How to properly write a check in 5 simple steps

These days, people often send their money electronically. With mobile banking options, everything from budgeting and bank statements to credit cards and direct deposits can be managed by account holders right from their phone.

However, you may need to send someone a physical check from time to time. Additionally, knowing how to write a check in your checkbook is an essential business skill, whether you are an employer and need to pay your employees or want to send money to another organization.

This resource explains how to complete a check step by step.

Before you start

Before writing checks, make sure you have a legitimate one by verifying some essential information. A check must contain the following:

A routing number in the lower left corner, which represents the specific branch of a financial institution. An account number next to it. This is the bank account that the check and debit card are most likely linked to. A check number next to the account number.

If your paper checks do not contain this information, contact your online banking institution or check register for more information.

Step 1: write the date

Your first step is to write the date of the check in the top right corner. There should be a clear line for this information. You can write the date however you want, but in the US most states follow the month, day, and year sequence, such as 11/17/2022 for November 17, 2022.

Step 2: write the recipient's name

The next step is to write the recipient's name on the personal check. You can do this on the "pay to order of" line, the first long line on the surface of a standard check.

You must write the name of the person or company receiving the money from the check. Use the full name as you know it.

You can also write "Cash" if you don't know the name of the person or organization you are paying. But it's risky because anyone can cash the check if you don't designate a specific entity.

Related: Money, Business - The Risks of Accepting Checks

Step 3: Write the payment amount

Now it's time to write the payment amount in numbers. You will notice that there are two places to indicate the value of the check.

Start by writing the number numerically in a small box on the right side of the check. You should write it as clearly as possible; a good practice is to underline the pennies after the dollars so that cashiers can read the information quickly.

Then you must write the numerical amount of the check in words on the line below, "pay to the order of". Here, write the dollar amount to match the numeric dollar amount you have already written.

For example, if you are writing a check for $100.12, you would write "One Hundred Dollars and Twelve Cents" on this line.

If you are writing a check for an entire amount without cents, you should always include "without cents" or "00/100" for even greater clarity. It never hurts to be as specific as possible when writing a check.

You can also write a blank check, allowing someone else to take over the process of writing the check once they've collected it.

Step 4: Write the memo

You will notice a "memo" line in the lower left corner of the check. You don't have to fill it out, but it can be useful if you want to distinguish the intended use of the check. For example, you can write "utility bill" if you are writing a check to your utility company.

When you pay an invoice by check, the company may ask you to write your account numbers in the check memo area. Writing down your account numbers will help them know who pays them and balance...