How To Write A Check: A Guide

Knowing how to write a check and how to void one are important skills to have. Yes, there are other forms of payments available that are probably more convenient and commonly used than check writing. However, some retailers (and even your landlord) may prefer to accept this type of payment for larger purchases, especially if you don’t or can’t pay in cash. 

Although writing a check is a fairly straightforward process, it’s crucial to get it right in order to ensure payment goes to the right person, and protect yourself from fraud.

How To Write A Check In 6 Steps 

Before writing one, get yourself acquainted with the different parts of the check to help you fill it out properly. 

Here’s what you’ll typically find on a paper check:

• Your personal details: In the top left-hand corner of the check, you’ll find your name and your address.
• Bank information: On the bottom of the check, you should be able to find the routing number and your account number.
• Check number: This number is used to track transactions, usually found at the top and bottom of the check.
• Date: Here’s where you write the transaction date.
• Payee: This section is where you write who the check is paid out to.
• Payment amount: There are two sections where you can indicate the amount numerically and in written form.
• Signature line: Where the payer (you) signs the check.
• Memo line: This optional section is where you can write details about the payment.

Once you are familiar with the different parts of a check, you can start using them as a form of payment. There are generally six steps to writing a check correctly, though the sixth step is optional. 

1. Write The Date

The area where you can write the date can be found in the top left-hand corner of the check.

You can put in today’s date or postdate your check, which means you set it to be active at a later date. Postdating comes in handy if you’re not sure you’ll have enough money in your account until a certain day. Postdating can also be beneficial if you’re sending a check before the due date. 

Banks are not obligated to honor your postdated check if the payee attempts to cash or deposit the check before the written date. Call your bank before you attempt to postdate a check to see what their policies are when a payee cashes it.

2. Write The Payee’s Name

Write out the full legal name of the person or business receiving the check on the line labeled “Pay To The Order Of.” The name needs to match what the payee has on their bank account to avoid any delays. 

3. Write The Payment Amount In Numerals

The area where you’ll write out the payment amount is to the right of where you write the payee’s name. Write the amount next to the dollar sign. For example, for one hundred dollars you would write “$100.00.” Write the dollar amount as close to the dollar sign as possible to prevent someone from altering the amount.

4. Write Out The Dollar Amount In Words

On the line under the “Pay To The Order Of” area, write out the dollar amount of your payment in words. Then, write the number of cents in number format over 100 as a fraction. For example, $100.50 would be “One hundred dollars and 50/100.” Be sure to draw a line in the space remaining before the word “dollars” to make sure nobody can add anything to what you have written. Or, write the amount large enough so that it spreads out to fill in the entire area. 

5. Sign The Check

A check is not valid without a signature, and handwritten signatures are legally binding.

6. Write A Memo (Optional)

The memo line can be worth filling out as you can use it to specify and remind you of the purchase made or services rendered. For example, you can write “August Rent Payment” so when you’re looking through your transactions and trying to remember the specific check payment, you can refer to your checkbook. You can also use it to write a special note to the recipient on a gift check like “Happy Birthday” or “Congrats Grad!”

You can also consider filling in your account number on the memo line if you’re using the check to pay a bill, like for utilities or internet services.

How To Void A Check

Knowing how to void a check can help to ensure someone doesn’t take a check and deposit it without your permission. Whether you wrote the check out by mistake or realize you needed to make changes, voiding a check ensures nobody can use it.

Here’s how you void a check:

• Use a pen (blue or black is preferrable).
• Write the word “VOID” in large letters on the front of the check, or in smaller letters on different parts such as the signature line, amount line, date line and payee line.
• Note the check number in your register in case of any discrepancies or consider making a copy for your records.

How To Record A Payment In Your Checkbook

A check register is a booklet that comes with your checkbook where you can record details of checks you filled out. Information includes the amount of the check, the payee, the check number and the reason for payment. It’s a smart idea to keep track of the checks you write should you need to refer to them later.

You can also use a check register when balancing a checkbook. 

Here’s how:

• Write the opening balance amount, or the amount you currently have in your checking account.
• Write the amount of the check you just wrote out.
• Subtract this amount from your opening balance.

Make sure to update your checking account balance each time you write a check to ensure there’s enough money in your checking account at all times, especially if you anticipate any upcoming withdrawals, like bill payments. If there aren’t enough funds in your checking account to cover the check, the payment will “bounce.” In other words, your bank could charge you a nonsufficient funds or a returned check fee.

Tips For Writing A Secure Check

Identity theft can happen even if you’re careful when writing a check. Luckily banks have included several security features on checks, and there are additional steps you can take to ensure that others can’t tamper with your account.

Some security features of paper checks include:

• Watermarks
• Padlock icon (indicates enhanced security features are in place)
• Thermochromic ink
• Anti-copy features (such as the word “void” showing up on copied checks)
• Chemically reactive paper
• Holograms

Use A Pen

Write your check using a permanent pen since writing in pencil makes it too easy for someone to change key information, making you highly susceptible to fraud.

Write A Line Through Blank Spaces

Drawing a line through any unused line space on your checks helps to ensure nobody can add numbers or alter the intended amount of the check.

Never Sign A Blank Check 

It’s always best to sign your check once you’ve filled it out completely. If thieves get a hold of it, they’ll be able to cash out money from your bank account, even if you didn’t explicitly give them permission.

Alternatives To Writing A Check 

Relying on paper checks limits where you can purchase goods and services. Instead, you can consider the following digital alternatives:

• Pay your bills online. Online bill pay is safer because there is no chance of a paper check leaving your hands. Instead, you must authorize every transaction and you can trace the payment.
• Sign up for autopay. Signing up for autopay means you’ve authorized a transaction to one person or retailer to go out at regular intervals. You don’t need to worry about mailing a check and wondering if it’ll get there. 
• Use a credit or debit card. Using a credit card or debit card protects you against fraudulent transactions. You can also check all your transactions easily in one place on your bank or credit card statement. If there are any discrepancies, you can notify the card issuer or bank immediately to get it fixed.
• Use a payment app: Using payment apps like Venmo and PayPal can also help you track transactions and ensure money is going to the right payees. 

The Bottom Line 

Checks are still an important form of payment, even if they’re not as popular as they once were. If you follow the steps to learn how to write a check and take measures to ensure your check is secure, you can help prevent fraud. While a check is a viable payment option, there are faster digital alternatives to pay for goods and services now, too. Looking to track your spending and payments? Sign up with the Rocket Money^SM app and get your full financial picture today.