to a total amount due.
A written order to a bank to pay a specified sum from the drawer's account.
Usage Context
Commercial transactions, utilities, services.
Financial transactions, personal or business payments.
Form
Printed or digital document.
Physical or digital written document.
Legal Impact
Indicates an obligation to pay.
Directs a bank payment, legal implications if dishonored.
Relationship with Banks
No direct interaction.
Requires a bank to complete the transaction.
Compare with Definitions
Bill
A detailed invoice.
The contractor provided a bill listing all the materials used in the renovation.
Check
A written order to a bank.
She wrote a check for two hundred dollars.
Bill
Legislative proposal.
The senator introduced a new bill in Congress today.
Check
A restaurant bill.
We asked the waiter for the check after dinner.
Bill
A request for payment.
The utility company sent us a bill for last month's usage.
Check
A stopping or slowing of progress.
The heavy rain was a check on the day's construction work.
Bill
Public notice or advertisement.
Bills announcing the circus's arrival were posted all over town.
Check
A pattern of squares.
His shirt had a blue and white check pattern.
Bill
The beak of a bird.
The duck's bill was yellow and broad.
Check
An examination or inspection.
The mechanic performed a quick check of the vehicle's brakes.
Bill
An itemized list or statement of fees or charges.
Check
Stop or slow the progress of (something, typically something undesirable)
Efforts were made to check the disease
Bill
A statement or list of particulars, such as a theater program or menu.
Check
(of a passenger) consign (baggage) to the care of the transport provider with whom they are travelling
I checked my bag and got my boarding pass
Bill
The entertainment offered by a theater.
Check
Mark or click on (a box) in order to select a particular option on a form, questionnaire, etc.
Users who want privacy should check the box that prevents your files from being shared
Bill
A public notice, such as an advertising poster.
Check
Move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king)
He moves his knight to check my king again
Bill
A piece of legal paper money
A ten-dollar bill.
Check
(in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
Bill
(Slang) One hundred dollars.
Check
(of a hound) pause to make sure of or regain a scent.
Bill
A bill of exchange.
Check
An examination to test or ascertain accuracy, quality, or satisfactory condition
A campaign calling for regular checks on gas appliances
A health check
Bill
(Obsolete) A promissory note.
Check
A stopping or slowing of progress
There was no check to the expansion of the market
Bill
A draft of a proposed law presented for approval to a legislative body.
Check
A move by which a piece or pawn directly attacks the opponent's king and by which the king may be checkmated.
Bill
The law enacted from such a draft
A bottle bill in effect in three states.
The GI Bill.
Check
US spelling of cheque
Bill
A document containing the formal statement of a case in equity; a complaint seeking equitable relief.
Check
A token of identification for left luggage.
Bill
An indictment or charge in an indictment against an accused person.
Check
A counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
Bill
A structure projecting from the head of a bird, consisting of the jaws and their horny covering and including the upper and lower mandibles; a beak.
Check
Another term for tick (sense 1 of the noun)
Bill
A similar horny mouth part, such as that of a turtle.
Check
A part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
Bill
The visor of a cap.
Check
A crack or flaw in timber.
Bill
(Nautical)The tip of the fluke of an anchor.
Check
A pattern of small squares
A fine black-and-white check
Bill
A billhook.
Check
Expressing assent or agreement.
Bill
A halberd or similar weapon with a hooked blade and a long handle.
Check
Used by a chess player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.
Bill
To present a statement of costs or charges to.
Check
Having a checked pattern
A blue check T-shirt
Bill
To enter on a statement of costs or on a particularized list.
Check
The act or an instance of inspecting or testing something, as for accuracy or quality
Gave the paper a final check.
Bill
To advertise or schedule by public notice or as part of a program.
Check
A standard for inspecting or evaluating; a test
The condition of the wiring can serve as a check for the level of the seller's home maintenance.
Bill
To declare or describe officially; proclaim
A policy that was billed as an important departure for the administration.
Check
A check mark.
Bill
To touch beaks together.
Check
A ticket or slip of identification
A baggage check.
Bill
Any of various bladed or pointed hand weapons, originally designating an Anglo-Saxon sword, and later a weapon of infantry, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries, commonly consisting of a broad, heavy, double-edged, hook-shaped blade, with a short pike at the back and another at the top, attached to the end of a long staff.
Check
A bill at a restaurant or bar.
