Nowadays, in which debit cards, credit cards, online banking, and direct deposit dominate financial transactions, the method of writing checks might appear old-fashioned, but there are still people who believe that doing transactions through checks is a better option. Many People Still don’t depend on online transactions, which are risky for their accounts, so they mostly use checks.

However, writing checks is an essential skill. Whether to pay rent, make a down payment on a home, pay an EMI, Transfer Payment, or even send a cash gift by mail, checks offer a practical and often essential way to pay. 

Digital payments are convenient, but checks are still a reliable and cost-effective way to transfer money, so if you’re writing for the first time, then Mr. Addy will guide you through the right to write a check in just 8 Steps, and you will be the expert in writing a check. So let’s Start >

Write the DATE on the Check

STEP 1 ⇒ Take out one check from your checkbook and start writing. Begin with the date, which should be written in the format [DD-MM-YY]. For example, if today’s date is [current date], you would write it as [current date in [DD-MM-YYYY format]. Place the date in the top right corner of the check. For a visual guide, refer to the screenshot ⇑.

NAME of the Recipient

STEP 2 ⇒ On the left side of the check, you will see a line that says ‘PAY TO THE ORDER OF.’ This is where you write the Name of the person, firm, or company you want to pay. It’s Crucial to enter the Name correctly and accurately, without any corrections or multiple pens, as this could lead to issues with the Check.

There’s also an option to write ‘CASH’ on the ‘PAY TO THE ORDER OF’ line. This allows anyone to cash the check quickly, even if you’re not sure who to make the check out to. However, it’s important to note that this can be risky if the check is lost or stolen.

Ensure that all the information is carefully filled out without any errors. Any missing or incorrect information could lead to the check being cancelled, so it’s crucial to be diligent and accurate.

Enter Payment Details

STEP 3 ⇒ Use the Rectangular box on the right side of the check in the middle part, and write the Total AMOUNT in Numbers in Dollars, including cents. (ex – $999.23) ⇑.

Write Amount in Words

STEP 4 ⇒ Move to the left corner of the check, below the ‘PAY TO THE ORDER OF’ line. Here, you’ll write the payment amount in WORDS only, just as you did in the rectangular box on the right side of the check. Then, write the amount in words, making sure they match the numerical amount. For example, if the payment amount is $999.23, you would write ‘Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine and Twenty-Three Cents Only ‘.

Signing the Check

STEP 5 ⇒ Finally, once you fill out all the information, just review everything carefully to ensure everything is written correctly. Then, Do you Sign the check at the bottom right corner and mention your Name after you sign the check?

Memo Field Entry

STEP 7 ⇒ Write the Memo at the bottom of the Side. It is optional, but it will be helpful for you to understand later to match the purpose of the check used for the payment and also to track your monthly expenses.

Bank Routing & Account Number

STEP 8 ⇒ Bank Routing & Account Numbers are for the bank’s use. They are the series at the last left corner of the Check with your letter design.

Additional Tips

Make Sure you have Sufficient funds when you write a check for payment so that it does not get bounced, mostly in the case of Bill Payment or Transfer of Payment.

NO CASH – Writing a check to ‘CASH ‘is generally not recommended, as this allows anyone to cash the check, even if it’s not in their Name. This can be risky if the check is lost or stolen, as it could be cashed by someone other than the intended recipient. If you need cash, it’s safer to withdraw it from an ATM or make a self-payment at the bank.

Fountain Pain – Use a ball pen so that whatever detail you write in the check does not spread. This will also reduce the risk of altering the check amount and the Payee Name in case the check is stolen.

 Print Writing—Use the print method on blank checks, which is easy to write and clear. No one can alter it easily except the signature, which must be written manually. It also helps reduce the risk of writing the wrong amount.

Memo Record— Always keep a record of the memo field and enter all the transactions that are done by check so that it can help you manage your daily expenses and keep a record of tax information.

Bonus Tips

Blank Check – Don’t Leave your check by signing on it and without entering the amount and “PAY TO THE ORDER OF”, which can be a massive loss in future if someone steals your check or can easily alter your check and make your account empty.

Cross Check – check [√] all the details you’ve entered on the check before sending it. This simple act can give you a sense of confidence and control, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure its accuracy.

For deposit only – You can mention “for deposit only,” which will help prevent someone from cashing without you. The money can only be deposited in the Person’s or company’s Name.

Consistent signature— Always make sure you remember to sign the check because it’s the best part of your practice. No one can alter it easily, and the bank can quickly identify it if anything wrong happens with your bank account related to the check.

Photo Copy – Take out the carbon copies of your check. When you sign a check, remember what checks you have issued with the Name, amount, and signature, which is also legal proof of any loss you may suffer in the future.

Author Bio

Katie Dippold

Katie Dippold has a passion for writing engaging and informative content on a wide range of topics. Katie Dippold brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her writing. She is passionate about education, Gaming, sports, technology, Entertainment and many more. She has spent the last 9 Years