How to write a check: step-by-step with example
Quick answer: to write a check, fill in six things: 1) the date, 2) the payee’s name on the “Pay to the order of” line, 3) the amount in numbers in the box, 4) the amount in words on the line below, 5) a memo (optional) and 6) your signature at the bottom right. Then record it in your check register.
Step by step
| Step | Where | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Top right, date line | Today’s date | September 25, 2026 |
| 2 | “Pay to the order of” | Full name of the person or company | Riverside Property Management |
| 3 | Small box with $ | Amount in numbers | 1,245.50 |
| 4 | Line ending in “Dollars” | Amount in words, cents as a fraction | One thousand two hundred forty-five and 50/100 |
| 5 | Memo line, bottom left | Reason or account number (optional) | October rent, Apt 4B |
| 6 | Signature line, bottom right | Your usual signature |
Writing the amount correctly
The amount in words is the legal amount, so it matters most.
- Write cents as a fraction over 100: and 50/100. For a whole dollar amount write and 00/100.
- Start writing at the far left of the line so nothing can be added in front.
- Draw a line from the end of your words to the word “Dollars” so no one can add to it.
- Hyphenate numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine: “forty-five”.
| Amount | In words |
|---|---|
| $20.00 | Twenty and 00/100 |
| $75.25 | Seventy-five and 25/100 |
| $150.00 | One hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| $1,005.10 | One thousand five and 10/100 |
| $0.85 | Zero and 85/100 (or “Only 85 cents”) |
The numbers at the bottom of the check
The first 9 digits at the bottom left are your bank’s routing number, followed by your account number and the check number. See routing number vs account number.
Keep a record
Write the check number, date, payee and amount in your check register or banking app, and subtract it from your balance. The payee may not cash the check for days or weeks.
Tips to prevent check fraud
- Use a pen with dark, permanent ink.
- Never sign a blank check.
- Do not leave gaps in the payee or amount lines.
- For mailed checks, use a secure mailbox or drop mail at the post office. Check “washing” (erasing ink and rewriting) is a growing problem with mailed checks.
- Review your statements and report any unfamiliar checks quickly.
How to void a check
Write VOID in large letters across the front, without covering the routing and account numbers if you are giving it to an employer for direct deposit.
Endorsing a check you receive
Sign the back in the endorsement area. For mobile deposit, most banks also ask you to write “For mobile deposit only at [bank name]” under your signature.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write a check to myself? Yes. Write your own name as the payee and deposit it at another bank.
How long is a check valid? Banks are generally not required to cash a personal check more than 6 months old, though some will.
Can I postdate a check? You can write a future date, but banks may still process it early. Tell the payee not to deposit it until that date.