How to Write a Check: A Complete Guide
Writing a check is a straightforward, step-by-step process: From dating the check and naming the payee to writing the amount correctly and signing it, following each step in order helps ensure your check is valid and processed without issues.
Accuracy and consistency matter: Making sure the numeric and written dollar amounts match, avoiding blank spaces, and recording the check in your register can prevent errors, fraud, and overdrafts.
Accuracy and consistency matter: Making sure the numeric and written dollar amounts match, avoiding blank spaces, and recording the check in your register can prevent errors, fraud, and overdrafts.
Check writing steps
Step 1: Write the date
Before filling out other areas of the check, be sure to write the date. You can spell out the month, or you can simply use numbers, like this: 1/5/2026.
Step 2: Write the payee name
On the line following “Pay to the Order of,” spell out the name of the person or business you’re writing the check to.
Step 3: Enter the amount in numbers
Next to the payee line, there’s a blank box where you’ll record the amount of the check. Always include two decimal places for cents, even if it’s an exact dollar amount. So, if you’re paying someone $55, you’d write “55.00” in the box.
Step 4: Write the amount in words
On the line below the payee line, you’ll spell out the dollar amount and use a fraction to indicate cents. For a check in the amount of $55, it should read “Fifty-five and 00/100.” A check for $52.45 should read “Fifty-two and 45/100.”
Step 5: Add your signature
Sign on the signature line at the bottom right of the check blank.
Step 6: Fill in the memo line (optional)
If you’d like to describe what the check is for, you can write a brief description (like “dinner” or “raffle tickets”) on the memo line at the bottom left.
Step 7: Record the check
Before tearing out your check, record the check number, date, payee, and amount in your check register to keep track of your spending.
Best practices for writing checks safely
Beyond taking the above steps to write your check, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
Use blue or black ink only.
Cross out any unused space on lines. For example, if you’ve spelled out the entire dollar amount and have some space left, simply draw a line through the open space to prevent anything else from being added.
Only sign the check after you’ve filled in all the other details.
Keep your checkbook in a secure spot, like a purse or wallet.
Record any checks you write in your check register or keep track of them with online banking to make sure they’ve been cashed.
If you lose a check, ask your bank to put a stop payment on it right away to prevent someone else from cashing it if it’s found.
Set up digital, automatic payments to save time and check blanks on recurring bills.
Common check writing mistakes to avoid
On the flip side, there are a few things you should avoid whenever you’re writing a check:
Using erasable ink or pencil.
Leaving blank spaces, such as neglecting to fill out the payee line.
Neglecting to make sure your numeric and written dollar amounts match.
Writing a check without having enough money in your account to cover it.
Letting six months (or more) go by before following up on a check that hasn’t been cashed.
Not recording a check you’ve written.
Signing a blank check or writing “Cash” in the payee line.
Bottom line
Understanding the various parts of a check blank means you’re ready to write out checks. Keep the basics in mind, including the dos and don’ts of writing a check, any time you use your checkbook. And when you’re ready, you may want to start exploring different savings accounts to help you reach your financial goals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can postdate a check (which means recording a future date instead of today’s date). However, banks will have different policies on whether they’ll cash them right away or wait until the future date.
Each bank will have its own policy on whether they’ll cash old or “stale” checks, which usually means they were written six months (or more) ago. Generally, checks can be cashed until they’re six months old.
No, checks can’t be cashed without a valid signature on the signature line.
You can write a check out to “Cash” in order to withdraw money from your account. But it’s best to avoid this, just in case the check gets lost or stolen. Anyone who finds a check made out to “cash” will be able to cash it.
You’ll find the routing number at the bottom of a check, typically on the left-hand side. The account number is usually located to the right of the routing number.
The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.
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