Bill
A cutting instrument, with hook-shaped point, and fitted with a handle, used in pruning, etc.; a billhook.
Check
A chip or counter used in gambling.
Bill
Somebody armed with a bill; a billman.
Check
Something that stops or slows down motion, action, or expression; a restraint
Heavy rains were a check on the army's advance.
Bill
A pickaxe, or mattock.
Check
The condition of being stopped or held back; restraint
Kept my temper in check.
Holding agricultural pests in check with sprays.
Bill
(nautical) The extremity of the arm of an anchor; the point of or beyond the fluke (also called the peak).
Check
A stopping or slowing down of something
"The medicines ... gave a check to the disorder that was destroying him" (Richard Henry Dana).
Bill
The beak of a bird, especially when small or flattish; sometimes also used with reference to a platypus, turtle, or other animal.
Check
(Sports) The act of blocking or impeding an opponent with the puck in ice hockey, either with one's body or one's stick.
Bill
A beak-like projection, especially a promontory.
There is a lighthouse on Portland Bill.
Check
A written order to a bank to pay the amount specified from funds on deposit; a draft.
Bill
Of a cap or hat: the brim or peak, serving as a shade to keep sun off the face and out of the eyes.
Check
A pattern of small squares, as on a chessboard.
Bill
A written list or inventory. (Now obsolete except in specific senses or set phrases; bill of lading, bill of goods, etc.)
Check
One of the squares of such a pattern.
Bill
A document, originally sealed; a formal statement or official memorandum. (Now obsolete except with certain qualifying words; bill of health, bill of sale etc.)
Check
A fabric patterned with squares
A dress of pale green check.
Bill
A draft of a law, presented to a legislature for enactment; a proposed or projected law.
Check
A move in chess that directly attacks an opponent's king but does not constitute a checkmate.
Bill
A declaration made in writing, stating some wrong the complainant has suffered from the defendant, or a fault committed by some person against a law.
Check
The position or condition of a king so attacked.
Bill
A piece of paper money; a banknote.
Check
A small crack; a chink.
Bill
One hundred dollars.
Check
(Games) Used to declare that a chess opponent's king is in check.
Bill
A written note of goods sold, services rendered, or work done, with the price or charge; an invoice.
Check
(Informal) Used to express agreement or understanding.
Bill
A paper, written or printed, and posted up or given away, to advertise something, as a lecture, a play, or the sale of goods
Check
To inspect so as to determine accuracy, quality, or other condition; test
Checked the brakes for wear.
Checked the paper for misspellings.
Bill
A writing binding the signer or signers to pay a certain sum at a future day or on demand, with or without interest, as may be stated in the document; a bill of exchange. In the United States, it is usually called a note, a note of hand, or a promissory note.
Check
To verify by consulting a source or authority
Checked her facts before speaking.
Check a spelling in the dictionary.
Bill
A set of items presented together.
Check
To put a check mark on or next to
Checked off each item on the list.
Bill
The bell, or boom, of the bittern.
Check
To arrest or slow the motion or progress of
Checked the flow by shutting a valve.
Bill
(transitive) To dig, chop, etc., with a bill.
Check
To hold in restraint; curb
Check an impulse to laugh.
Bill
(obsolete) to peck
Check
(Baseball) To stop (the swing of the bat) in an attempt to avoid swinging at a pitch that is out of the strike zone
The batter checked his swing, and the pitch was called a ball.
Bill
To stroke bill against bill, with reference to doves; to caress in fondness
Check
(Sports) To block or impede (an opposing player with the ball or puck), as in ice hockey, by using one's body or one's stick.
Bill
(transitive) To advertise by a bill or public notice.
Check
To deposit or consign for safekeeping or shipment
Checked his coat at the door.
Checked my bags and boarded the plane.
Bill
(transitive) To charge; to send a bill to.
Check
(Games) To move in chess so as to put (an opponent's king) under direct attack.
Bill
A beak, as of a bird, or sometimes of a turtle or other animal.
Check
To make cracks or chinks in
Sunlight dried and checked the paint.
Bill
The bell, or boom, of the bittern
The bittern's hollow bill was heard.
Check
To make an examination or investigation; inquire
Phoned to check on the departure time.
Checked into the rumor.
Bill
A cutting instrument, with hook-shaped point, and fitted with a handle; - used in pruning, etc.; a billhook. When short, called a hand bill, when long, a hedge bill.
Check
To be verified or confirmed; pass inspection
The suspect's story checked out.
