How To Write A Check - Fill Out A Check

Yes, You Still Need to Know How to Fill Out a Check. Learn How To Write A Check. Filling out a check is pretty straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. You’ll just need to note:

The date,
Payee, and
Amount (in two spots!), and don’t forget to
Sign it.

Here’s how to make sure it’s all done correctly.

If you can’t remember the last time you filled out a check, don’t sweat it. Thanks to Credit Cards and companies like Venmo and Cash App, checks have certainly become less necessary in recent years. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of relevant uses for checks today.

What Is a Check?

A check is a written, dated, and signed instrument that directs a bank to pay a specific sum of money to the bearer.

The person or entity writing the check is known as the payor or drawer, while the person to whom the check is written is the payee.

The drawee, on the other hand, is the bank on which the check is drawn.

Checks may be cashed or deposited. When the payee presents a check to a bank or other financial institution to negotiate, the funds are drawn from the payor’s bank account.

Steps To Fill Out a Check

Many consumers send money electronically these days, but occasionally it may still be necessary to pay by check. Checks can be ordered from banks or third-party printers.

It’s important to note that there are several different kinds of checks, including personal checks, cashier’s checks and traveler’s checks.

Though they may come with different fees and different ordering protocols, the way you fill out each check is generally the same.

how to write a check — how to fill out a check

1. Fill In The Date

First, in the upper right-hand corner of your check, you’ll write the date — typically the current date. In some instances, you can also list a future date, if you don’t want the recipient to cash the check right away.

Write the current date on the line at the top right-hand corner. This information notifies the financial institution and the recipient of when you wrote it.

The date can be written in long form or all numbers. Either 4/24/2023 or April 24, 2023, could work, for example.

2. Write The Name of The Payee

Next, you’ll write the name of the person or company receiving the check.

Your check should read “Pay To” or “Pay To The Order Of,” after which you will write in the name of the recipient. Pay attention to spelling here, since some banks may refuse to cash a check if the name is misspelled.

3. Write The Check Amount in Numeric Form

There are two spots on a check for stating the amount you’re paying. The first is a small box to the right of the line for the recipient’s name.

Write the numerical dollar amount in this box. For example, you may write $100.30 if you wish to write a check for one hundred dollars and thirty cents. Make sure you write this clearly so that the bank can subtract the correct amount from your account.

Writing the numerical value is fairly self-explanatory. That said, make sure you include the correct punctuation and fill in the box completely to prevent someone from adding numbers and committing fraud.

If the numbers don’t take up the box completely, simply write a dash from the last number to the edge of the box.

4. Write The Check Amount In Words

Next, write out the dollar amount in words on the line below “Pay to the order of,” making sure it matches the numerical amount.

Some people find it difficult to record the amount they want to pay in written words. One easy way to simplify this step is to think about how you would say the number out loud.

For example, with $2,450, you’d say that as “two thousand four hundred fifty.” Again, remember to use the correct punctuation. Specifically, if you’re using a number between 21 and 99, you’ll typically need a hyphen (for example: fifty-two).

5. Write a Memo

This is another relatively self-explanatory section.

You’ll use this field on the check to identify the purpose of the check. For instance “February 2024 Rent” or “Happy birthday.”

The memo portion of your check matters more for your tracking than anything else, so don’t worry too much about what to write here.

The memo section of the check is optional, but it’s a good idea to fill it out because it can serve as a reminder of what the check was for.

If you’re writing the check to pay for a haircut, for example, you can write “haircut.”

A company may ask you to write your account number or invoice number in this section, which helps ensure the payment is applied to the correct account.

You would also write your account number in the memo area if the check’s for a bill payment.

6. Sign The Check

Now Sign your name on the line at the check’s bottom right-hand corner.

Sign legibly, and make sure to use the same signature on file at your bank. A signature confirms to the bank that you agree to pay the stated amount to the payee.

That’s it; your check should be all set to make a payment!

This is the most important field, because if you don’t sign the check, it cannot be cashed. In fact, most banks will charge you a fee for writing an invalid check, since there’s an added inconvenience for them.

Here’s An Overview of the Perfect Check

1. Current Date:

Write this near the top right-hand corner. In most cases, you’ll use today’s date, which helps you and the recipient keep accurate records. You can also postdate the check, but that doesn’t always work the way you think it will.

2. Payee:

On the line that says “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the person or organization you’re paying. You may have to ask “Whom do I make the check out to?” if you’re not sure what to write, because this information needs to be accurate.

3. Amount in Numeric Form:

Write the amount of your payment in the small box on the right-hand side. Start writing as far over to the left as possible. If your payment is for $8.15, the “8” should be right up against the left-hand border of the dollar box to prevent fraud.

4. Amount in Words:

Write out the amount using words to avoid fraud and confusion. This will be the official amount of your payment.

If that amount is different from the numeric form that you entered in the previous step, the amount you wrote with words will legally be the amount of your check.1 Use all capital letters, which are harder to alter.

5. Signature:

Sign the check legibly on the line in the bottom-right corner. Use the same name and signature on file at your bank. This step is essential—a check will not be valid without a signature.

6. Memo (or “For”) Line:

If you like, include a note. This step is optional and will not affect how banks process your check. The memo line is a good place to add a reminder about why you wrote the check.

It might also be the place to write information that your payee will use to process your payment (or find your account if anything gets misplaced).

For example, you could write your Social Security Number on this line when paying the IRS, or an account number for utility payments.

Tips for Writing a Check

When you write a check, make sure it gets used the way you intended. To pay the amount you expected to the person or organization you intended.

Thieves can alter checks that get lost or stolen.

