What is the primary function of a payee in the check process?

The primary function of a payee in the check process is to receive the payment from the payor. The payee is the individual or entity that the check is made out to and, as such, is entitled to receive the funds indicated on the check once it is presented for payment. This role is fundamental within the transaction, as the payee acts as the beneficiary of the payment being made.

In the context of how checks operate, the payor is the one writing the check to facilitate a payment for goods or services, while the payee is the recipient of that transaction. Understanding this relationship is crucial in the check process, as it outlines the flow of money and the roles involved.

The other options reflect processes or responsibilities that are not directly related to the payee's primary function. For example, depositing a check at a clearing house pertains to the financial institutions involved in processing the payment, and creating a debit card account or authorizing a counterpart bank does not fall under the role of the payee in the check transaction. Therefore, recognizing that the core duty of the payee is to collect the payment is essential for grasping the overall mechanics of check transactions in payment systems.