Do You Write the Word ‘And’ on a Check?

A check serves as a written order to a bank, instructing it to pay a specific amount of money from an account to a designated recipient. Despite the rise of digital payment methods, checks continue to be used for various financial transactions, including bill payments and personal transfers. Accuracy and clarity are important when filling out a check to ensure it is processed correctly.

Understanding Check Components

A standard check contains several distinct areas, each serving a specific purpose. At the top right, the date line indicates when the check is written, which is important for tracking and validity. Below this, the “Pay to the Order of” line is where the name of the recipient, or payee, is entered.

To the right of the payee line, a small box typically preceded by a dollar sign ($) is designated for the numerical amount of the payment. This figure represents the exact monetary value of the check in digits. Below the payee line, a longer line is provided for the written amount. Finally, the signature line at the bottom right authenticates the check, and the memo line offers space for a brief note regarding the payment’s purpose.

Writing the Amount in Words

The line designated for the written amount legally dictates the value of the check if there is any discrepancy with the numerical amount. When writing out the dollar amount, spell out the whole dollar amount, followed by the word “dollars.” For instance, if the check is for five hundred dollars, it would be written as “Five Hundred Dollars.” It is important not to insert the word “and” between the whole dollar amounts, such as “Five Hundred and Dollars.”

The word “and” is used for separating the whole dollar amount from the cents portion of the payment. If a check is for five hundred dollars and twenty-five cents, it should be written as “Five Hundred and 25/100 Dollars.” The cents are expressed as a fraction, with the number of cents as the numerator and 100 as the denominator. For amounts less than one dollar, the written amount would begin with “Zero and,” for example, “Zero and 50/100 Dollars.” After completing the written amount, draw a line from the end of the text to the “Dollars” placeholder to prevent unauthorized alterations.

Finalizing Your Check

After all the necessary information, including the written amount, has been entered, a thorough review of the check is an important final step. Confirm that the date is current and accurate, and that the payee’s name is spelled correctly. It is also important to verify that the numerical amount in the box precisely matches the amount you have written out in words, as inconsistencies can lead to processing issues.

The check must then be signed by the account holder on the designated signature line to validate the payment instruction. Finally, it is important to record the check details, such as the check number, date, payee, and amount, in a check register or a personal finance application. This record-keeping assists in tracking expenditures and reconciling bank statements.