Who receives payment from a check?

The payee is the individual or entity that receives payment from a check. When a check is issued, the person or organization writing the check (known as the payor) designates a specific payee who is entitled to receive the specified amount. This transfer of funds occurs when the payee presents the check to their financial institution for processing.

The check then goes through a series of steps in the payment processing system. While the payor is responsible for making the payment, and the bank of first deposit plays a role in administering the transaction, it is the payee who ultimately receives the funds. The clearing house facilitates the exchange of information and funds between banks, but they do not directly receive payment; their function is more about processing than actual receipt of payment.

In summary, the payee is the correct answer because they are the party intended to receive the payment, thus completing the transaction initiated by the payor through the issuance of the check.