Bill
A weapon of infantry, in the 14th and 15th centuries. A common form of bill consisted of a broad, heavy, double-edged, hook-shaped blade, having a short pike at the back and another at the top, and attached to the end of a long staff.
France had no infantry that dared to face the English bows end bills.
Check
To agree point for point; correspond
The fingerprints checked with the ones on file.
Bill
One who wields a bill; a billman.
Check
(Sports) To block or impede an opposing player with the ball or puck, as in ice hockey.
Bill
A pickax, or mattock.
Check
To come to an abrupt halt; stop
The soldiers rushed into the room but checked when they saw their commander.
Bill
The extremity of the arm of an anchor; the point of or beyond the fluke.
Check
To write a check on a bank account.
Bill
A declaration made in writing, stating some wrong the complainant has suffered from the defendant, or a fault committed by some person against a law.
Check
To undergo cracking in a pattern of checks, as paint does.
Bill
A writing binding the signer or signers to pay a certain sum at a future day or on demand, with or without interest, as may be stated in the document.
Check
To place a chess opponent's king in check.
Bill
A form or draft of a law, presented to a legislature for enactment; a proposed or projected law.
Check
In certain card games, to announce that one is declining the option of making a bet.
Bill
A paper, written or printed, and posted up or given away, to advertise something, as a lecture, a play, or the sale of goods; a placard; a poster; a handbill.
She put up the bill in her parlor window.
Check
To pause to relocate a scent. Used of hunting dogs.
Bill
An account of goods sold, services rendered, or work done, with the price or charge; a statement of a creditor's claim, in gross or by items; as, a grocer's bill.
Check
To abandon the proper game and follow baser prey. Used of trained falcons.
Bill
Any paper, containing a statement of particulars; as, a bill of charges or expenditures; a weekly bill of mortality; a bill of fare, etc.
Check
(chess) A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece. 14
Bill
To strike; to peck.
Check
An inspection or examination.
I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.
Bill
To join bills, as doves; to caress in fondness.
Check
A control; a limit or stop.
Checks and balances
The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.
Bill
To work upon ( as to dig, hoe, hack, or chop anything) with a bill.
Check
(US) A mark (especially a checkmark: ✓) used as an indicator.
Bill
To advertise by a bill or public notice.
Check
(US) An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity.
I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.
Bill
To charge or enter in a bill; as, to bill goods.
Check
(US) A bill, particularly in a restaurant.
I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.
Bill
A statute in draft before it becomes law;
They held a public hearing on the bill
Check
A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.
The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.
Bill
An itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered;
He paid his bill and left
Send me an account of what I owe
Check
A token used instead of cash in gaming machines, or in gambling generally.
Bill
A piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank);
He peeled off five one-thousand-zloty notes
Check
A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
Bill
The entertainment offered at a public presentation
Check
A mark, certificate, or token by which errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.
A check given for baggage
A return check on a railroad
Bill
A list of particulars (as a playbill or bill of fare)
Check
(falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. 15
Bill
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
Check
A small chink or crack.
Bill
Horny projecting mouth of a bird
Check
A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
The tablecloth had red and white checks.
Bill
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Check
Any fabric woven with such a pattern.
Bill
A long-handled saw with a curved blade;
He used a bill to prune branches off of the tree
Check
To inspect; to examine.
Check the oil in your car once a month.
Check whether this page has a watermark.
Bill
A brim that projects to the front to shade the eyes;
He pulled down the bill of his cap and trudged ahead
Check
To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
Bill
Demand payment;
Will I get charged for this service?
We were billed for 4 nights in the hotel, although we stayed only 3 nights
Check
To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or verified as correct or satisfactory).
Check the items on the list that interest you.
Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).
Check the correct answer to each question.
Bill
Advertise especially by posters or placards;
He was billed as the greatest tenor since Caruso
Check
To control, limit, or halt.
Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.
Bill
Publicize or announce by placards
Check
To verify or compare with a source of information.
Check your data against known values.
Check
To leave in safekeeping.
Check your hat and coat at the door.
Check
To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.
Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.
Check
To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.
He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.
That basket doesn't count—you forgot to check!
Check
(sports) To disrupt another player with the stick or body to obtain possession of the ball or puck.
The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.
Check
(poker) To announce that one is remaining in a hand without betting.
Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.
Check
(chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's king in check; to put in check.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
Check
(nautical) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.