Checks have multiple opportunities to get lost after they leave your hands, so make it difficult for thieves to create headaches for you. Wh

ether or not you lose money permanently, you’ll have to spend time and effort cleaning up messes after fraud.

Security Tips

Develop the habits below to decrease the chances of fraud hitting your account.

1. Make It Permanent:

Use a pen whenever you write a check. If you use a pencil, anybody with an eraser can change the amount of your check and the name of the payee.

2. No Clank Checks:

Don’t sign a check until after you’ve filled in the name of the payee and the amount. If you’re not sure whom to make the check payable to or how much something costs, just bring a pen—it’s much less risky than giving somebody unlimited access to your checking account.

3. Keep Checks From Growing:

When you’re filling in the dollar amount, make sure you print the value in a way that prevents scammers from adding to it.

Do this by starting at the far left edge of the space, and draw a line after the last digit. For example, if your check is for $8.15, put the “8” as far to the left as possible.

Then, draw a line from the right side of the “5” to the end of the space or write the numbers so large that it’s hard to add any numbers. If you leave space, somebody can add digits, and your check might end up being $98.15 or $8,159.

4. Carbon Copies:

If you want a paper record of every check you write, get checkbooks with carbon copies. Those checkbooks feature a thin sheet containing a copy of every check you write. As a result, you can quickly identify where your money went and exactly what you wrote on every check.

5. Consistent Signature:

Many people don’t have a legible signature, and some even sign checks and credit card slips with humorous images. But consistently using the same signature helps you and your bank identify fraud. It’ll be easier for you to prove that you’re not responsible for charges if a signature doesn’t match.

6. No “Cash”:

Avoid writing a check payable to cash. This is just as risky as carrying around a signed blank check or a wad of cash.2 If you need cash, withdraw from an ATM, buy a stick of gum and get cash back using your debit card, or just get cash from a teller.

7. Write Fewer Checks:

Checks aren’t exactly risky, but there are safer ways to pay for things. When you make electronic payments, there’s no paper to get lost or stolen.

Electronic payments are typically easier to track, because they’re already in a searchable format with a timestamp and the name of the payee. Use tools like online bill payment for your recurring expenses, and use a credit or debit card for everyday spending.

Understanding a Check’s Format

It’s not complicated, but it helps to know a check’s format and everything that’s on it prior to filling one out for the first time. The parts of a check include preprinted information and empty fields.

how to write a check for 1000 dollars — How to write a check

Preprinted information typically includes the:

Account Holder’s Name and Information: The name and address—and sometimes phone number—of the checking account holder linked to the check are usually printed in the upper left corner.
Check Number: The check number is typically in the top and bottom right corner of the check. It can help account holders keep track of how many checks they’ve used.
Bank Routing Number and Account Number: The routing number and account number are a series of numbers usually on the bottom of the check, with the routing number on the left side.

In addition to knowing what information to include in each of the six fields on your check, you should also understand the three numbers listed at the bottom of each check.

a) Bank Routing Number

The first number you’ll see listed, on the bottom left-hand corner of the check, is the bank routing number. This number is nine digits, and it’s used to identify the appropriate bank from which to pull the money.

(We’re obviously using a fake check in our example above, so don’t worry if the numbers don’t look the same as your real check!)

b) Account Number

Next, at the bottom middle of your check, you’ll find your individual checking account number. This number identifies your unique bank account.

c) Check Number

Lastly, the final number in the row at the bottom of your check (farthest to the right) is the check number. This helps you keep track of which check you use for which purpose.

This number is also located in the upper right-hand corner of the check.

How To Write a Void Check

Mistakes happen.

And if you make an error when writing your check, you may want to void it. To void a check, write “VOID” across the entire check and start over with a new check.

There are other reasons to void a check besides making a mistake. For example, you may need to provide a voided check to set up direct deposit for your paychecks at work.

Tips For Using Your Checkbook

Now that you know how to write a check, here are a few tips to consider following:

Know Your Checking Account Balance

You can avoid bouncing a check or overdrawing your account by keeping tabs on your checking account balance. While there are digital tools available to help with balancing your checkbook online, it’s not a bad idea to keep a paper copy as well.

Most checkbooks come with a checkbook register—also called a balance book. A checkbook register is a way to stay up to date on your account balance.

Every time you write a check, update your checkbook register. You can then compare the paper copy to your online balance and ensure there are no discrepancies.

Keep Your Checkbook Safe

A lost checkbook can lead to problems, including check fraud, so it’s important to keep your checkbook in a safe place and protect it like you would a debit or credit card. If you ever lose your checkbook, it’s a good idea to contact your bank or credit union immediately so they can help you protect your account.

How to Deposit a Check – How To Write a Check

There are several ways to deposit a check into your bank account.

1. In-person Deposit.

Visit your local bank branch, endorse your check and present it to a bank teller. Then, either let the teller know what you would like to do with the check or fill out a deposit slip. Be sure to have a valid form of I.D. with you, such as a driver’s license.

2. ATM Deposit.

Many bank and credit union ATMs allow customers to deposit checks. Make sure you endorse the check before depositing it. Depending on the specific ATM, there may be an envelope you need to use for your deposit.

3. Mobile Check Deposit.

With the rise of mobile banking apps, mobile deposits have become a popular way for people to add funds to bank accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How To Write A Check

When Should I Sign The Check?

Do not sign a check until you have filled in the “Pay to the Order of” section, as well as the numeric and written amount. Signing a blank check leaves your bank account exposed if you accidentally lose it or if it is stolen.

Can I Write a Check To Myself?

You can write a check to yourself and then deposit it in an ATM, at a bank branch, or through your mobile banking app.

Use the same process outlined above, and put your name in the “Pay to the Order of” area of the check. You will need to endorse the back of the check when you deposit it.

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