How to Write Numbers on a Check With Examples
Write check amounts accurately. This guide provides clear instructions to properly detail financial figures, preventing common payment errors.
A check serves as a common payment instrument allowing individuals to direct their bank to transfer funds from their account to another party. Accuracy when completing a check is paramount to ensure correct payment processing. Mistakes in the monetary amount can lead to processing errors or returned checks, disrupting financial plans. Understanding the precise method for indicating the amount is fundamental for reliable financial management.
Identifying the Amount Fields
Two distinct areas on a check are designated for indicating the monetary value. One is a small, rectangular box near the right side, for the numerical amount, often with a pre-printed dollar sign. The other is a longer, blank line below the “Pay to the Order of” section, where the amount is written in words.
Both fields contribute to clarity and security in financial transactions. The numerical box offers a quick, easily scannable representation of the funds involved. Conversely, the written amount provides a more detailed, spelled-out version of the same value. If a discrepancy arises between the numerical and written amounts, banking practice dictates that the written amount takes precedence. This rule safeguards against unauthorized alterations to the check’s value after issuance.
Writing the Numerical Amount
Writing the numerical amount in the designated box is a straightforward step in completing a check. Place the dollar sign, often pre-printed, immediately before the first digit of the amount. For whole dollar amounts, follow the dollar sign with the full number, a decimal point, and two zeros (e.g., $100.00).
When the amount includes cents, write the dollar amount, followed by a decimal point, and then the two-digit cent amount. For instance, five dollars and seventy-five cents should be written as $5.75. If the amount is less than one dollar, start with a zero before the decimal point, such as $0.50 for fifty cents, preventing any ambiguity about the value. This formatting helps prevent misinterpretation by automated systems and individuals.
Fill the entire space within the numerical amount box to enhance security and prevent potential alterations. After writing the amount, ensure there are no large gaps that could allow someone to insert additional digits, such as changing $50.00 to $500.00. Writing legibly and pressing firmly with a pen helps prevent smudging or erasure, protecting the integrity of the payment and safeguarding against fraudulent activity.
Writing the Written Amount
Writing the monetary amount in words on the designated line provides an additional layer of security and clarity. Write the amount as far to the left as possible on the line to prevent anyone from adding words before your intended amount. For whole dollar amounts, spell out the number, followed by “and 00/100 Dollars.” For instance, one hundred dollars would be written as “One Hundred and 00/100 Dollars.” This format explicitly states the absence of cents, a common practice to prevent alterations.
When the amount includes cents, spell out the dollar amount, then write “and,” followed by the numerical cent amount over 100. For example, five dollars and seventy-five cents becomes “Five and 75/100 Dollars.” If the amount is less than one dollar, write “No Dollars and 50/100 Cents” for fifty cents, or “Fifty and 00/100 Cents” if the context is clear.
After writing the full amount in words, draw a line from the end of your written amount to the pre-printed word “Dollars” at the far right of the line. This practice closes off the space, making it impossible for anyone to add further words or numbers and alter the check’s value. Ensuring the written amount is clear, complete, and secured is a fundamental aspect of issuing a reliable payment instrument.