How to Write a Check | Easy Steps for Beginners in 2025

How to write a check might seem outdated in today’s era of online banking, debit cards, and credit cards. Yet, there are still many situations where a physical check is necessary—whether it’s paying rent, making a donation, or giving a thoughtful gift. Understanding how to properly write a check is a valuable skill that ensures your payments are accurate and secure.

This step-by-step guide will simplify the process of writing a check, including examples like writing a check with cents, handling amounts in the thousands, and writing checks with no cents at all. We’ll also address common questions, explain important terms like routing number, account number, and credit union, and share practical tips for tracking your payments.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident about writing checks for any purpose while keeping your financial records organized.

Introduction

Checks (sometimes spelled “cheques” in other parts of the world) are financial documents that instruct a bank or credit union to pay a specified amount of money from your checking account or money market account to the person or company whose name appears on the check. Although electronic transactions continue to grow in popularity, checks remain a widely recognized and accepted form of payment.

Why is it important to know how to write a check correctly?

Avoiding mistakes: Filling out a check improperly can lead to confusion, rejected payments, or even fraud.
Staying organized: Knowing the parts of a check and how to complete each will help you keep accurate records in your check register or online banking platform.
Building financial skills: Understanding checks is a part of basic money management. Knowing how to read a check, write a check, and keep track of your balance will serve you well in other areas of personal finance.

We’ll cover essential terms—like routing number, account number, and check number—along with tips on how to make out a check, how to sign a check, and how to fill a check out properly. We’ll also show you sample checks and explore how to write a memo on a check. Whether you’re writing a check for $10, $1,000, or $1,234.56, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Parts of a Check

Before you start writing, it’s useful to know the various parts of a check. A typical personal check will have the following key elements:

Date line (top right corner): This is where you write the current date (or sometimes a future date, called post-dating).
Pay to the order of (payee line): The line where you write the name of the person or business receiving the check.
Numeric amount box: The small box to the right, where you write the check amount in numbers (for example, 100.00).
Written amount line: The line below “Pay to the order of,” where you write out the check amount in words (for example, “One Hundred and 00/100”).
Memo line: The optional line in the lower left portion of the check where you can write a note about the payment’s purpose (e.g., “January rent” or “Birthday gift”).
Signature line: The line at the bottom right, where you sign the check.
Routing number: The nine-digit number usually found at the bottom left of the check. This number tells your financial institution (bank or credit union) which bank to send the check to for processing.
Account number: This number identifies which specific checking account or money market account the funds will come from.
Check number: This is usually found in the top right corner of the check and again at the bottom right side. It helps you (and your bank) track each check.

When you understand these parts, writing a check becomes much simpler. Let’s explore the step-by-step process in detail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Check

Step 1: Date the Check

In the upper right corner, you’ll find a blank space labeled “Date.” Write the current date in month/day/year format (for example, 01/03/2025). Using the current date is often the standard practice, though some people might post-date a check if they don’t have funds available until a specific day. However, note that banks are not always obligated to honor post-dated checks, so proceed with caution.

Step 2: Fill in the Payee’s Name

On the line that reads “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the person or company you want to pay. If the payee is a person, be sure to use the correct spelling. If the payee is a business, use the official name, such as “XYZ Corporation, Inc.” If you’re unsure, ask the person or business how they prefer the name to be written on the check.

Step 3: Write the Amount in Numbers

Next, find the small rectangular box to the right of the payee line. Write the payment amount in numbers, including dollars and cents (for example, $100.00). Make sure to write the dollar amount clearly and add decimal points correctly.

Step 4: Write the Amount in Words

Below the payee line, you will see a line meant for writing the amount in words. Start at the far left of this line and spell out the dollar amount. For instance, if you’re paying $100.00, you would write “One Hundred and 00/100” or “One Hundred and No/100.” If there are cents involved, include them by writing “and XX/100.” For example, $123.45 is “One Hundred Twenty-Three and 45/100.” This step is important because banks rely on the written portion if there is a discrepancy between the numeric box and the written words.

