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

Writing a check is easy. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to accurately fill out a check:

Date: Begin by writing the current date on the line in the top-right corner of the check. The format should be MM/DD/YYYY. For example, October 1, 1993 would be written as 10/01/1993.
Recipient: Write the full name of the person, business, or organization receiving the payment on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
Numerical Amount: In the box next to the dollar sign ($), write the numerical amount of the check.
Written Amount: On the line below the "Pay to the Order of" line, write out the amount in words. If you are having trouble writing out the amount in word form, use our website to enter in a numerical amount and see how it looks written out!
Memo: Include a brief memo in the memo section to provide additional information about the payment. This field is entirely optional, but can be useful for record-keeping and financial documentation.
Signature: Sign your name in the bottom-right corner to authorize the payment.

Double-check all the information to ensure accuracy before handing over the check. If you need more guidance, watch the YouTube video below that explains how to fill out a check.

What do the numbers on a check mean?

The numbers on the bottom of a check, often referred to as the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line, contain important information for processing the payment:

Routing Number: This nine-digit number, located to the left of the account number, identifies the financial institution where the check is drawn. It's essential for routing the payment correctly.
Account Number: Positioned in the middle, the account number uniquely identifies the account from which funds will be withdrawn. It's crucial for accurately debiting the correct account.
Check Number: This three to four-digit number, usually located at the end of the MICR line, corresponds to the sequential number assigned to each check. It helps track and identify individual transactions.

Understanding these numbers can be helpful for various purposes, such as setting up direct deposits, initiating electronic payments, or verifying transactions.

Check Amounts Written in Words: Examples

Here is how some common dollar amounts are written on the amount line of a check:

Amount	Written on the check
$5.00	five and 00/100
$25.50	twenty-five and 50/100
$100.00	one hundred and 00/100
$150.00	one hundred fifty and 00/100
$500.00	five hundred and 00/100
$1,000.00	one thousand and 00/100
$1,250.75	one thousand two hundred fifty and 75/100
$1,500.00	one thousand five hundred and 00/100
$2,000.00	two thousand and 00/100
$10,000.00	ten thousand and 00/100

Common Questions About Writing Check Amounts

How do I write cents on a check?

Write the cents as a fraction over 100 after the word "and". For example, $25.50 is written as "twenty-five and 50/100".

How do I write a check with no cents?

Write the dollar amount in words followed by "and 00/100". For example, $100.00 is written as "one hundred and 00/100".

Where does the word "and" go?

Use "and" only once, between the dollars and the cents. Write "one hundred fifty and 00/100", not "one hundred and fifty".

Do I need hyphens when writing numbers?

Yes. Numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine are hyphenated, such as "forty-two" or "ninety-nine".

What should I do with the empty space after the written amount?

Draw a line from the end of the written amount to the word "Dollars". This prevents anyone from adding extra words to change the amount.

What if the numbers and the words on a check do not match?

In the United States, the amount written in words is generally the one that counts, so take extra care to write it correctly.