How to Write a Check

Guide Note

Did you just get your first checking account? Ready to write your first check? How to Write a Check will show you how to pay by check safely and correctly.

Table of Contents

Check Writing Tips

  1. Write as few checks as possible.
  2. Consult your account balance before writing a check.
  3. Always use a pen.
  4. Write in print rather than script.
  5. Don't write entire account numbers in the memo field.
  6. Keep a record of every check you write.

Introduction

  • Checking accounts are a convenient banking option for most people. They provide safe, easy access to your money and are widely accepted as a method of payment.1 While you should keep your check-writing to a minimum to avoid handing out your personal information, when you absolutely must write someone a paper check, there are some simple steps you can follow to do it correctly and safely every time.2

Step 1: Examine Your Bank Account

  • Before you write your check, you need to make sure that you have enough money in the bank to cover it. If your bank honors the check even though you don't have the money in your account, the bank may charge you a fee. If the bank refuses to pay the check, it's called a "bounced check," and the person whom you paid may charge you a fee on top of any bank fees.3

Step 2: Write the Check

(Creative Commons photo by David Goehring)
(Creative Commons photo by David Goehring)
  • Most checks make clear where you need to put what information. Always use pen to write your checks, and use print characters rather than cursive for everything but your signature.4 5 You don't want someone changing the amount of the check or the name of the person to whom you're writing it.
  1. Record the date on the line marked "Date" in the upper-right corner of the check. Be aware that if a check is not deposited or cashed within a given amount of time (often six months after the date on the check), it will automatically become void.6
  2. Write the name of the payee on the line that reads, "Pay to the order of." It's important that you enter the correct information here. Make sure you know to whom the check must be made out. It can be a person or company. If you don't know, then don't sign the check until you have entered that information.7
  3. Record the amount you wish to pay in digits. Write the numbers in the small rectangular box on the right-hand side of the check. Put the first digit of the amount you want to pay close to the left border of the box and fill in extra space to the right with a line to prevent someone from changing the dollar amount.7
  4. Write out the dollar amount in words on the line that ends with the word "dollars." This is another security measure, to make sure that there's no confusion about the dollar amount. Spell out in English how many dollars you're paying, then record the number of cents as a fraction. For example, if you recorded $436.83 in the little box, you'd write, "Four hundred thirty-six dollars and 83/100."7
  5. Draw a line above the printed line on which you wrote out the number in words, beginning immediately after the fraction indicating cents and continuing all the way over to where the word "dollars" is printed on the check. This, too, helps to prevent someone from adding anything to the check.7
  6. Sign your name on the signature line in the lower right-hand corner. The check is only good if it's signed, and some checks require more than one signature.6 You should sign your name the same way every time.
  7. Record any additional information in the memo area (optional). Some companies ask you to write specific information, such as your account number or social security number, in the memo space.7 However, it's best not to put whole account numbers on checks, so include only the last four digits instead.8

Step 3: Record the Check

(Creative Commons photo by Jesse Hull)
(Creative Commons photo by Jesse Hull)
  • You should keep a record of all checks that you write so that you can check your records against the bank's when you get your monthly statement.1 Many banks provide a check register for this purpose along with the paper checks they send you by mail.
  1. Enter the check number, which you can find in the upper right-hand corner of the check itself. Having the check number makes it easier to match checks up with bank records later.
  2. Record the date.
  3. Note information about the transaction. If you like to categorize expenses for your budget, making a note to yourself about what the check was for can be helpful.
  4. Write the payment amount. If someone changes the amount, you'll know when you see your statement.
  5. Calculate the new balance. You can always calculate the balance later when you reconcile your accounts, but keeping a running tab on your current balance will help you to avoid bouncing checks.3

Conclusion

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References for How to Write a Check

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 StreetWise: Using a Checking Account
  2. ↑ U.S. News & World Report: 5 Ways to Avoid Being a Check-Fraud Victim (May 19, 2008)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Federal Reserve Board: Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees
  4. ↑ About.com: How to Write a Check that Is Hard to Alter  WARNING: Pop-ups
  5. ↑ StreetWise: Protect Your Checking Account from Fraud
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 UC Davis: How to Write a Check
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 About.com: A Visual Example of How to Write a Check  WARNING: Pop-ups
  8. ↑ University of Maryland University College: How to Prevent Identity Theft