Step 5: Write a Memo (Optional)

The memo line, found in the lower left portion of the check, is optional. You can use it to note the purpose of the check. Examples: “Wedding Gift,” “Electric Bill,” or “Car Payment.” This is helpful for personal record-keeping, or for informing the payee about the reason for payment.

Step 6: Sign the Check

Finally, sign your name on the signature line in the bottom right corner of the check. Use the same signature that your bank or credit union has on file for your checking account. If you fail to sign the check, the payee won’t be able to cash or deposit it.

Step 7: Record the Check

Once you’ve written the check, it’s wise to record the payment in your check register (or an online banking transaction log). Write down the check number, date, payee, and amount. This helps you keep track of how much money is going out of your bank account and avoids overdrafts.

How to Write a Check With Cents

Writing a check that involves cents simply requires you to pay attention to both the numeric box and the written amount line:

Numeric amount box: Write the dollar amount, followed by a decimal point, followed by the cents. Example: $150.75.
Written amount line: Write out the dollar amount in words, followed by “and,” and then the cents in fraction form. For $150.75, write “One Hundred Fifty and 75/100.”

Remember that the fraction typically goes over “100” because 100 cents = 1 dollar. This is the standard format used by financial institutions.

How to Write a Check With Thousands and Cents

When your check amount is in the thousands and includes cents, the process remains essentially the same, but you will add the word “thousand” in your written amount:

Numeric amount box: For $1,234.56, you write “1234.56.”
Written amount line: Write “One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Four and 56/100.”

Some people prefer to hyphenate numbers like thirty-four (“thirty-four”) to make it clearer. It’s also common to include commas for clarity in the numeric section (e.g., $1,234.56).

Sample How to Write a Check

Below is a straightforward example of how the lines on a completed check might look. Let’s assume you are paying John Smith $1,234.56 for the rent:

Date: 01/03/2025
Pay to the order of: John Smith
Numeric amount box: $1,234.56
Written amount line: One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Four and 56/100
Memo: January Rent
Signature: (Sign your name here)

Always double-check each item before handing over or mailing the check. If there’s any inconsistency, your bank or credit union could reject the check or delay processing.

How to Write a Check With No Cents

Sometimes you may need to write a check for a whole dollar amount with no cents (for example, $100.00). Here’s how:

Numeric amount box: Write $100.00 (adding “.00” clarifies that there are no cents).
Written amount line: Write “One Hundred and 00/100,” “One Hundred and No/100,” or “One Hundred and xx/100.”

Including the “00/100” or “No/100” portion ensures that no one can alter your check easily by adding cents.

How to Write a Check to Someone

When writing a check to someone, follow the standard steps:

Put the date on the top right corner.
Write their name or their business’s name on the “Pay to the order of” line.
Enter the amount in numbers and words.
(Optional) Add a memo explaining the reason for the check.
Sign your name at the bottom.
Log the check in your check register or online banking.

If you’re paying a friend named Sarah Johnson, for instance, then “Pay to the order of: Sarah Johnson.” Check that the name matches her bank records so that she can deposit or cash the check smoothly.

How to Write a Check for $1,000

Writing a check for $1,000 uses the same procedure as any other check, just with the larger numeric amount:

Date: 01/03/2025
Pay to the order of: Name of Person or Business
Numeric amount box: $1,000.00
Written amount line: One Thousand and 00/100
Memo: (Optional)
Signature: Sign your name

Again, the biggest difference is making sure to carefully spell out “One Thousand and 00/100” to avoid confusion.

How to Write a Check to Yourself

Why would you write a check to yourself? Sometimes, people want to move money from one bank account to another but do not use electronic transfer. Or, you might not have immediate access to an ATM card. In these cases, you might write a check to yourself. The process is very simple:

Write your own name on the “Pay to the order of” line.
Complete the rest of the check (date, amount, words, memo, signature).
Deposit or cash the check at your bank or credit union.

Be sure that your account has enough funds to cover the amount of the check. Once deposited, it will typically take a few business days to clear, depending on the bank’s policies.

