How to Write a Cheque Amount in Words
Confidently complete cheques by mastering the secure and precise way to write out monetary values in words. Ensure accuracy every time.
Checks remain a common method for making payments, whether for bills, rent, or personal transactions. Properly completing a check is important, and accurately writing the amount in words enhances clarity and security. This written amount serves as a legal safeguard, preventing alterations and ensuring correct payment. It acts as a definitive record of the intended payment, especially if there is a discrepancy with the numerical amount.
Understanding the Components
When writing a check, the amount in words has distinct parts. The primary component is the whole dollar amount, which is spelled out completely. For instance, a check for one hundred dollars would begin with “One Hundred.” The word “and” separates the dollar portion from any cents.
Cents are typically represented as a fraction, with the number of cents written over 100, such as “50/100” for fifty cents. This fractional format explicitly indicates that the amount represents a portion of a dollar. Even if the amount is a whole dollar with no cents, it is standard practice to include “and 00/100” to maintain consistency and prevent unauthorized additions. Sometimes, “only” or “no/100” is added after the cents fraction, indicating that no further numbers can be added to the amount.
Writing the Amount in Words
Begin by spelling out the full dollar amount on the designated line, typically below the “Pay to the Order Of” line. For example, for $125.00, write “One Hundred Twenty-Five.” Then, insert the word “and.”
Represent the cents as a fraction over 100. For an amount like $125.50, continue with “and 50/100.” If the check is for an amount less than one dollar, such as $0.75, you can write “Zero and 75/100” or “Seventy-Five Cents Only.”
Important Considerations for Completing the Amount
Start writing the words as far left as possible on the line to minimize empty space for alterations. After writing the full amount, draw a line through any remaining blank space. This line, often dashes or an underscore, fills the empty area and deters fraudulent additions.
Ensure legibility, as unclear handwriting can cause processing delays or errors. Use a pen with permanent ink, such as a black or blue gel pen, resistant to smudging or erasing. Always double-check that the written amount precisely matches the numerical amount. Banks typically prioritize the written amount if a discrepancy exists.