Writing a Check:

In the age of digital banking, many people do not know how to physically write out a check. Checks are still relevant for many transactions that do not have access to digital banking.

   Photo source – mycreditunion.gov

How to Write a Check: {Always use a non-eraseable pen}

  1. Date: Enter the date mm/dd/yyyy – use today’s date – do not post-date a check.
  2. Pay to the Order of: Enter the name of the person or entity that you are paying (It is also a good security measure to draw a line after the name to the end of the section – this prevents anyone writing in an additional name on the check.)
  3. Amount as a Number: Enter the amount to be paid in numbers – include the cents as a decimal – eg. $241.37
  4. Amount as Words: Enter the amount to be paid in words – document the cents as a fraction– eg. Two Hundred Forty One and 37/100 (It is also a good security measure to draw a line after the amount to the end of the line – this prevents anyone from writing in an additional amount on the check.)
  5. Memo: Enter a short description of reason for the payment (eg. Credit card Payment: Acct Ending 0000)
  6. Signature: Make sure to sign the check. NEVER SIGN A BLANK CHECK!!   (A blank check could be filled out and cashed for any amount to any person if found.)

Additional information:

  1. Checking Account Holder’s Information: Area pre-printed with your name, address, and phone number
  2. Check Number: The number of the check (each check has a unique number for reference)
  3. Miscellaneous Information: Location codes for the financial institution and regional Federal Reserve Bank
  4. Financial Institution Information: Your Financial Institutions name and address
  5. Important Identifying Codes: Bank Routing number – followed by your account number.

**Always keep a record of the check and a running balance in your checkbook register. Document the date, check number, the person the check is written to, and the amount.

**The back of your check has an endorsement area where the person or entity must sign in order for the check to be processed.

**If you make a mistake, write VOID across the check, destroy it and write a new one.