How to Write a Check: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Check: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need
- A checkbook from your bank
- A pen (preferably black or blue ink)
- The details of the person or business you’re paying
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Date
Location: Top right corner
Write the current date. This helps the recipient know when the check was issued. Format doesn’t matter much—April 18, 2025, 04/18/25, or 18/04/2025 all work fine.
2. Payee
Location: "Pay to the order of" line
Write the full name of the person or business you're paying. Be accurate—misspellings can cause issues.
Example: Pay to the order of John Doe
3. Amount in Numbers
Location: Small box on the right
Write the amount in numbers clearly, including cents. Always start right up against the left-hand edge to prevent fraud.
Example: $137.50
4. Amount in Words
Location: Line below the payee
Write the same amount in words. This helps prevent fraud or confusion. If the check is for a round number, add “and 00/100 dollars” to indicate zero cents.
Example: One hundred thirty-seven and 50/100 dollars
If there’s extra space, draw a line to the end to prevent tampering.
5. Memo (Optional)
Location: Bottom left corner
This is for your reference. You can note what the check is for—rent, birthday gift, invoice #, etc.
Example: Memo: April Rent
6. Signature
Location: Bottom right corner
Sign the check exactly as your name appears on the account. No signature = no money.
Final Checklist
- ✔️ All fields are filled in
- ✔️ Amounts match (numbers and words)
- ✔️ No extra blank spaces
- ✔️ Signature is present
Bonus Tip: Never sign a blank check, always use permanent ink, and keep a record in your check register or banking app.
How to Write a Check and Money Order: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need for Writing a Check
- A checkbook from your bank
- A pen (preferably black or blue ink)
- The details of the person or business you’re paying
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Write a Check
1. Date
Location: Top right corner
Write the current date. This helps the recipient know when the check was issued. Format doesn’t matter much—April 18, 2025, 04/18/25, or 18/04/2025 all work fine.
2. Payee
Location: "Pay to the order of" line
Write the full name of the person or business you're paying. Be accurate—misspellings can cause issues.
Example: Pay to the order of John Doe
3. Amount in Numbers
Location: Small box on the right
Write the amount in numbers clearly, including cents. Always start right up against the left-hand edge to prevent fraud.
Example: $137.50
4. Amount in Words
Location: Line below the payee
Write the same amount in words. This helps prevent fraud or confusion. If the check is for a round number, add “and 00/100 dollars” to indicate zero cents.
Example: One hundred thirty-seven and 50/100 dollars
If there’s extra space, draw a line to the end to prevent tampering.
5. Memo (Optional)
Location: Bottom left corner
This is for your reference. You can note what the check is for—rent, birthday gift, invoice #, etc.
Example: Memo: April Rent
6. Signature
Location: Bottom right corner
Sign the check exactly as your name appears on the account. No signature = no money.
Final Checklist for Writing a Check
- ✔️ All fields are filled in
- ✔️ Amounts match (numbers and words)
- ✔️ No extra blank spaces
- ✔️ Signature is present
Bonus Tip: Never sign a blank check, always use permanent ink, and keep a record in your check register or banking app.
How to Write a Money Order
Money orders are another safe way to make payments when you don’t have a checking account or prefer not to use a check. Here’s how to write a money order:
1. Payee
Location: "Pay to the order of" line
Write the full name of the recipient or business you're paying.
Example: Pay to the order of Jane Smith
2. Amount
Location: Amount box
Write the exact dollar amount in numbers. It’s also essential to fill in the amount in words in the “Amount in words” section.
Example: $500.00
3. Purchaser’s Address
Location: "From" or "Purchaser" section
Write your address (or the address of the sender), which helps track the money order in case of issues.
4. Signature
Location: Signature line
Sign the money order, just like you would with a check.
5. Additional Information (if required)
Location: Memo or Reference section
Some money orders may include a section for a memo or reference number. Fill it in if it’s necessary for the payment you’re making.
Example: Memo: Invoice #12345
Final Checklist for Writing a Money Order
- ✔️ Ensure you’ve written the amount in both numbers and words
- ✔️ Double-check that the recipient’s name is correct
- ✔️ Keep a receipt for your records
- ✔️ Make sure to sign the money order
Bonus Tip: Money orders are often used for large payments where credit cards or checks may not be accepted. Always keep your receipt in case of issues.
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