How To Write a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a check is a simple task, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Knowing how to correctly write a check with all the necessary information is important for paying bills and keeping track of your finances. This guide will explain each step in the check writing process so that you can make sure you’ve written a valid check each and every time.
The Basics of Check Writing
Before getting into the step-by-step guide to writing a check, it is important to review the basics of a check, including understanding the different parts of a check. Knowing the different pieces of information that go on a check will help you understand what should be filled in and where.
Parts of a Check:
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Payee Line: This is the line at the top of a check where you specify who the check is payable to.
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Numeric Dollar Amount: This is the dollar amount in numerical form that should match the amount written out in words.
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Date Line: This is the line where you will enter the current date that you are writing the check.
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Legal Line: This line is the official declaration of your check. It should include your signature and the words “Pay to the Order of” before the name of the recipient.
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Verification Code: Many banks include a verification code on the bottom of the check. This is an extra security measure used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Check
To ensure you write a valid check, it is important to fill out each section accurately and legibly. The following steps should help you to write a check correctly.
Step 1: Specify the Payee
Finding the payee line is the first step to writing a check. Write the full name of the person or organization you are writing the check to in this section. This should be their legal name. Be sure to double check that you are spelling the recipient’s name correctly.
Step 2: Enter the Date
The date line is usually located in the upper right-hand corner of the check. Enter the current date in this section using the month/day/year format. It is important to make sure that you enter the right date to avoid any disputes with the recipient or delay in processing the payment.
Step 3: Enter the Dollar Amount Numerically
The numeric dollar amount is usually located in the right-hand corner or the center of the check. Enter the exact amount of money you are writing the check for in numerical form. This number must match up with the dollar amount you write out in words later in the check.
Step 4: Enter the Dollar Amount in Words
The words should be written out on the line that typically starts with “Pay to the order of.” Enter the exact amount of money you are writing the check for in words. If the dollar amount includes any cents, be sure to include the cents amount in words, not just in the numeric form.
Step 5: Write the Memo
The memo line is an optional section of a check. Most often, it is used to write down the purpose of the payment. For example, you may write “utilities bill” or “rent check.”
Step 6: Sign the Check
The “legal line” is the last section to fill out. This line should include your signature, written exactly as you wrote it when you opened your bank account, and the words “Pay to the Order of.” Once you have reviewed the check to make sure all the other fields are complete, you should sign the check in this section.
Step 7: Include the Verification Code
If your bank includes a verification code on your checks, enter the code in this section. This code helps banks to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Knowing how to write a check is an important part of managing your finances. Whether you are writing checks for paying bills, sending gifts, or other purposes, following this guide and understanding the basic parts of a check will help you make sure you write a valid check each and every time. Remember to always double check your work and review the information on the check before sending it in the mail.
