Usually, most formats are acceptable, but you want to choose a date format that leaves no room for error. Try writing out the month, so there is no confusion about which number is the date and which is the month. You will notice that there are several areas that need to be filled that we will be referring to in this tutorial.
This section is important because it requires you to fill in the date you wish the check to be cashed. Filling out a check properly is a simple process, and can be done in six easy steps. If it’s your first time writing a check, you may wonder how to fill it out, so it is easy to read and doesn’t get bounced. We all know how annoying it is when your check does not clear because of a rookie mistake; it’s borderline embarrassing.
- At the end of each month, you can compare your checkbook to your bank statement and review banking transactions.
- When you write a check, make sure it gets used the way you intended—to pay the amount you expected to the person or organization you intended.
- Filling in a check’s memo line may not be required, but it can be helpful to write what the check is for.
- The person who wrote the check gets charged fees for a bounced check.
- Make sure you write this clearly so that the bank can subtract the correct amount from your account.
You can also add a noun or pronoun between the words, like ‘check this out’, ‘check the items out’ etc. For example, when you are ready to check out at the grocery store, you wait in the checkout line. Or when you want to check out of your hotel after the standard time, you might ask for a late checkout. It’s important to understand the unique fields a check contains, as well as which ones you’ll be responsible for.
For this example, suppose that your electric company, ABC Electric, requires you to mail checks as payment for services rendered. There are two spots on a check where you write the amount you are paying. First, you’ll need to write the dollar amount numerically (for example $130.45) in the small box on the right.
It’s a good way to feel confident before you put your pen (never pencil!) on the next check you write. The memo section of the check is optional, but it’s a good idea to fill it out because it can serve as a reminder of what the check is for. You would also write your account number in the memo area if the check’s for a bill payment. If you write checks, you’ll run out and need to order more at some point. Some banks provide complimentary checks when you open a checking account.
Limit the Number of Checks You Write
When your check includes cents, you’ll need to write that out numerically and with words, just as you would a check with no cents. In the numerical box field, indicate any cents using a standard period and 2 digits (e.g., “375.62”). You’d then write out “Three hundred seventy-five dollars and 62/100” in the field below. If you’re writing a check, make sure to fill out the date, recipient name, and payment amount (in numbers and words). In the memo line, you could choose to specify the purpose of the check, although it isn’t required.
Claire is a senior editor at Newsweek focused on credit cards, loans and banking. Her top priority is providing unbiased, in-depth personal finance content to ensure readers are well-equipped with knowledge when making financial decisions. Beside and below the “Pay to” line, you’ll write in how much money the check is for.
Make sure you write this clearly so that the bank can subtract the correct amount from your account. Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
If you have ever been in a situation where you needed to prove that you paid someone, then you know how important a paper trail is. Checks provide the perfect proof of payment for your future self and are also a good way to keep track of your spending history. This is because the banks require depositors to leave behind a write out a check signature and provide ID to verify it. Did you know that many companies that provide electronic payments charge a convenience fee for every transaction you make? The amount per transaction may seem negligible, but the total can easily add up. Checks do not charge you a convenience fee, allowing you to save every penny.
Optional: Write the Memo
Writing a check to yourself is another way to withdraw cash from your bank account or transfer money between accounts. While there are more efficient ways to withdraw money from the bank, writing a check to yourself is an option. Bank reconciliation, or balancing your checkbook, can help you track checks and other transactions each month. This helps ensure every transaction is accounted for and provides a better picture of your financial health. Sign your name on the line at the bottom right-hand corner using the signature you used when you opened the checking account.
On the line that says “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the individual or company you’d like to pay, known as the payee. Be aware that if a check is made out to cash, anyone can cash or deposit it. These days, many consumers send money electronically, but on occasion it may still be necessary to pay by paper check. The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us.
Imagine telling your employee you don’t know how to write the date on a check, and that is why it was rejected. This might come as a surprise, but you have to pay to get checks that you can send to people. If you want more custom features on your checks, including special prints on your checks, then you’ll have to dish out more. Writing a check requires special attention to detail because any slip-ups can cause it to bounce.
Step 1: Check the Format
The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict
editorial integrity,
this post may contain references to products from our partners. While less common than they once were, checks are still widely used, even in today’s digital world.
Write the check amount in numeric form
Carrying a large sum of money around is unsafe as it could be stolen or damaged in transit. What is to stop anyone from spending your hard-earned cash https://1investing.in/ if they get their hands on it? On the other hand, checks provide a safe way to transfer cash from your bank account to another person’s account.
Record Your Transactions
Be mindful that the recipient of the check will not be able to cash the check if the check is written to a future date. Banks will often not accept the check until the postmarked date has occurred. As banks may only honor checks that are six months old or younger, a check written to the correct day and month but wrong year may not be accepted either. And if you can, consider using alternate payment methods that might be greener, not to mention save you the hassle of filling out a check and reordering more when they run out. Many companies offer online bill-pay, including automatic payments so you can set it and forget it.
