How to Write a Check

Knowing how to write a check is an important skill to have. It might come in handy in the future, and it’s important to not invalidate it by doing something wrong.

For that reason, 5-Minute Crafts has come up with a quick guide to help you fill out a check.

1. Date

• Make sure the date is complete (month, day, and year).
• It’s possible to write the date in full, for example: Dec. 5, 2021.
• Otherwise, use only numbers, for example: 12/05/2021 or 05/12/2021.

2. Pay to the order of

• Write out the full name of the person, organization, or company that this check is for.
• It’s important to spell it without mistakes.

3. Money amount

• Inside the square box after the dollar sign, write the exact amount of money for the check.
• Do not round up or make an estimation.

4. Written money amount

• On the line under “Pay to the order of,” repeat the money amount, only this time spelled out.
• Write the cents as a fraction over 100. 50 cents would be 50/100, as an example: $145.50 is written as One Hundred Forty-Five 50/100.
• Even numbers like 400 are written as Four Hundred.

Note: Draw a single line to the end of the field to prevent anyone from adding more numbers.

5. Memo

• Filling out the memo is optional.
• Fill out what the check is for in this area, an example would be: “Monthly rent.”

Note: If the check is a payment for utilities, rent, or mortgage, you might be asked to fill in the memo with your account number for identification.

6. Signature

• Sign your name on the line in the bottom right corner.
• Don’t sign your name anywhere else.
• If you don’t properly sign your check, it will be invalid.

Note: The recipient will sign their name in the back of the check. When they do this and the check is cashed, and the money will be deducted from your account.