Can You Write Twelve Hundred on a Check?

Checks remain a common method of payment for many transactions, providing a tangible record of financial exchanges. While digital payment options have become widespread, paper checks continue to be used for purposes such as rent payments, utility bills, or direct payments between individuals. Understanding how to accurately complete a check ensures smooth processing and helps prevent potential issues.

Writing the Amount in Words

When completing a check, the amount in words is written on the line typically labeled “Pay to the order of [Payee Name] the sum of.” For twelve hundred dollars, the formal way to write this is “One Thousand Two Hundred and 00/100 Dollars.” While “Twelve Hundred” is commonly understood, using the full “One Thousand Two Hundred” provides greater clarity and formality for financial documents. This written amount is legally considered the definitive value of the check if any discrepancy arises with the numerical entry.

Write the amount legibly and extend a line from the end of the written amount to the word “Dollars” to prevent unauthorized additions. For amounts including cents, such as $1,200.50, write “One Thousand Two Hundred and 50/100 Dollars.” Using a fraction for cents, like “50/100,” is standard practice, even when the cents amount is zero, indicated as “00/100.” This practice helps safeguard against alterations and ensures the exact payment amount is clearly stated.

Writing the Numerical Amount

The numerical amount is entered in the box typically located to the right of the payee line, often next to a dollar sign. For twelve hundred dollars, this is written as “1200.00.” It is important to include two decimal places, even for whole dollar amounts, to clearly indicate that there are no cents or to specify the exact cent amount. For instance, $1,200.00 clearly shows no cents, while $1,200.50 would be written with the specific fifty cents.

To minimize the risk of fraudulent alteration, always write the first digit of the numerical amount as close as possible to the left edge of the dollar box. This prevents someone from adding extra digits before your intended amount. Maintaining neatness and precision in this box is important, as it serves as a quick visual reference for the check’s value. The numerical amount acts as a courtesy amount, allowing for quick verification.

Matching the Amounts

Ensuring that the written amount and the numerical amount on a check match precisely is a fundamental step in preventing processing issues. Financial institutions are generally guided by the amount written in words if a conflict exists between the two entries. This legal precedence underscores its importance in check processing. A check with inconsistent amounts may be returned unpaid, leading to inconveniences such as delayed payments, potential late fees, or additional bank charges.

Reviewing both the written and numerical amounts before signing the check helps to avoid such discrepancies. A final verification confirms that the check accurately reflects your payment intention and aligns with banking standards. This diligence helps to ensure that your payment is processed efficiently and correctly, maintaining smooth financial operations.