A check is payment when mailed

That's correct! A check is considered a form of payment when it is mailed to the payee (the person or organization receiving the payment). When a check is mailed, it is considered a "negotiable instrument" and is considered a valid form of payment.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. The check must be properly filled out: The check must have the correct date, payee, and amount written in the correct fields.
2. The check must be signed: The person writing the check (the "drawer") must sign their name on the check to authorize the payment.
3. The check must be mailed: The check must be mailed to the payee, either by first-class mail or another delivery method.
4. The payee must deposit the check: The payee must deposit the check into their bank account to receive the payment.

It's important to note that checks can take some time to clear, which means that the payee may not have immediate access to the funds. Additionally, checks can be lost or stolen in transit, which can cause delays or complications in the payment process.

In recent years, electronic payments such as direct deposit and online bill pay have become increasingly popular, and some businesses may no longer accept checks as a form of payment. However, checks are still widely used and accepted, especially for larger or more complex transactions.