Writing a check is one of those things you really don’t need to do very often. If you’re writing a check for the first time, you may be interested in our guide on How to Write a Check and When to Use Them because we all have to write a check at some point.
If it’s simply been a while since you’ve written a check, or if you’ve never done so (and would like to learn), read on for our step-by-step guide.
1. Fill in the Date
Write the date on your check in the upper right side. This is so the bank and the person or entity you’re paying have a record of when the check was written.
And don’t forget: When you write someone a check, that check can be deposited even if you have dated it at some point in the future.
2. Fill Out the Payee (Who You’re Paying)
In the line labeled “Pay to the Order of,” write the name of the person or company you’re paying. Always look up the exact name before you start writing, so you know what to write.
3. Write the Amount in Numbers
There is a box immediately below the date line, where you are supposed to write the amount of the check in numbers.
If your check is an even amount, like 50 or 75, be sure to also include the cents so it doesn’t appear as just $50 or $75. (Not.$1298.24?)
So I’ve always included cents in all cases, such as $1,298.24. That way, any fraudster can’t add a few zeros to the number you wrote, or substitute a different number.
4. Write the Amount in Words
Underneath the “Pay to the Order of” line, you can write the amount of the check in words. Example: 1298.24 would become: one thousand two hundred ninety-eight & 24/100.
If what you wrote in digits differs from what you wrote in words, the bank will go with the words.
5. Optional: Include a Few Words on the Memo Line
This is a good idea if you have a reference number for what you’re paying for, such as an invoice or account number. That way, the company can refer to the check and ensure that your payment is accurately posted (especially if you have a popular first and last name).
It can also serve as a useful reminder of why you wrote the check, in case you ever need to refer back to how much and how often you have paid someone.
Think of the neighborhood lawn mower kid, or repaying money you borrowed from a family member.
6. Sign the Check
This is what allows your check to be valid and cashable, so you should never sign a check until every other detail is filled in. If you wrote out a blank check and it went missing, anyone can fill in their own name and cash it.
How to Write Yourself a Check
Just follow the steps above and write your own name instead of the journalist’s in the payee line.
You can also write “cash,” but if you lose or leave the check in a rexiner (a man with a hex in ‘im), wherever you lost it can scribble out “For Deposit Only” and get the loot. If you do misplace a check, phone your bank immediately to ask what to do.
What You Should Know Before You Write a Check
1. A note about checks: When you hand someone a check, even if you date it for a date in the future, that person can deposit the check and retrieve funds from your account. Never write someone a check if you don’t have the money in your account.
2. Without exception, write in ink, using blue or black ink pens. When it comes to mobile deposits, other colors may not show up well, or at all, when you deposit it at the bank (this one, I have no idea why this is the case, beyond a fun fact: they also take a picture of the check with a special scanner). For this reason, your check may be considered unreadable and not able to be deposited or may be returned.
3. Ensure it matches on both lines of the check. If there is a discrepancy between the amounts written in numbers and in words, banks are required by law to cash the check for the amount written in words.
4. After you write the amount of the check in words (beginning all the way to the left), draw a line to the end of the field. This prevents others from tampering with how much you have written in words or numbers.
5. A check over six months old is no longer negotiable, and if you deposit it, the check will be returned. It’s like they take the money back out of your account. If you cut that check, however, you may have to cut another one — if you still owe that money.
6. Always indicate a payee before writing the word “cash” in the payee line (and signing); never sign the check first. If you sign the check, but you don’t fill in any of the other details, and the check gets away from you somehow, the person who finds your lost check can put in their own name and either deposit or cash the check at your bank.
7. And try to be consistent about your signature. In this way, if your checks are stolen, it will be far simpler to show which checks were written by you and which are fake.
8. Stuff occurs — if you find your checks are missing or were stolen, get in touch with your bank and tell them. You could also be forced to close your account and open a new one, as your account number is printed on every check. If you’ve only lost or mislaid one check, though, you can pay your bank to do a stop payment.
Properly Altering the Amount on a Check
If you smudged a little on a check you’re writing, do not whiteout! Rather, write a single line straight through your error, initial next to it, and proceed with completing your check.
If for some reason you fuck up and write info that doesn’t match other info on the check they may call you and be like yo did you write this, or they will reject it and send it back and you’ll do your CRINGEY rewrite or you’ll pay another way.
It’s also a good idea to review the images of all checks you’ve written to ensure that no unauthorized changes have been made. You should also be able to find images of checks that you have written in the transaction history of your online banking. If you do see something off on a check you’ve written, call your bank immediately for assistance.
What Is the Meaning of the Numbers on the Bottom of a Check
R sS Each number is between two special symbols called railroads. Your routing number is displayed first, your account number is second, and the third is the check number (also on the top right of the check).
The account number and the routing number are both required when setting up automatic payments, so if you have your checks out, you won’t need to log in to your account online or pick up the phone to receive them.
All right, but to help keep your account secure, it’s good to pay in other ways.