How to Write a Check in 5 Simple Steps [Examples + Images]

Digital payments have become an integral part of our daily lives. From debit cards to online payments, technology has revolutionized financial transaction handling. In fact, the mere thought of check writing often feels like a page out of a history book.

However, there are several situations in life where writing a check is necessary. Paying rent, making a charitable donation, or buying from a small business are all examples of times when putting pen to paper may be the only available option.

Read on to learn more and view samples of how to write a check.

Step-By-Step Guide to Check Writing

Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial when filling out a check. Follow these five important steps to ensure you do it correctly:

Step 1: Add the Date

First, you’ll need to fill in the date you want the other party to get paid. Format it as mm/dd/yyyy. For instance, write “01/15/2025” if you’re writing the check on January 15, 2025.

You can also specify a future payment time. This is often called “postdating,” and the bank will not release the funds until then. Avoid using past dates, as they can cause processing issues.

Step 2: Fill in the Payee Information

The field starting with “Pay to the Order of” is often called the payee field. Write the name of the party you wish to pay on this line. Use clear and legible handwriting, and ensure you use the official person’s name or business name.

If you’re paying a business, it’s often best to call and confirm precisely what to write in this section. Some banks or credit unions are often very strict and require exact name matches. Confirming this info beforehand can save time and potential headaches.

Step 3: Write the Dollar Amount

This section tells the bank how much you want to pay the other party. Write in numericals only—for example, “100” means the check is worth $100. People sometimes add a long dash after the last number to prevent anyone from maliciously altering the dollar amount. Be sure to use commas and decimal points to separate dollars and cents.

Step 4: Write the Written Amount

Match the written amount to the numerical dollar amount exactly to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes. Be sure to use clear handwriting and spell out amounts in words instead of numerals for clarity purposes.

For example, if the numerical dollar amount is $1000.50, you would write “One Thousand Dollars” followed by the fraction “50/100” to represent the cents. Alternatively, you can also write the words “One Thousand Dollars and fifty cents” without adding the fraction.

Step 5: Sign Your Name

Your signature is your endorsement that the payment is valid and authorized. Sign your name as it appears on your bank account. Never sign a blank check, which can be risky and potentially fraudulent. If you need to issue a new one, use a new check number and update the date accordingly.

The Back of a Check

You won’t need to fill out the reverse side when writing a check. However, it’s good to know what these fields are for:

Endorsement Area: Where the payee signs to authorize the check.
Deposit Information: Where the bank stamps details of the deposit.
Security Features: Prevent fraud and unauthorized alterations.
MICR Line: Contains encoded bank and account information.

Examples of Writing a Check

Different payment scenarios require specific approaches. Here are a few examples to help you write accurate payments in various situations.

How to Write a Check with Cents

There are two ways to write a check with cents. You can write out the entire amount in words or add a fraction at the end. For example, both of these are valid for writing $10.50:

Ten dollars and fifty cents
Ten dollars and 50/100

How to Write a Check with No Cents

Write the dollar amount in words on the line below the numerical amount. For example, Fifty Dollars. However, you can also write it as Fifty dollars and 00/100.

How to Write a Void Check

You may need to provide a voided check to set up direct deposit or automatic payments with a company. Start by writing “VOID” across the face of the check in large letters using a pen. This indicates that the payment is no longer valid and should not be processed. Make sure to record the voided check in your register with the date and reason for voiding.

What to Do After Writing a Check

After writing a check, recording it in a check register is essential. This helps you keep track of your finances and ensures that you don’t forget about the payment. A check register is a simple tool that allows you to log each check you write, including the date, payee, and amount.

Record the check as soon as possible to avoid forgetting. Keep your check register in a safe and secure location to prevent it from being lost or stolen.

Check Writing Tips

Here are some essential tips to help you write a check correctly and avoid common mistakes:

Draw a line at the end of the amount on your check to safeguard against fraud. This simple step prevents tampering and ensures correct payment processing.
Fill in the amount before signing your check. Leaving the amount blank puts you at risk, as the payee could fill in any amount they choose.
Use a pen instead of a pencil when writing checks. Pens prevent erasures, and keeping your checks in a safe and secure location maintains accuracy and security.
Choose the right pen for writing checks. Blue or black ink pens are easy to read and less prone to fading. Red ink, on the other hand, can be difficult to read and may not photocopy well.
Store your checks securely, such as in a locked box or fireproof safe. This protects them from theft, damage, or loss.

Following these check-writing tips and guidelines ensures that your checks are accurate, secure, and processed correctly.

From Blank Check to Valid Payment

Checks will still be around in the foreseeable future. The above tips and best practices will make writing a check for personal or business reasons very easy.

Get in touch with us below if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the checking accounts Freedom Credit Union has to offer.