How to write a check in 6 easy steps

If you are new to banking and handling your personal finances, you may be asking yourself, “How do I write a check?” 

With debit cards, credit cards, online banking and direct deposit being used on the daily, paper checks and cashier’s checks may not be as common as they once were, but they can still be useful, if not required, at times. So if you need to write a personal check and find yourself wondering how to properly fill out each field, use this guide. 

Key takeaways

• Writing a check is easy, and it only takes a few steps. 
• Before you get started, it’s important to learn everything you need to fill out, such as the recipient, amount, signature and memo fields.
• Keep track of your checkbook and know your checking account balance.

It’s important to know everything that’s on a check prior to filling one out for the first time. The account holder name and address are located in the upper-left corner, and the check number can typically be found in the top- or bottom-right corner of the check. 

The bank routing number and the account number are in the lower-left corner. Knowing where to find these items can help you record payments in your balance book or check register on a regular basis. The back of a check is for endorsing purposes. It’s primarily used when depositing a check into your account. 

Before you get going, here are a few tips to consider as you fill out a check:

• Use a pen.
• Use print writing—except where you sign—so it is easy to read.
• Don’t sign a blank check. Always fill in the name of the recipient and the amount prior to signing.
• Ensure everything is correct before you’re finished.

Want to avoid delayed payments and potential late fees? It’s important to fill out your check accurately and without mistakes. Filling one out improperly might hold up the payment process. Open your checkbook to a blank check and follow these instructions on how to write a check to someone.

1. Date

Make sure your check reflects the current date—located in the top right-hand corner. Backdating a check occurs when a previous date is listed. It’s typically not allowed, and it may even be illegal in some situations. 

A postdated check, which has a future date, might be legal in some instances, but it could be deposited before the date listed on the check. And that can result in a bounced check or overdraft.

2. Recipient

The recipient, also known as the payee, is the business or person to whom you’re writing a check. The field for the name of the recipient normally begins with “Pay to the order of.” Make sure this field is filled out correctly with the recipient’s full name. Spelling the name of the person or business wrong or leaving off part of a payee’s name could result in your check being returned. 

3. Dollar amount in numbers

There are two places where you need to list the dollar amount of your check in both dollars and cents. The first location for the payment amount is to the right of the recipient’s name. It typically is a small box for numerals only. It usually begins with a dollar sign, so you don’t need to write one in.

Here’s how to write a check with cents:

• Use a decimal point in the small box—for example, if your check amount is $100, write 100.00.
• Here’s how to write $1,000 on a check: 1,000.00. Don’t forget to add the comma and the decimal point.

For the amount box, write in numbers large enough to fill the entire space in order to help prevent fraud.

4. Dollar amount in words

The second location for the dollar amount is directly below the recipient’s name. This larger field often ends with the word “dollars,” and the amount should be spelled out in words in this location.

Write cents as a fraction in the larger field. For example, if the amount of the check is $100, write “one hundred and 00/100.” If you’re wondering how to write a check for $1,000 in words, write out “one thousand and 00/100.” And here’s how to write a check for $1,500 in words: “one thousand, five hundred and 00/100.” 

When writing out the dollar amount in words, write the amount as far to the left as you can. Then draw a line through any remaining space to the right of the amount listed. That will help ensure the entire field is full, which can help prevent someone from changing the amount of your check.

5. Memo

Filling in the memo line of a check might not be required, but it can be helpful to write what the check is for in this field. If the check is payment for a specific month’s rent or a particular service you’ve received, you can list that and the account number in the memo field. 

6. Signature

One of the most important parts of a check is your signature, located in the bottom right-hand corner. Without it, your check generally can’t be cashed or deposited.

Mistakes happen. And if you make an error when writing your check, you may want to 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.

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 to stay up to date on your account balance. Every time you write a check, update your balance book or checkbook register. You can compare this handwritten balance to your online balance to ensure there aren’t any discrepancies and to help avoid bounced checks or overdrafts from your bank account.

Payments by check might not be as popular as they used to be, but it’s not a bad idea to have a checkbook handy should you need it. Just make sure to keep it in a safe place. A lost checkbook can lead to problems. If you ever lose your checkbook, it might be a good idea to contact your bank or credit union immediately so they can help you protect your account.

Knowing how to write a check should be a part of your financial repertoire. And keeping a checkbook handy can help in case you need to fill out a check for bills and other expenses. 

If you’re looking for a checking account that’s right for you, you can compare all the accounts World Current Bank has to offer, including 360 Checking and MONEY Teen Checking.