How to Write Postdated Checks

Your postdated check commits to pay an obligation at some future date.

A postdated check is every bit a check, except that you date it for some time in the future. While convenient and valid for any number of reasons, postdated checks can lead to legal complications from actions taken by your payee or bank. To cover your bases, make sure you highlight your postdating on your check and notify your bank that it is forthcoming.

Instructions

Write Your Check

1. Postdate your check by writing a future date on the dateline. For instance, if today is Jan. 9, 2011, but you do not expect to have sufficient funds in the bank to cover your check until later, write, "Feb. 9, 2011" (all writing without quotation marks) on the dateline. Clearly write the word "Postdated" above the date.

2. Write the name of your payee, or the person or organization that will receive your check, on the blank line preceded by the words "Payable to" or "Pay to the order of."

3. Write the amount of your check numerically on the line or box with the "$" sign. For instance, $142.53."

4. Write the amount of your check in longhand on the line preceded by the words "The sum of" and ending in the word "Dollars." Use words to describe the amount before the decimal point, a fraction for the amount after the decimal point, and substitute the decimal point with the word "and." For example, write "One hundred forty two and 53/100." Next, either draw a line through the rest of the space or end your amount description with the word "only" or "exactly"; this will prevent anyone from adding any more to your check's amount.

5. Sign your check on the signature line to make it legal. Optionally, write the purpose of your check on the "Memo" line beside below your signature, if you have one. For example, write "Final payment for school books."

Notify Your Bank

1. Contact or visit your bank to advise it of your postdated check. Do this before the bank receives the check; the more advanced your notice, the better.

2. Provide your bank with details of your postdated check. Include your name, bank account number and your check's date, check number, amount and payee.

3. Follow up your verbal notification in writing. You may do this with a formal letter or email that repeats all the information in Step 2. If you can access your account online and post a message, do so. In any event, keep a written record of your notification.

Tips & Warnings

• Postdated checks, though convenient in some circumstances, can lead to legal complications if the payee tries to negotiate the check before the date on it. Avoid postdating your checks if you can.

• If your bank cashes your postdated check before the check date, even after you gave it due notice, contact the bank immediately. You may need an attorney to advise you of your rights under banking laws and regulations.

• Your bank and payee may impose additional fees and penalties if your postdated check cannot be covered by the funds in your bank account.

References

• LegalMatch: What Is a Postdated Check?
• Ian's Messy Desk: How to Write a Check
• Financial Web: Be Careful With Postdated Checks