Final answer:
A person authorized to write checks on a bank's checking account must have a signature card on file with the bank. This card is used to verify the authenticity of checks and prevent fraud. Debit cards provide instant access to account funds, directly facilitating transactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person is authorized to write checks drawn on a checking account at a bank, they must sign and have on file with the bank a signature card. This card serves as a reference for the bank to verify the authenticity of the checks written by the account holder. It is particularly important for security and fraud prevention, ensuring that only the person or persons who are authorized can issue checks from the account.
Moreover, checking accounts provide convenient access to funds, allowing for transactions via checks or debit cards. Debit cards, like checks, instruct the bank to immediately transfer money from the cardholder's account to the merchant or service provider. Unlike credit cards, debit cards are tied directly to one's bank account, so spending is limited to the account's available funds. This makes debit cards a practical tool for managing everyday expenditures without accumulating debt.