Master the Art of
Writing Checks

Introduction to Checks What is a Check? A Brief Overview

A check is a crucial financial tool, a legal document that allows you to instruct your bank to pay a specified amount of money to a designated recipient, known as the payee. Understanding how to write a check is vital for managing personal and business finances.

This guide will walk you through every step of writing a check correctly, ensuring accuracy and helping you avoid common mistakes. From understanding the different parts of a check to filling them out correctly, we'll cover it all.

Writing a Check: Step-by-Step Guide 7 Steps to Properly Writing a Check

Follow these 7 steps to ensure your checks are filled out correctly:

1. Date: Begin by writing the current date in the upper right-hand corner of the check. This is crucial, as checks typically have an expiration period of around 180 days. Always use the current date to avoid any issues.

2. Payee Line: On the 'Pay to the order of' line, clearly write the full name of the person or business you are paying. Avoid abbreviations unless you have the payee’s explicit permission.

3. Amount (Numbers): In the box to the right of the payee line, enter the payment amount in numerical format (e.g., $123.45). Be precise and include the cents.

4. Amount (Words): On the line below the payee line, write the payment amount in words. For example, if the amount is $123.45, write 'One hundred twenty-three and 45/100'. Always start at the beginning of the line and draw a line to fill the remaining space to prevent any additions.

5. Memo: The 'Memo' line is for your reference. Use it to note what the payment is for (e.g., 'Rent,' 'Invoice #123,' 'Phone Bill'). It’s helpful for your records and often requested by the payee.

6. Review: Before signing, carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy. Double-check the payee's name, the amount, and the date.

7. Signature: Sign your name on the designated signature line at the bottom right of the check. Only sign after verifying all other details are correct. Once signed, the check is ready to be mailed or handed over.

Check Anatomy Understanding the Different Parts of a Check

Checks can be divided into pre-printed information and information you fill out. Understanding each part is key to avoiding errors.

Pre-printed information: This typically includes your name and/or address, your bank's name, logo, and contact information, your bank's routing number, your account number, and the check number.

Information you fill out: This includes the payee line, the dollar box, the amount in words, the memo line, the date, and the signature.

“

Checks are more than just a payment method; they're a record of your financial transactions.

Financial Expert

Amounts in Words Converting Numbers to Words for Check Writing

Writing the amount in words correctly is crucial. Here are examples to help you write various amounts:

0: Zero, 1: One, 2: Two, 3: Three, 4: Four, 5: Five, 6: Six, 7: Seven, 8: Eight, 9: Nine, 10: Ten, 11: Eleven, 12: Twelve, 13: Thirteen, 14: Fourteen, 15: Fifteen, 16: Sixteen, 17: Seventeen, 18: Eighteen, 19: Nineteen, 20: Twenty, 21: Twenty-one, 22: Twenty-two, 23: Twenty-three, 24: Twenty-four, 25: Twenty-five, 26: Twenty-six, 27: Twenty-seven, 28: Twenty-eight, 29: Twenty-nine, 30: Thirty, 31: Thirty-one, 32: Thirty-two, 40: Forty, 50: Fifty, 60: Sixty, 70: Seventy, 80: Eighty, 87: Eighty-seven, 90: Ninety, 100: One hundred, 101: One hundred [and] one, 110: One hundred [and] ten, 111: One hundred [and] eleven, 120: One hundred [and] twenty, 121: One hundred [and] twenty-one, 144: One hundred [and] forty-four, 200: Two hundred, 300: Three hundred, 400: Four hundred, 500: Five hundred, 600: Six hundred, 666: Six hundred [and] sixty-six, 700: Seven hundred, 777: Seven hundred [and] seventy-seven, 800: Eight hundred, 900: Nine hundred, 1,000: One thousand, 1,001: One thousand [and] one, 1,010: One thousand [and] ten, 1,011: One thousand [and] eleven, 1,024: One thousand [and] twenty-four, 1,100: One thousand one hundred, 1,101: One thousand one hundred [and] one, 1,728: One thousand seven hundred [and] twenty-eight, 2,000: Two thousand, 3,000: Three thousand, 10,000: Ten thousand, 100,000: One hundred thousand, 500,000: Five hundred thousand, 1,000,000: One million, 1,048,576: One million forty-eight thousand five hundred [and] seventy-six, 10,000,000: Ten million, 100,000,000: One hundred million, 1,000,000,000: One billion, 1,000,000,000,000: One trillion.