Writing a check requires filling in six fields: the date, the payee name, the dollar amount in numbers, the dollar amount in words, an optional memo, and your signature. Get all six right and the check is valid. Here’s how to fill in each one correctly.
Fill In the Date
The date line sits in the upper right corner of the check. Write the current date in any standard format: 6/15/2025, June 15, 2025, or 06/15/2025 all work. This timestamps when you authorized the payment. Postdating a check (writing a future date) doesn’t guarantee a bank will wait to process it, so use today’s date unless you have a specific arrangement with the recipient.
Write the Payee Name
The line that starts with “Pay to the order of” is where you write the name of the person or organization you’re paying. Only the named payee can deposit, cash, or endorse the check to someone else. For a person, use their full legal name. For a business, use the official business name, which is usually the name on the bill or invoice you’re paying. If you’re unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient. A misspelled or incorrect payee name can cause problems at the bank.
Enter the Amount in Numbers
The small box to the right of the payee line (sometimes called the dollar box or courtesy box) is where you write the payment amount in numerals. Write the dollars and cents clearly: $1,250.75, for example. For round dollar amounts, include “.00” so nobody can alter the figure. Start writing as close to the dollar sign as possible to prevent anyone from adding digits in front of your number.
Interestingly, the number in this box is not the legal amount of your check. It’s there as a convenience. The legal amount is the one you write in words on the line below. If the two amounts don’t match, the written words take precedence.
Spell Out the Amount in Words
This is the most important line on the check because it determines the official payment amount. On the long line that ends with the word “Dollars,” write out the dollar amount in words and express the cents as a fraction over 100.
A few examples:
- $375.00 becomes “Three hundred seventy-five and 00/100”
- $375.62 becomes “Three hundred seventy-five and 62/100”
- $1,250.75 becomes “One thousand two hundred fifty and 75/100”
- $42.00 becomes “Forty-two and 00/100”
For zero cents, you can write “00/100,” “no/100,” or “xx/100” after the dollar amount. Any of these signals that no cents are included. After writing the amount, draw a line through the remaining empty space on the line so no one can add extra words to inflate the value.
Add a Memo
The memo line in the lower left corner is optional but useful. Write a brief note about what the payment is for: “June rent,” “Invoice #4821,” or “Birthday gift.” Some payees, like utility companies or government agencies, ask you to write your account number on this line so they can match your payment to your account. Even when it’s not required, a memo helps you remember what each check was for when you review your records later.
Sign the Check
The signature line in the lower right corner is the last field you fill in. Your check is not valid without your signature. Sign it the same way you signed the signature card when you opened your checking account. Save this step for last so you don’t accidentally sign a check before it’s completely filled out, which could create problems if the check is lost or stolen.
How to Fix a Mistake
If you make an error while writing a check, your safest option is to void it and start fresh. Write the word “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check. You can write it once across the entire face of the check or write it on each individual field: the date, payee, amount, and signature lines. Don’t write over the routing number or account number printed along the bottom edge, since those identify your bank account and may be needed for your records. Note the voided check number in your check register so you can account for it.
A voided check is also what employers and benefits providers often request when setting up direct deposit. The routing and account numbers on the bottom of the check tell them exactly where to send the money.
What Happens on the Back
If you’re on the receiving end, you’ll need to endorse the check before depositing it. Flip the check over and sign your name in the endorsement area, which is usually marked by a few lines or a gray shaded box at one end. If you’re depositing through a mobile banking app, many banks require you to write “For mobile deposit only” below your signature. Some banks want you to include the bank’s name as well, such as “For mobile deposit only at [Bank Name].” Check your bank’s app for specific instructions, since missing this step can delay your deposit or trigger a rejection.
Keeping Your Records Straight
Every time you write a check, record it in your check register or your own tracking system. Note the check number, the date, the payee, and the amount. This helps you keep your balance accurate and makes it easy to spot if a check hasn’t been cashed. Most checks are valid for six months, so if a check you wrote hasn’t cleared after a few months, follow up with the recipient. An old outstanding check can cause an unexpected hit to your balance when you’ve already mentally moved on from the expense.