Examine an American method of payment (5)

I believe the answer is:

check

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'examine' is the definition.
(check can mean to examine or inspect)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for check that I've seen before include "Verify; restrain" , "Restrain; vet" , "Investigate; rein in" , "Make sure" , "Restrain; square pattern" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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