How to Write the Amount on a Check in Words
Master the correct way to write out check amounts in words for security, legal validity, and clear financial transactions.
When preparing a check for payment, accurately completing all sections ensures a smooth transaction. The line where the payment amount is written in words is important. This written amount serves as a legal confirmation of the numerical value, helping prevent fraud and clarify discrepancies. It also provides a clear, textual record of the intended payment, reinforcing the check’s validity.
Writing the Amount in Words
To correctly write the amount on a check, begin by expressing the full dollar amount in words. For instance, if the check is for one hundred twenty-five dollars, you would write “One Hundred Twenty-Five.” Remember to use hyphens for compound numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine, such as “Twenty-Five” or “Seventy-Eight.”
After stating the whole dollar amount in words, use the word “and” to clearly separate the dollars from the cents. The cents portion is then written as a fraction, with the cent amount over one hundred. For example, if the check is for thirty-five cents, you would write “35/100” after the word “and.”
If the payment is for a whole dollar amount with no cents, write “no/100” or “00/100” after the dollar amount and the word “and.” For example, a check for ten dollars exactly would be “Ten and 00/100” or “Ten and no/100.”
Finally, draw a line through any remaining blank space on the amount in words line or add the word “only” at the end. This simple step helps prevent unauthorized additions or alterations to the amount after the check has been written, enhancing its security.
Ensuring Accuracy
Accuracy is important when writing the amount in words on a check. It is essential that the written amount precisely matches the numerical figure entered in the dollar box, as financial institutions consider the written amount the legal tender in case of a discrepancy. To prevent alterations, begin writing the words as far to the left of the line as possible, leaving no space at the beginning.
Always ensure your handwriting is clear and legible when completing this section. If a mistake occurs while writing the amount in words, do not attempt to cross out, erase, or initial the error. The proper procedure is to void the entire check by writing “VOID” across it and then prepare a new check with the correct information. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the financial document.