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When you are writing a check, always fill out the payee information.
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There are several fields you’ll need to fill out when writing a check, but only one is optional.
You’ll want to balance a checkbook to review your banking transactions.
You can request checks from your bank or credit union, but you might be charged a fee.
Credit cards, cash, and digital payments might be the standard today, but traditional bank checks still have their benefits.
As John Cabell, director of banking and payments intelligence for J.D. Power, explains, “The buyer has better management over the timing of the cash withdrawal from their account, the ability to direct payment securely to the specific seller, and the ability to create a clear record of the transaction with all parties — including the bank. These advantages make checks particularly useful for transactions by mail, for large-dollar purchases, or purchases where the buyer wants to minimize the risk of fraud.”
In many cases, checks may also be the preferred type of payment of a business or service provider. Are you planning to use a check for an upcoming purchase? This guide will walk you through the parts of a check, how to write a check, how to write a checkbook, and additional tips to consider.
Example of how to write a check
Before writing a check, it’s important to understand the unique fields a check contains, as well as which ones you’ll be responsible for.
The only part a check that is optional is the memo section.
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On the front of the check, you’ll find:
The dateline: This is where you’ll write the date on which you’re issuing the check. Make sure to include the year.Payee: This field begins with “Pay to the order of” and is where you’ll write the name of the check’s recipient.Written amount: This is a blank box on the right side of the check. You’ll put the check’s amount in numerals here.Legal amount: This is a blank line followed by “dollars” and is where you’ll write out the check’s amount in words.Memo line: Located in the bottom left corner of the check, this is a blank line preceded by “For.” This area is optional and is where you can write the purpose of your check. Signature line: Located at the bottom right of the check, this is where you’ll sign your name and approve the payment.
Then there’s the back of the check where you’ll find:
The endorsement line: This is used by the check’s recipient when they deposit it into their bank account.
Quick tip: To write a check, you’ll need to have checks issued by your bank or credit union. These come in batches called checkbooks. Some institutions provide these for free, while others may charge a fee.
How to write out a check: An overview
Once, you understand all the parts of a check you may follow these steps to write a check.
Step 1: Date the check
On the top right corner of the check, you’ll write the current date, being sure to include a month, day, and year.
Some people may write a future date on their check, though this is generally not recommended. This is called “postdating” a check, and it can encourage the recipient to hold off depositing the check until a certain date. This can be beneficial if you’re waiting to have enough funds in your account to cover the payment, but there is also risk: According to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, banks aren’t required to wait until that date to process the check. If the recipient were to deposit it earlier, you could risk overdrafting your account.
Step 2: Fill out the name of the recipient
On the “For” payee line, you’ll need to write the name of the person you’re paying in clear, legible handwriting using black or blue ink. Make sure to use their properly spelled legal name (so not a nickname), or the recipient may have trouble cashing or depositing the check. You can also put a business name on the payee line if you’re buying from a company or service provider.
Step 3: Fill out the amount of the check
Next, you’ll need to enter the payment amount. In the blank box on the right side of the check, write the amount in numbers (e.g., $150.99). On the longer line under the payee’s name, write the amount in words (i.e., one hundred and fifty dollars and ninety-nine cents OR one hundred and fifty dollars and 15/100 cents). Make sure these two amounts match, or the recipient won’t be able to deposit the check.
Step 4: Sign the check
Finally, you’ll need to sign the check using the line in the bottom right-hand corner. This shows that you, the account holder, approved the check.
Step 5: Fill in the memo (optional)
If you want, you can also fill in the memo line and note what the check was used for (e.g., “lawn services.”) This is not required, but you might want to do it to inform the recipient what the money’s for — or simply to keep a record for yourself. For example, if you’re sending a birthday check to a loved one unannounced, you might add “21st birthday gift.”
Quick tip: You may want to keep track of any checks you write to ensure you don’t overdraft your account. Monitoring your balance through your bank’s online dashboard can be helpful as well.
How to balance a checkbook
Once you’ve filled out your check, you’ll also want to record the information in your checkbook register. A checkbook register is a booklet attached to your checkbook, which may be utilized to record your check and bank account transactions. At the end of each month, you can compare your checkbook to your bank statement and review banking transactions.
Review your checkbook register
First, go through your checkbook register and ensure all of the following sections are correctly filled out for each transaction:
The date: This is the day you wrote your check.The check number: Each check will have a number listed on it. This can help keep track of your payments.Payee/Description of Transaction: This is the person you paid. The check amount: This is how much you paid your payee.
If you forgot to fill out one of these sections during the month, checkbooks usually include carbon copies. Carbon copies are papers behind your check that leave behind a copy of what written on it.
Calculate your monthly transactions
To calculate your monthly transactions, you may consider using your checkbook register, the back of your bank statement, or an online spreadsheet.
You’ll start off by writing down the account balance that you had at the beginning of the month. Then, you’ll go through each transaction you made during the month and calculate your balance.
Compare your checkbook register to your monthly bank statement
After you’ve gone through all your banking transactions for the month, compare your checkbook register to your bank statement. The total from your calculations should be equal to the balance of your bank statement.
Quick tip: If your checkbook doesn’t balance, our guide for balancing a checkbook explains possible scenarios that may have occurred.
Security tips for writing checks
When you’re filling out checks, keep in mind the following security tips so you can avoid potential issues, such as bounced checks or fraud:
When you fill out a check, only use pens. You’ll want to use a dark color, so it’s legible and hard to erase.Do not offer a blank check to anyone. Otherwise, you are providing authorization for another person to write any amount on the check. Be careful to keep your signature on the line because below the signature area is the MICR — or Magnetic Ink Character Recognition line, which breaks down the check number, routing number, and account number. These are necessary for banks to process the check, both on the outbound and the inbound side.If you make a mistake on your check, write VOID across the front, tear it up, and throw it away. You can then begin again on a new check.
Additional tips when using checks
Checks may not be the standard form of payment these days, but there are still times when you may need to use one to pay for services, make a purchase, or send money. Make sure to talk to your bank about getting a checkbook if you don’t already have one issued, or you may be able to request checks on your online banking dashboard as well.
If you still need help writing a check, talk to a local banker or financial advisor for help. You can also ask your bank for a cashier’s check, a type of bank-issued check printed just for the recipient.