How to Write a Check for $101.54

Fill out your checks properly to ensure your money gets where it needs to go.

Writing personal checks has become less common than in the past, but certain expenses still must be paid by check. Mistakes on a check can cause processing delays and could even result in extra costs, such as late fees or other penalties. Write legibly, in ink, and fill in all of the blanks. If you make a mistake on the check, you may cross out the incorrect information and initial the change or simply write "void" on the check and start over.

Instructions

1. Fill in the date in the upper right hand corner of the check. Writing a future date is called "post-dating," and may be used as a cue to the payee as to when to cash the check. However, post-dating is unlikely to prevent the check from being cashed early since checks are valid as soon as they are signed.

2. Write the name of the person or business (the payee) receiving the payment. Write the name on the line after "Pay to the order of."

3. Write in the amount in numerical format, in dollars and cents, in the box to the right of the payee's name. In this case, write in: $101.54.

4. Write the full amount in words on the line under the payees name. In this example, write: One hundred one dollars and fifty-four cents. If there is space remaining on this line, draw a line from the last word up to where the check states the word "Dollars" in order to avoid someone else from adding additional amounts.

5. Write the intended purpose of the check on the line near the lower left hand corner of the check. For example, if the check is intended to pay your rent, you could write "January Rent."

6. Sign the check using your official signature on the line nearest the lower right hand corner, to the right of the memo line. The check is ready to be delivered to the payee.

Tips & Warnings

• Write the amount, the recipient name, the intended purpose and the date of the check in the accompanying logbook to record your expenses.

• Some banks may allow account-holders to register a post-dated check to prevent it from being cashed early. The bank must have plenty of notice to do this.

• Checks are legal tender once signed; be certain of all the details before signing and delivering the check.

• Cashed checks can be retrieved from your bank if requested.

References

• Boston Teach; How to Write a Check; Valerie Wong
• The Beehive: How to Write a Check