How to Write a Check: Step-by-Step Example

Personal Finance

A Labeled Check Example

Most personal checks include the same six core fields to fill in. Here’s what they look like and where to find them.

How to Fill Out a Check in 6 Steps

Now that you’ve seen where each field goes, here’s how to write a check in the correct order. You can fill in the fields in any order, as long as all six are complete before you hand over the check.

If the numerical and written amounts conflict, the written words generally control under U.S. commercial law (UCC §3-114). A bank may still delay or reject the check, so verify both fields match before handing it over.

How to Write a Check With Cents

To write a check with cents, write the dollar amount in words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100 on the same line, since there are 100 cents in a dollar.

• $45.50: “Forty-five and 50/100”
• $87.05: “Eighty-seven and 05/100”
• $1,250.75: “One thousand two hundred fifty and 75/100”
• $1,500.00: “One thousand five hundred and 00/100”

For a whole-dollar amount with no cents, write “00/100” rather than leaving the cents portion blank, for example “One thousand five hundred and 00/100” for $1,500.00. The /100 notation is a long-standing, widely used U.S. check-writing convention.

How to Write Check Amounts in Words

Here’s how to fill in the number box and the written-amount line for common check amounts.

Start at the left side of each field and draw a line through unused space on the written-amount line. This makes later alterations more difficult.

How to Write a Check to Someone

Writing a check to another person or a business follows the same six fields, condensed into a quick sequence:

1. Write their correct full legal name on the “Pay to the Order of” line.
2. Fill in both the numeric and written amount fields.
3. Add a memo if it’s useful, for example an invoice or account number.
4. Sign the check.
5. Hand it over directly or mail it securely.

How to Write a Check to Yourself

Write your own name on the “Pay to the Order of” line, complete the amount fields, add an optional memo, and sign the check. Endorse the back only when you’re ready to deposit it. An electronic transfer is usually faster, so check first whether both accounts support ACH transfers before writing a check between your own accounts.

Can You Write a Check to Cash?

Technically yes, but it’s generally safer not to. Writing “Cash” on the payee line makes the check payable to whoever is holding it, so if it’s lost or stolen, someone who obtains the check may be able to deposit or cash it. Naming a specific payee reduces that risk. If what you actually need is cash in hand, an ATM or teller withdrawal is usually safer than writing a check to Cash.

Where Are the Routing and Account Numbers on a Check?

The numbers printed along the bottom aren’t fields you fill in. They identify the bank, your account, and the individual check.

• Routing number: Usually the first nine-digit number on the lower left. It identifies the bank or credit union.
• Account number: Usually the middle set of digits. It identifies the checking account.
• Check number: Usually the final, shorter number, and often also appears in the upper-right corner.

The exact order can vary by check design. Confirm the numbers in your bank’s app or statement before using them for direct deposit or an electronic transfer.

Common Check-Writing Mistakes

• Wrong payee name: use the recipient’s correct full legal name, not a nickname or shortened version.
• Numeric and written amounts don’t match: the written words generally control, and the bank may still delay or reject the check.
• Leaving space in the amount fields: a scammer can add extra digits. Start at the far left and draw a line through unused space.
• Forgetting to sign: an unsigned check is invalid. Check before handing it over.
• Using pencil: pencil can be erased and altered. Use permanent blue or black ink.
• Writing checks without sufficient funds: can lead to fees and a delayed or rejected payment. Track your balance with a budgeting app to avoid this.
• Leaving a signed blank check: a signed blank check creates a serious fraud risk because the payee and amount can still be filled in.
• Mailing a check insecurely: leaving an outgoing check in an unsecured mailbox increases the risk of theft; see mailing tips below.

Check Safety and Timing Questions

Can you post-date a check?

You can write a future date on a check, but that doesn’t reliably prevent early payment. Banks and credit unions generally may process a post-dated check before the date shown, unless applicable state law or a properly submitted notice changes how the bank handles it. Don’t post-date a check unless you’ve confirmed the recipient’s timing and your bank’s policy, and never use post-dating to buy time on a payment you can’t actually afford.

How long is a personal check good for?

A personal check more than six months old is generally considered stale. A bank may not be required to pay it after that point, although it may still choose to honor it in good faith. Ask the issuer for a replacement rather than assuming an older check will be accepted.

What happens if a check bounces?

What about a stop payment?

If you already handed over a check by mistake, contact the recipient immediately and call your bank to ask about a stop-payment request; a fee may apply and the process varies by institution. A stop payment only works if the check hasn’t already been paid.

How to Mail a Check More Safely

Check fraud can involve stealing a mailed check and altering the payee or amount. If you must mail a check:

• Use permanent blue or black ink
• Fill all payment fields and draw a line through unused space
• Don’t leave outgoing mail containing a check in an unsecured residential mailbox
• Use a secure USPS collection point or hand the envelope to a postal employee
• Monitor your account and confirm the intended recipient received the payment

If a check clears but the intended recipient didn’t receive it, contact your bank immediately and report suspected mail theft or check washing.

Voiding and Endorsing a Check

Voiding a check: to void a check, use one you haven’t filled out, write “VOID” in large letters across the date, payee, and amount fields, and don’t sign it. Leave the routing and account numbers at the bottom visible, since that’s usually all a payroll or billing department needs to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

Endorsing a check you receive: sign the back inside the endorsement area only when you’re ready to deposit or cash it, and follow your bank’s specific mobile-deposit instructions if you’re depositing with your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions