How to Write a Check [Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples] - Writing Beginner (2024)

Writing a check may seem like a simple task, but there are various nuances and special circ*mstances that can arise.

Whether you’re writing a check with cents, writing an international check, or even voiding a check, this guide covers everything you need to know. Let’s go through the comprehensive steps and examples for writing a check in 20 different situations.

How to Write a Check [Standard Way]

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Writing a check involves several steps, from filling out the date to signing your name. This guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps and includes specific examples for various scenarios.

Writing a check typically involves the following steps:

• Date: Write the current date on the top right corner.
• Payee: Write the name of the person or entity you are paying.
• Amount in Numbers: Write the amount of the check in numbers.
• Amount in Words: Write the amount in words.
• Memo: Optional field for noting the purpose of the check.
• Signature: Sign the check on the bottom right line.

How to Write a Check With Cents

When writing a check with cents, it’s important to include both dollars and cents in words and numbers.

The numerical amount should be written in the box provided, using the format of dollars and cents separated by a decimal point.

In the line provided for the amount in words, write the dollar amount in words followed by “and [cents] cents.”

This helps prevent any alterations and ensures the check amount is clear.

Example

Check Amount: $123.45

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: John Doe
• Amount in Numbers: 123.45
• Amount in Words: One hundred twenty-three and 45/100
• Memo: Rent Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

Here is a good video about how to write a check:

How to Write a Check With No Cents

For checks without cents, the process is simpler but still requires careful attention to detail.

The numerical amount should be written in the format of whole dollars, followed by “.00” to indicate no cents.

On the line for the amount in words, write the dollar amount in words followed by “and 00/100.” This clearly indicates the total amount and avoids any potential confusion.

Example

Check Amount: $150

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Jane Smith
• Amount in Numbers: 150.00
• Amount in Words: One hundred fifty and 00/100
• Memo: Grocery Shopping
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write an International Check

Writing an international check may require additional information, such as the currency type and sometimes international banking details.

Start by specifying the currency next to the amount.

Additionally, ensure that the bank accepting the check handles international transactions. It’s also wise to check if any additional information, like SWIFT codes or international account numbers, is required.

Example

Check Amount: £200

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Global Enterprises Ltd.
• Amount in Numbers: £200.00
• Amount in Words: Two hundred pounds and 00/100
• Memo: International Service Fee
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Void Check

Voiding a check is useful when you make a mistake or need to provide a voided check for direct deposit setup.

To void a check, simply write “VOID” in large, clear letters across the front of the check. This ensures that the check cannot be used to withdraw funds from your account.

Example

Check Amount: N/A

• Date: VOID
• Payee: VOID
• Amount in Numbers: VOID
• Amount in Words: VOID
• Memo: VOID
• Signature: VOID

How to Write a Mobile Deposit Check

Mobile deposits require checks to be endorsed properly to ensure they are processed correctly.

Write “For Mobile Deposit Only” along with your signature on the back of the check. This endorsem*nt restricts the check to be used only for mobile deposit, adding a layer of security.

Example

Check Amount: $300

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Self
• Amount in Numbers: 300.00
• Amount in Words: Three hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Mobile Deposit
• Signature: Your Signature
• Endorsem*nt: For Mobile Deposit Only, Your Signature

How to Write a Check in a Different Language

When writing a check in a different language, use the appropriate format for that language.

This means writing the date, payee, and amount in the local language and currency.

It’s important to follow the conventions and legal requirements of the country where the check will be cashed.

Example

Check Amount: €150

• Date: 22 Juni 2024
• Payee: Juan Pérez
• Amount in Numbers: €150,00
• Amount in Words: Ciento cincuenta euros y 00/100
• Memo: Pago de Servicios
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check to Yourself

Writing a check to yourself is useful for transferring funds between accounts or withdrawing cash.

Simply write your own name as the payee. Ensure that you have enough funds in your account to cover the check amount.

Example

Check Amount: $500

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Your Name
• Amount in Numbers: 500.00
• Amount in Words: Five hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Transfer to Savings
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check for a Future Date

Writing a check for a future date, also known as postdating a check, is done by entering a date in the future.

This indicates that the check should not be cashed until that date.

Be aware that some banks may process the check immediately upon deposit, so it’s best to notify the payee about the postdating.

Example

Check Amount: $250

• Date: July 1, 2024
• Payee: ABC Corporation
• Amount in Numbers: 250.00
• Amount in Words: Two hundred fifty and 00/100
• Memo: Service Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check With Multiple Payees

When writing a check to multiple payees, you need to decide how they can cash it.

Write “Pay to the order of [Name1] and [Name2]” if you want both parties to endorse the check. Alternatively, use “or” if either party can cash it alone.

Example

Check Amount: $400

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: John Doe and Jane Smith
• Amount in Numbers: 400.00
• Amount in Words: Four hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Joint Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check for a Joint Account

Writing a check from a joint account involves both account holders’ names, and depending on the account agreement, one or both signatures may be required.

This ensures that both parties are aware of the transaction and have agreed to it.

Steps to Write a Check from a Joint Account

1. Date: Write the current date in the top right corner of the check. This can be in MM/DD/YYYY format or a more formal format, such as “June 22, 2024.”
2. Payee: Write the name of the person or entity to whom the check is payable.
3. Amount in Numbers: Write the amount of the check in the box provided. Be sure to include both dollars and cents, separated by a decimal point.
4. Amount in Words: Write the dollar amount in words on the line provided. This should be followed by the cents written as a fraction (e.g., 45/100).
5. Signatures: Depending on the joint account agreement, one or both account holders may need to sign the check. Ensure both signatures are included if required.
6. Memo: The memo line is optional but can be used to note the purpose of the check, such as “Joint Account Payment.”

Example Check for a Joint Account

Check Amount: $500

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Chris Martin
• Amount in Numbers: 500.00
• Amount in Words: Five hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Joint Account Payment
• Signature: Alex Johnson
• Co-Signature (if required): Jamie Lee

How to Write a Check With a Stop Payment

If you need to stop payment on a check, contact your bank immediately to request a stop payment.

Provide them with the check number, date, payee, and amount. Note that banks typically charge a fee for this service.

Example

Check Amount: $150

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Jane Smith
• Amount in Numbers: 150.00
• Amount in Words: One hundred fifty and 00/100
• Memo: Grocery Shopping
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Certified Check

A certified check is guaranteed by the bank and requires you to visit your bank branch.

The bank verifies that you have sufficient funds and then certifies the check, providing a guarantee of payment.

Certified checks are often used for large transactions where the payee requires assurance of payment.

Example

Check Amount: $2,000

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: ABC Realty
• Amount in Numbers: 2000.00
• Amount in Words: Two thousand and 00/100
• Memo: Deposit Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check to a Business

When writing a check to a business, ensure you use the business’s exact legal name as the payee.

This helps avoid any confusion or issues with cashing the check.

Example

Check Amount: $500

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: XYZ Services LLC
• Amount in Numbers: 500.00
• Amount in Words: Five hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Invoice #12345
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check to a Charity

Writing a check to a charity follows the same basic process, but it can be helpful to include the purpose of the donation in the memo line.

This ensures that the funds are directed as you intend.

Example

Check Amount: $100

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Red Cross
• Amount in Numbers: 100.00
• Amount in Words: One hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Disaster Relief Donation
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Check for Paying Rent

Paying rent with a check is a common scenario.

It involves writing a check to your landlord or the property management company. Ensure that the check is properly filled out to avoid any issues with your rent payment.

• Payee: Write the name of your landlord or the property management company.
• Memo: Include the address of the rental property and the month for which the rent is being paid.

Example

Check Amount: $1,200

• Date: July 1, 2024
• Payee: Greenfield Apartments
• Amount in Numbers: 1200.00
• Amount in Words: One thousand two hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Rent for July 2024, Apt 23B
• Signature: Your Signature

How to Write a Cashier’s Check

A cashier’s check is a type of check guaranteed by the bank, drawn from the bank’s own funds and signed by a cashier.

It’s often used for large transactions where the payee requires assurance of payment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain and write a cashier’s check.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit Your Bank or Credit Union: Go to your bank or credit union where you have an account. Cashier’s checks must be issued by a bank where you have an account.
2. Provide Necessary Information: You will need to provide the following information to the bank representative:
   • Payee’s Name: The name of the person or entity to whom the check is payable.
   • Amount: The exact amount of the check.
3. Verification and Payment: The bank will verify that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the cashier’s check. You will then be asked to pay the amount, either by deducting it from your account or paying in cash.
4. Fees: Be aware that banks typically charge a fee for issuing a cashier’s check. This fee varies by bank.
5. Issuance: The bank will print the cashier’s check, which includes:
   • Bank’s Name and Address: Identifying the issuing bank.
   • Check Amount: Written in both numbers and words.
   • Payee’s Name: The person or entity receiving the check.
   • Date: The date the check is issued.
   • Authorized Signature: A signature from an authorized bank representative.

Example

Check Amount: $5,000

• Payee: XYZ Corporation
• Amount in Numbers: 5000.00
• Amount in Words: Five thousand and 00/100
• Date: June 22, 2024
• Bank’s Name and Address: Your Bank Name, 123 Bank Street, City, State
• Signature: Authorized Bank Representative’s Signature

Additional Tips

• Record Keeping: Keep a copy or record of the cashier’s check for your own records, including the check number, date, and payee.
• Security: Treat the cashier’s check like cash. If it is lost or stolen, it can be difficult to replace.
• Expiration: Be aware that some cashier’s checks have expiration dates. Inform the payee to cash the check promptly to avoid any issues.

How to Write a Check to Specific Banks

Writing a check to a specific bank, such as Chase or Wells Fargo, follows the same basic principles as writing any other check.

However, it’s essential to ensure that all details are accurate and match the bank’s requirements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a check to major banks.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Date: Write the current date in the top right corner of the check. This can be in MM/DD/YYYY format or a more formal format, such as “June 22, 2024.”
2. Payee: Write the bank’s name as the payee. Ensure you use the correct name and any additional details specified by the bank.
3. Amount in Numbers: Write the amount of the check in the box provided. Be sure to include both dollars and cents, separated by a decimal point.
4. Amount in Words: Write the dollar amount in words on the line provided. This should be followed by the cents written as a fraction (e.g., 45/100).
5. Memo: The memo line is optional but can be used to note the purpose of the check, such as “Loan Payment” or “Credit Card Payment.”
6. Signature: Sign the check on the line at the bottom right. Make sure your signature matches the one your bank has on record.

Example for Chase

Check Amount: $300

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Chase Bank
• Amount in Numbers: 300.00
• Amount in Words: Three hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Credit Card Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

Example for Wells Fargo

Check Amount: $500

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Payee: Wells Fargo Bank
• Amount in Numbers: 500.00
• Amount in Words: Five hundred and 00/100
• Memo: Loan Payment
• Signature: Your Signature

Additional Tips

• Accuracy: Double-check the payee name and the amount to avoid any issues. If you’re unsure of the exact name to use, contact the bank for clarification.
• Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of the check in the memo line if required by the bank. This helps ensure your payment is applied correctly.
• Bank Address: If required, include the bank’s branch address in the payee section or on the memo line. Some banks may require this for processing.

FAQs About Writing Checks

Let’s answer some common and specific questions about how to write a check.

Do You Have To Write Checks in Cursive?

No, you do not have to write checks in cursive. While cursive writing is traditional and can add a touch of formality, it is not a requirement.

The most important aspect is that the handwriting is legible and clear, whether it’s in cursive or print.

The bank needs to be able to read the information to process the check correctly.

If your cursive is difficult to read, it’s better to print neatly to avoid any potential issues or delays in processing.

Can You Use a Pencil to Write a Check?

No, you should not use a pencil to write a check.

Writing a check in pencil makes it easy to alter or erase the information, which can lead to fraud or disputes. Always use a pen with indelible ink to ensure the information on the check is permanent and cannot be tampered with.

Black or blue ink is recommended because it is easy to read and widely accepted by banks.

What Happens If You Make a Mistake on a Check?

If you make a mistake on a check, the best practice is to void the check and write a new one.

To void a check, write “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check.

This ensures that the check cannot be used.

If you only make a minor mistake, you can neatly correct it and initial next to the correction, but this is not always accepted by all banks or payees.

Can You Write a Check for Future Date?

Yes, you can write a check for a future date, a practice known as postdating a check.

This indicates that the check should not be cashed until the specified future date. However, be aware that some banks may process the check immediately upon deposit regardless of the date.

It’s advisable to inform the payee about the postdating and to ensure that funds are available in your account on the specified date.

Is It Safe to Send Checks by Mail?

While it is generally safe to send checks by mail, it is important to take precautions.

Use a security envelope to obscure the contents and prevent the check from being visible.

Additionally, avoid writing sensitive information, such as your full account number, on the memo line.

For added security, consider using certified mail or a tracking service to ensure the check reaches its destination safely.

Final Thoughts

Writing a check involves understanding various formats and special circ*mstances. Always ensure you fill out each part of the check carefully to avoid any potential issues or fraud.

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