How to Write a Check Out (Paying a Bill or Making a Payment)

Sometimes people say “write a check out” meaning to “make out a check.” This is just another way of saying “fill out a check.” The steps are the same:

Enter the date.
Write the recipient’s name.
Write the amount in the numeric box and on the written line.
Sign and add a memo if needed.
Record the check.

Use a check register or online banking to make sure you know exactly when you sent the check and to whom.

How to Write a Check Without Cents

If you need to pay an exact dollar amount with no cents, write “.00” in the numeric amount box and “00/100” (or “No/100”) in the written line. For example:

Numeric amount box: $200.00
Written amount line: Two Hundred and 00/100

This helps protect you from someone attempting to alter the check by adding cents.

How to Write a Check (Chase or Any Bank)

Writing a check with Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other financial institution (including credit unions) is the same. The design of the checks might differ slightly, but the process remains identical:

Date: Top right corner.
Pay to the order of: Name of the recipient.
Numeric amount box: The dollar amount in numbers.
Written amount line: The dollar amount in words.
Memo: Optional, but recommended for clarity.
Signature: Sign your name.

Whether your check is from Chase or a local credit union, these steps do not change.

Common Questions About Writing Checks

Q1: What if I make a mistake on the check?

If it’s a small mistake (like writing the wrong memo or missing a letter in the payee name), you might be able to correct it by putting a single line through the mistake, writing the correction above, and initialing it. However, for significant mistakes (wrong amount, payee name, etc.), it’s safer to void the check and write a new one. To void a check, simply write “VOID” in large letters across the face of the check, and record that you voided it in your check register.

Q2: Where is the routing number on a check?

The routing number is usually the first sequence of nine digits on the bottom left of the check. It indicates the bank’s address for the Federal Reserve’s electronic network. Right next to it is your account number, which links the check to your personal or business account.

Q3: How do I write a memo on a check?

The memo line is in the lower left corner, labeled “Memo.” You can write a brief note about what the check is for, such as “Groceries” or “June Utilities.” It’s optional, but can be very helpful for you and the payee.

Q4: How do I sign a check properly?

Use the signature your bank has on file—usually your standard legal signature. Sign on the line in the bottom right corner. If the signature doesn’t match what the bank has on record, they might reject or hold the check.

Q5: What happens if I forget to sign a check?

The payee will not be able to cash or deposit it because an unsigned check is invalid. They will likely return it to you to complete your signature.

Q6: How do I write a check if I’m paying a bill by mail?

Follow the same steps as always. Often you’ll include a payment stub that has your account number with the company. Some bills may ask you to write your account number on the memo line to ensure your payment is credited correctly.

Q7: Is there a limit to how much I can write a check for?

Technically, you can write a check for any amount, as long as you have enough money in your account to cover it. For very large checks, the bank may place a hold on the funds until it can verify availability.

Keeping Track of Your Checks and Balances

Whether you’re writing one check a month or many checks each week, it’s crucial to track your spending. Here are some ways to manage your checks:

Check Register: Most checkbooks come with a small register in which you can record the check number, date, payee, and amount.
Online Banking: You can review your transaction history online if your financial institution offers it (which most do). This is great for double-checking that your check has cleared.
Bank Statements: Whether you receive a paper statement or view it online, keep an eye on your monthly statements to ensure every check matches your records.
Mobile Apps: Many banks have apps that let you see pending transactions, cleared checks, and up-to-date balances on your smartphone.

If you spot any discrepancies, contact your bank or credit union immediately. Regularly checking your account helps prevent fraud or mistakes.

How Long Is a Personal Check Good For?

Generally, a personal check is valid for six months (180 days) from the date written on it. After that, a bank may still cash it, but they aren’t required to. If you have an old check from someone, it’s wise to contact them before attempting to deposit it. For money orders or cashier’s checks, different rules may apply, so always review your financial institution’s policies.

Tips for Ordering Checks

If you’ve run out of checks, you can order more through your bank, credit union, or a third-party check printing service. Keep in mind:

Check customization: You can often pick designs, colors, and fonts.
Security features: Look for checks with security measures like watermarks and special ink.
Address accuracy: Double-check your name and address on the check. Also verify your routing and account number to avoid printing errors.
Quantity: Order enough checks to last, but not so many that your address or information becomes outdated.

