Check Writing Guide: How to Write a Check Correctly

Writing a check is simple.

When you open a bank account you are given checks to use. A check is a form you fill out that transfers funds from your account to the account of the payee – the person to whom you write the check. As long as you have the funds in your bank account you can write a check in any denomination to any payee. However, if your check is not correctly written in cannot be deposited into the payee's account or cashed by your bank.

Step 1

Write the date in the upper right corner of your check on the line titled, "Date." On the following line, which is titled, "Pay to the Order of," write the name of the person or business to whom you are paying.

Step 2

Input the dollar amount of the check in the box next to the "Pay to" line. If you are writing a $1600 check, you would write 1600.00. There is no need to write your own dollar sign as there is one written in front of the box.

Step 3

Write the amount of the check in full on the following line. For example, write "sixteen hundred zero dollars" or "one thousand six hundred dollars." To indicate any change on your check you need to write "And zero/100" after the dollar amount.

Step 4

Sign your check on the line at the bottom right corner of the check. If you are paying a bill you should write your account number on the line at the bottom left corner of your check.