If you haven't written 1 in a while (or ever), here is a handy guide on how to write a bank check.

picture of a check
Photo past Adobe Stock/Analogy by Bankrate

Steps to make full out a bank check

Many consumers send money electronically these days, but occasionally it may nevertheless be necessary to pay by cheque. Checks can exist ordered from banks or third-political party printers. Hither are the steps to fill ane out.

ane. Fill in the appointment

Write the current appointment on the line at the elevation right-paw corner. This information notifies the fiscal institution and the recipient of when you lot wrote it. The appointment tin be written in long form or all numbers. Either 6/14/2022 or June fourteen, 2022, could work, for case.

2. Write the proper noun of the payee

On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the proper name of the individual or company you'd similar to pay, known as the payee. Utilise the payee's full proper noun instead of a nickname.

If you don't know the exact proper noun, you can write "greenbacks." Be aware that if a check is made out to greenbacks, anyone can cash or eolith information technology.

3. Write the cheque amount in numeric form

There are 2 spots on a cheque for stating the amount y'all're paying. The offset is a small box to the correct of the line for the recipient's proper name.

Write the numerical dollar amount in this box. For example, you may write $100.30 if you wish to write a cheque for one hundred dollars and xxx cents. Make sure you write this clearly then that the bank can subtract the right amount from your business relationship.

4. Write the bank check corporeality in words

Next, write out the dollar amount in words on the line below "Pay to the society of," making sure it matches the numerical corporeality.

Add the cent amount over 100. For instance, if you lot wrote $100.30 in the box, you'll write "I hundred and xxx/100." If the check is for $100 or some other round number, still include 00/100 for clarity.

five. Write a memo

The memo department of the check is optional, but it's good idea to fill information technology out because it tin serve as a reminder of what the check was for.

If you're writing the check to pay for your for a haircut, for example, you lot can write "haircut." If the check'southward for a neb payment, write your account number in the memo area.

A company may ask you to write your business relationship number or invoice number in this section, which helps ensure the payment is applied to the correct account.

6. Sign the check

Sign your name on the line at the check's lesser right manus corner.

Sign legibly and make certain to use the same signature on file at your bank. A signature confirms to the depository financial institution that you agree to pay the stated amount to the payee. That'south information technology, your check should be all gear up to make a payment! (You may also want to check out Bankrate's list of the best checking accounts.)

–Freelance writer Anna Baluch contributed to a previous version of this commodity.