How to write a check: A guide in 5 steps (2024)

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• You can request checks from your bank or credit union, but you might be charged a fee.
• You can learn how to write a check in five steps — just make sure you fill out all the necessary fields.
• After you write a check, you can add the information to your checkbook to help manage your finances.

Are you planning to use a check for an upcoming purchase? If it's your first time writing a check or you need a quick refresher, we'll walk you through the parts of a check, how to write a check, and how to balance a checkbook.

Steps to fill out a check

First, we'll start with a check-writing tutorial. Here are five steps to write a check.

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 overdrawing your account. Several financial institutions charge overdraft fees when you do not maintain a positive account balance and the bank covers your payment.

2. Fill out the name of the recipient

On the "For" payee line, 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 (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.

3. Fill out the amount of the check

Next, 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.

4. Sign the check

Finally, sign the check using the line in the bottom right-hand corner. This shows that you, the account holder, approved the check.

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."

Parts of a check

It's important to understand the unique fields a check contains, as well as which ones you'll be responsible for.

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 endorsem*nt line: This is used by the check's recipient when they deposit it into their bank account.

How to balance a checkbook

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.

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 is 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 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.

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. Use a dark color, so it's legible and hard to erase.
• Do not offer a blank check to anyone unless you have added an authorized signer. 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

Writing a personal 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 personal 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.

Credit cards, cash, and digital payments might be the standard today, but traditional bank checks from the best checking accounts still have their benefits.

As John Cabell, managing 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.

Check Writing FAQs