A check is a written, dated and signed document that instructs the bank to pay a certain total amount of money to the bearer. The entity who writes the check is called the payor (or drawer), while the one to whom the check is written is called the payee.
1. Date the check
Write the date on the 'Date' line at the top right side of the check. In most cases the current date is being used. Today's date: 10 / 14 / 2024.
2. Payee: who is this check for?
On the line 'Pay to the order of' write the accurate name of the person or the organization you're paying.
3. Write the amount of money to be paid, as a number:
122.07
Any amount of money is written out in figures using two decimal places (i.e. $125.50, $200.00, $900.45).
Write it in the payment amount box on the right side of the check, the one having the symbol '$' printed to the left.
Start writing as far over to the left as possible - so no one could change your amount (from 9.50 to 999.50, for example).
4. Write out the amount of money in words, using letters:
Write it on the payment amount line, the one having the word 'DOLLARS' printed to the right.
Use a pen instead of a pencil, which is too easy to alter.
If your writing doesn't take up the whole space, draw a straight line through to the end of the field so no one could edit what you wrote down.
Write out in words only the dollar value - the cents are written numerically, as a fraction.
Choose your preferred form of writing the amount in words on the check out of the ones listed below.
Letter case 1 of 3
$122.07 written out in words in:
lowercase
all lowercase letters:
one hundred twenty-two and 07/100
Letter case 2 of 3
$122.07 SPELLED OUT IN:
UPPERCASE
ALL UPPERCASE LETTERS:
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO AND 07/100
Letter case 3 of 3
$122.07 Converted to words written in:
Title Case * (note below)
Capital Letters at the Beginning of the Main Words:
One Hundred Twenty-Two and 07/100
5. Write a brief note about the payment
Write a short note about the payment you make on the 'Memo' line, what does the payment represent.
6. Sign the check
Without your signature the check couldn't be processed. Sign on the line at the bottom right side of the check.
Important Notes:
If you make an error, just write 'void' on the check and start writing a new one.
When writing your check, use printing instead of cursive, if possible - it's easier to read.
Do not post-date or pre-date the check, use the actual date.
When writing out the value of the check in words, the word 'and' goes where the decimal point is.
To avoid nonsufficient funds fees, overdraft fees or check fraud charges, make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the check.