How to Endorse a Check

While this guide focuses on writing checks, it’s also useful to know how to endorse them. When you receive a check and want to deposit or cash it:

Flip the check over.
Sign your name on the designated endorsement area.
Optionally, you can add “For deposit only” and your account number if you only want it deposited.

Endorsing your check correctly helps the bank confirm your identity and ensures the check goes to the right place.

Avoiding Common Errors

Forgetting the date: Always write the current date. Post-dating might not protect you from the check being cashed early.
Misspelling the payee’s name: Double-check the name, especially for businesses or individuals with unique spellings.
Illegible handwriting: Use clear, legible writing. If the bank can’t read it, they might reject the check.
Mismatch between numeric and written amounts: The bank will usually go by the written words, so make sure the numbers and words match.
Failing to sign: An unsigned check is invalid and cannot be cashed or deposited.
Not keeping a record: Always note the check number, amount, date, and payee in your check register or online banking to avoid confusion later.

Moving to Digital Alternatives

Though writing checks remains a valuable skill, you may find digital methods more convenient:

Online Bill Pay: Most banks let you schedule payments to companies and individuals directly from your account without writing a check.
Mobile Payments: Services like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle allow easy transfer of funds to friends and businesses.
Debit/Credit Cards: For everyday purchases, cards are often more convenient.

Still, there are times when a physical check is preferred or required, so mastering the art of check writing is always beneficial.

Sample Scenarios: Putting It All Together

Let’s walk through three sample scenarios to ensure you’re comfortable with the process:

Paying Your Landlord $1,250.00

Date: 01/03/2025
Pay to the order of: [Landlord’s Name or Property Management Company]
Numeric amount box: $1,250.00
Written amount line: One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty and 00/100
Memo: January Rent, Apt #4B
Signature: [Your Signature]
Record: Check #1001 in your check register.

Paying a Friend $47.50 for Dinner

Date: 01/03/2025
Pay to the order of: Sarah Johnson
Numeric amount box: $47.50
Written amount line: Forty-Seven and 50/100
Memo: Dinner Repayment
Signature: [Your Signature]
Record: Check #1002 in your check register.

Writing a Check to Yourself for $300.00

Date: 01/03/2025
Pay to the order of: [Your Name]
Numeric amount box: $300.00
Written amount line: Three Hundred and 00/100
Memo: Transfer to New Bank
Signature: [Your Signature]
Record: Check #1003 in your check register.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Double-check everything: The amount, the payee’s name, and the date. An extra moment to review can save a lot of trouble later.
Use consistent handwriting: Make it clear and legible.
Secure your checks: Store blank checks in a safe place where others cannot easily access them.
Consider ordering checks with built-in security features to reduce the risk of fraud.
Shred old checks: If they’re no longer in use (e.g., voided or outdated), properly destroy them so no one can misuse your banking information.
Ask questions: If you’re ever unsure how to write a check to a specific payee (like a government agency), reach out to the payee or your bank for help.

Conclusion

Writing a check may seem like a small part of personal finance, but it’s a critical skill that everyone should know. From paying bills to reimbursing friends and family, checks remain a trusted way to move money around. Whether you’re writing a check with cents, a check for thousands of dollars, or a check with no cents at all, the process is straightforward:

Date your check.
Write the name of the payee.
Enter the amount in numeric form.
Spell out the amount in words.
Add a memo if needed.
Sign your name.
Record the transaction.

Now that you understand how to write a check, you can handle various transactions with confidence. You’ll also appreciate the importance of good record-keeping, proper handwriting, and clarity to avoid mistakes. And even if digital payment methods are more common these days, knowing how to write a check is still a valuable—and sometimes essential—financial skill.

Use this guide as a reference whenever you need to write a check. If in doubt, review the steps, check for errors, and stay organized with a good system for tracking your finances. By doing so, you’ll always be prepared to make out a check for any situation that arises. Good luck and happy check writing!