With the ease of online payments, checks are becoming less common. However, a check payment may be required with some things like your rent or large bills. And if you haven’t written a check before, you may be a little confused about things, especially the amount of the check in words. Continue reading to learn more about how to write a check.
Step-by-Step of Writing the Check Amount in Words
A step-by-step guide will help break down the correct way of writing the check amount. Writing the check amount is pretty straightforward. The only thing you may be uncertain about is the cents, as that is the only portion of that line (the dollar box) that may look different from writing out the numbers in a dollar amount. Here is where you need to start:
Step 1: Ensure the Check Amount and the Account
Double-check to ensure you have the right check amount and use the correct bank account. Most people use their checking account for their bills or when paying someone, but if you want to use a savings account or another bank account, you can. You can verify the account number and routing number at the bottom of your check.
Step 2: Write Down the Numbers in Numerical Form
It may be helpful to write the dollar amount in numbers. You can add those in the box with the “$” sign in it. From here you will know exactly the amount you need to write.
Step 3: Begin Writing the Words for the Numbers
Start writing the number exactly how it should be said, do not include the decimal point. Some people add a “-” in between for whole dollars; for example, $20 would be “twenty” while $23 would be “twenty-three”. $1,000 would be “one thousand”, while $1,353 would be “one thousand three hundred and fifty-three”. Using capital letters for your check is recommended as they are harder to alter; however, you don’t have to.
Step 4: Finish by Adding the Cents
The final step is to add cents, which come after the word “and”; there are two main ways to do this:
- To add cents, you can use a fraction. Put whatever cent amount on the top of the fraction and a “100” at the bottom (since the cents are coming out of a dollar).
- Or you can spell out the cent amount and add a “/” then “100”.
And that’s it, you are done writing your check amount in words! If there is any blank space left over, it is a good idea to add a line until there is no room left in the box.
Reminders of Things That Are Not Needed With the Written Check Amount
Here are some things that you do not need to add to the written part of your check amount:
- Do not spell out the decimal point.
- Do not write “dollars or cents”; for example, if a check has no change you don’t have to write “zero cents” or if the check has $200 you do not need to add “dollars” as it is already written on the check.
- No need for a dollar sign.
- Do not add the comma from the numbers if there is one or multiple.
Examples of Writing the Number Amount
Writing a personal check’s amount in words is pretty simple, especially after seeing a few examples. Here are some examples that may help you understand how to write a check amount in words:
- Let’s say you have a check you need to write for $52.00; here is how you will write that amount in words: Fifty-two and 00/100 or Fifty-two and zero / 100.
- A written amount on a check for $133.55 should look like this: One hundred thirty-three and 55/100 or One hundred thirty-three and fifty-five / 100.
- A check for 5,894.75 would look like this in written form: five thousand eight hundred ninety-four and 75/100 or five thousand eight hundred ninety-four and seventy-five / 100.
How To Write the Rest of the Check
Now that you know how to write the amount with a check, you may be wondering about writing the rest. Here is everything you will need to fill out on your check, and the order of things you can take to make things as easy as possible:
1: Fill Out “Pay to the Order Of” / The First Line of the Check
You can first fill out the “pay to the order of” section on your check—this part is vital! if addressed to the wrong person, financial institution, company, business, etc. The entity or individual receiving the check will not be able to deposit or cash it. When writing a check to a person, you should write their first and last name. If you are writing a check to a company/business, make sure to add their name correctly—you can verify the exact name by contacting the company beforehand.
2: Add the Current Date
There will be a date section on the top right corner of the check; make sure you add the correct date.
3: Write Out the Check Amounts in Numbers
The next thing you can fill out is the number amount on the check, behind the dollar sign in the designated box. Make sure that you add a decimal and do so in the right spot! You don’t want to give someone $1,000.00 when you are only trying to pay them $100.00. If you want, you can write the cents smaller and lifted, like an exponent.
4: Now Write the Numbers in Words
After writing down the numbers, you can move to the following line and write the same amount in words. You can reference the steps above if you need another step-by-step to write down the number amount.
5: Fill Out the “Memo”
In the “memo” line, you can write a word or two about what the check is for. For example, if you are using the check to make your rent payment, you can write “rent” or “for rent” on the memo line. You can also leave this area blank.
6: Sign Your Check
And finally, the last step of writing the check, which is extremely important, is signing it! Without a signature from the payee, the check will not be valid! Which means whoever you are paying will not be able to use it.
Where Do I Sign on the Check?
You must make sure to sign on the correct side of the check. There are two spots for signatures, one on the front of the check and the back. The person paying will need to sign the front of the check.
What Happens if I Make a Mistake on the Check?
Mistakes can happen on a check, and if they do, you will need to write an entirely new one. Things that are crossed out or whited out will not be accepted—and you must use a pen when writing a personal check.
Where Can I Get More Checks?
Depending on your bank, credit union, or depository institution, you may have a few ways to get checks. You may be able to order them online, or pick some up at your local bank’s branch. Remember that many places may charge a small check fee, and you must have your debit card.
How Do Checks for Joint Accounts Work?
If you have a joint checking account, you may get checks with both people’s names. Joint checks work the same as writing a regular check, however, either person can write it or sign it for validity. You should also be able to deposit checks for someone else into your joint bank account, if the check is addressed to the other joint account holder.
How Do eChecks Work?
eChecks make it possible to make a payment from your checking or savings account. Here is the information that you will need to provide when filling out an eCheck:
- The account number.
- The routing number.
- Your bank/depository institution’s name.
- Sometimes a billing address may be asked about.
If you have set up direct deposit for a job or received funds from a quick cash loan you may have been asked for the same information. People use eChecks for a few reasons, including avoiding debit or credit card fees with vendors and setting up automatic payments from their bank account for recurring payments. The great thing about eChecks is that you don’t have to fill out any of the information that is required from a check, or have to go get some if you run out!
In Conclusion
Writing checks involves a few different parts; one of them includes writing the dollar amounts in numbers and words. If you haven’t written a check before, you may need a step-by-step guide on how to do so, as there are some things you need to include and others you do not need to have on the check. Before you hand over the check, ensure that everything is where it needs to be so the person or business you are paying can actually use it!
