How to Fill Out a Certified Check Step-by-Step

A certified check offers a secure method of payment where the funds are guaranteed by the issuing financial institution. This type of check is often requested for significant transactions, providing assurance to the recipient that the money is available and will clear. Understanding how to properly prepare and handle a certified check is important for both the sender and the receiver.

Understanding a Certified Check

A certified check is a check that a bank or credit union verifies. The financial institution ensures that the funds are available in the payer’s account and sets aside the exact amount of the check. This prevents the funds from being spent or withdrawn for other purposes.

Once the funds are secured, the bank places an official certification on the check, confirming its guarantee. Certified checks are commonly used for large purchases, such as a down payment on a home, a vehicle, or in legal settlements.

Information Required for a Certified Check

Before filling out a certified check, gather all necessary information. You will need the payee’s full legal name, which must be accurate for proper crediting. Any discrepancy could lead to delays or issues in depositing the check.

The exact amount of the payment should be known in both numerical form and written out in words. The current date is also required.

A memo line is optional, but can be helpful for record-keeping, allowing you to briefly describe the payment’s purpose.

Completing Your Certified Check

Begin by accurately writing the current date on the line provided, typically found in the upper right-hand corner of the check. This establishes when the check was prepared.

Next, locate the “Pay to the Order of” line, where you will clearly write the payee’s full legal name. Legibility is important here, as this name identifies who is authorized to cash or deposit the check. Following this, enter the exact numerical amount of the payment into the small box designated for the dollar amount.

Below the payee line, write out the exact amount in words, ensuring it matches the numerical value. For instance, an amount like “Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100” should be written clearly. The memo line, situated in the lower left corner, can be used for a brief note, such as an account number or a description of the payment’s purpose. Finally, sign your name exactly as it appears on your bank records.

Obtaining and Delivering Your Certified Check

To obtain a certified check, visit your bank or credit union. You will request a certified check, and the financial institution will verify that sufficient funds are available in your account. Upon confirmation, the bank will withdraw the funds from your account and place an official certification directly onto the check.

The bank might pre-fill the payee and amount details before certification, or provide a blank certified check for you to complete. Always review the bank’s entries carefully to confirm accuracy if they fill it out.

For secure delivery, consider handing the check over in person. If mailing is necessary, use a secure and traceable method, such as certified mail with a return receipt or a shipping service that provides tracking numbers. This helps ensure the check reaches its intended recipient.