The sun checks timber.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; with at.
Check
(obsolete) To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
Check
(falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
Check
(transitive) To mark with a check pattern.
Check
(heraldry) Divided into small squares (chequers) by transverse vertical and horizontal lines.
Check
A word of warning denoting that the king is in danger; such a menace of a player's king by an adversary's move as would, if it were any other piece, expose it to immediate capture. A king so menaced is said to be in check, and must be made safe at the next move.
Check
A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity.
No check, no stay, this streamlet fears.
Check
Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff.
Useful check upon the administration of government.
A man whom no check could abash.
Check
A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified; as, checks placed against items in an account; a check given for baggage; a return check on a railroad.
Check
A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
Check
A woven or painted design in squares resembling the patten of a checkerboard; one of the squares of such a design; also, cloth having such a figure.
Check
The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
Check
Small chick or crack.
Check
To make a move which puts an adversary's piece, esp. his king, in check; to put in check.
Check
To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb.
So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression.
Check
To verify, to guard, to make secure, by means of a mark, token, or other check; to distinguish by a check; to put a mark against (an item) after comparing with an original or a counterpart in order to secure accuracy.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
The good king, his master, will check him for it.
Check
To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber.
Check
To leave (something) in the temporary custody of another; as, to check baggage; to check one's firearms at the door; to check one's coat at the cloakroom.
Check
To accept (something) for temporary custody from another; as, to check a customer's baggage; to check a customer's coat.
Check
To make a checkered pattern upon.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; - with at.
The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after.
Check
To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
It [his presence] checks too strong upon me.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
And like the haggard, check at every featherThat comes before his eye.
Check
Checkered; designed in checks.
Check
A written order directing a bank to pay money;
He paid all his bills by check
Check
An appraisal of the state of affairs;
They made an assay of the contents
A check on its dependability under stress
Check
The bill in a restaurant;
He asked the waiter for the check
Check
The state of inactivity following an interruption;
The negotiations were in arrest
Held them in check
During the halt he got some lunch
The momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow
He spent the entire stop in his seat
Check
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
Check
The act of inspecting or verifying;
They made a check of their equipment
The pilot ran through the check-out procedure
Check
A mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.;
As he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name
Check
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Check
A mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
Check
A textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard);
She wore a skirt with checks
Check
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Check
Obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
Check
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
Check
Examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition;
Check the brakes
Check out the engine
Check
Make an examination or investigation;
Check into the rumor
Check the time of the class
Check
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Check
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Check
Stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution;
She checked for an instant and missed a step
Check
Put a check mark on or next to;
Please check each name on the list
Tick off the items
Check
Slow the growth or development of;
The brain damage will retard the child's language development
Check
Be verified or confirmed; pass inspection;
These stories don't check!
Check
Block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
Check
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Check
Consign for shipment on a vehicle;
Check your luggage before boarding
Check
Hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping;
Check your coat at the door
Check
Abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey, of falcons
Check
Stop in a chase especially when scent is lost;
The dog checked
Check
Mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
Check
Decline to initiate betting
Check
Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of;
Arrest the downward trend
Check the growth of communism in Sout East Asia
Contain the rebel movement
Turn back the tide of communism
Check
Place into check;
He checked my kings
Check
Write out a check on a bank account
Check
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Check
Verify by consulting a source or authority;
Check the spelling of this word
Check your facts
Check
Arrest the motion (of something) abruptly;
He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve
Check
Make cracks or chinks in;
The heat checked the paint
Check
Become fractured; break or crack on the surface only;
The glass cracked when it was heated
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of a check?
To order a bank to pay a specific amount of money from one's account.
How do I dispute a bill?
Contact the issuer of the bill to discuss discrepancies or errors.
Are there digital forms of bills and checks?
Yes, both can be issued and processed digitally in modern financial and business transactions.
What is the main function of a bill?
To request payment for goods or services provided.
Can a bill be used as a check?
No, a bill is a request for payment, while a check is a means of making a payment.
Is it safe to pay with a check?
Yes, as long as sufficient funds are available and the check is handled securely.
What should I do if my check bounces?
Address the issue with your bank and make arrangements to cover the payment.
How can I stop a check payment?
Contact your bank immediately to issue a stop payment order.
What is a blank check?
A check with the amount space left blank, allowing the recipient to determine the amount.
What details are required on a check?
Payee name, amount in numbers and words, date, and payer's signature.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
