Personal checks are written orders directing a bank to pay a specific amount of money from the account holder's checking account to another person or business. They typically include the account holder's name, address, and account number, along with the date, payee's name, amount, and signature. When a personal check is deposited or cashed, the bank verifies the account holder's funds before completing the transaction. Personal checks are often used for everyday payments, such as bills or purchases, and provide a paper trail for record-keeping. However, they can take longer to process compared to electronic payments.