How to Write Checks: A Step-by-Step Process
A clear, complete guide to writing checks correctly. Understand each step for secure and accurate financial payments.
A check is a written, dated, and signed instruction to a financial institution, directing it to transfer money from your account to a designated recipient. It serves as a method for conducting financial transactions without physical cash, providing a documented record for tracking expenses.
Identifying Check Elements
A check contains several components. Your personal information, including name and address, is pre-printed in the upper left corner. A check number, found in the upper and lower right corners, provides a unique identifier for record-keeping. The date line, in the upper right corner, records the check’s issuance date.
The “Pay to the order of” line designates the recipient, requiring the full name of the individual or entity. To the right, a box with a dollar sign is for the numerical payment amount. Below the payee line, a longer line is for writing the payment amount in words. A memo line, in the bottom left, is an optional space to note the check’s purpose, such as a bill or invoice number.
The signature line, in the bottom right corner, is where the account holder authorizes payment. At the bottom of the check, two numbers are pre-printed: the routing number and your account number. The routing number, a nine-digit sequence, identifies your financial institution. The account number identifies your individual checking account within that institution.
Filling Out a Check Step-by-Step
Date the check in the upper right corner, using the current month, day, and year. Use a non-erasable pen, preferably black or blue ink, to complete all sections. Locate the “Pay to the order of” line and write the full, accurate name of the person or organization receiving payment. This helps ensure proper processing.
Enter the payment amount numerically in the box next to the dollar sign, including both dollars and cents (e.g., “150.00” or “75.25”). Write the payment amount in words on the line below the payee’s name. For example, “$150.00” is “One hundred fifty and 00/100,” and “$75.25” is “Seventy-five and 25/100.”
Fill the entire space in the numerical amount box to deter unauthorized alterations. Extend a line from the end of your written words on the amount line to prevent additional words or numbers from being added. The memo line is optional for noting the payment’s purpose. Finally, sign your name on the signature line in the bottom right corner, as a check is not valid without your authorization.
Recording and Verifying Your Check
After completing a check, record the transaction immediately to maintain accurate financial records. Note the check number, date, payee, and amount in a check register or digital tracking system. Prompt recording helps keep your account balance current and prevents overdrafts.
Review the completed check for accuracy before issuing it. Double-check that numerical and written amounts match precisely, as any discrepancy could lead to processing delays or errors. Confirm the payee’s name is spelled correctly and your signature is present. Verify no blank spaces remain where information could be added, especially on the amount lines, to minimize any risk of alteration.
Regularly compare your check register with your bank statements to ensure consistency and identify any discrepancies or uncleared transactions. This reconciliation process is a fundamental practice for effective financial management, providing a clear overview of your available funds. Maintaining an up-to-date record allows for informed financial decisions and helps in tracking spending habits.