How to write a check in 6 easy steps [+ Visuals]

Knowing how to write a check — and the anatomy of one — can also give payers control over the movement of their payment details, including important information like routing and account numbers. Mastering this simple skill can also help individuals handle finances with confidence and professionalism.

In this guide, learn how to fill out a check the right way, including best practices, and how to balance a checkbook.

Step #1. Date the check

The first step to learning how to properly write a check is dating it. To date a check, the writer simply needs to input the earliest date they would like the payee to cash it on the date line. Dating a check matters because it:

• Notes the specific date a check becomes valid
• Ensures the writer hasn’t written a bad check
• Provides details about when sufficient funds are available to complete the transaction

Most U.S. states allow postdating, but using this method to intentionally defraud or write a bad check could lead to significant penalties.

Tip: Written checks can expire after a certain timeframe, typically 180 days or six months. Including the date on the date line also helps payees know if a check is expired or depositable.

Step #2: Fill out the payee line

When writing a check, it’s crucial to fill out the “pay to the order of” line. Also known as the payee line, this tells the bank to whom it should make the check payable. It’s possible to cash third-party checks or write checks payable to “cash” or “bearer,” but this may make them less secure.

Step #3: Use numbers to write the payment amount

To indicate how much the check is for, the writer needs to fill out the dollar amount box. Payers should use this box under the date line to write the numerical payment amount. For example, if a payer writes a check for $100, they would simply put “100.00” in the dollar amount box.

Accurately listing the payment amount helps prevent the payee from cashing the incorrect or an unknown amount.

Step #4: Use words to write the payment amount

After writing the numerical payment amount, the payer needs to write out the dollar amount in words. This should match the amount written in numbers and will often supersede the numerical figure if they differ, working as a way to protect against check fraud.

This written amount should always include the number of cents on the check, whether writing a check with cents or not.

For example, if the check is for:

• Exactly $100 (no cents included), write “One hundred dollars and 00/100.”
• $100.89 (with cents included), write “One hundred dollars and 89/100.”

Step #5: Include a memo (optional)

A memo is not required when filling out a check, but it can be a helpful addition to remind the payer and payee what the check is for. This line is often indicated by the phrase “For” or “Memo” and can contain notations about rent payments, bonuses, and more.

How to balance a checkbook

After writing a check, the next step is balancing a checkbook. This can help prevent overdrafts, catch errors, and maintain a clear picture of cash flow. Whether someone is managing paper checks or digital transactions, this step ensures personal financial statements and records match the bank’s account.

Track monthly spending

Individuals should record every check purchase, withdrawal, or deposit in a checkbook register or financial tracking app. Consistent records and tracking monthly spending can give payers and payees a clearer picture of where their money is going each month.

This habit makes it easier to spot discrepancies, monitor check transactions and recurring payments, and adjust a budget as needed.

Compare transactions to the bank statement

By tracking monthly spending, users can compare transactions with monthly bank statements. This step requires individuals to look closely at each transaction to match dates and amounts, scan for unauthorized charges or errors, and confirm that checks have cleared.

Tip: Reconciling a checkbook should be a regular task. Ideally, individuals should do this once a month to help ensure financial records stay aligned with the bank’s.

Best practices for writing checks

Besides following the steps above for writing a check, there are a few other best practices to consider when filling out checks. Below are a few of the most common considerations:

• Use a pen: Using a pen with quick-drying and non-erasable ink can help prevent a check from being altered.
• Record each transaction: Use a checkbook register or app to track spending and record each written check.
• Protect your checkbook: Store checkbooks in a secure place, like a safe, to prevent check fraud and protect account details.
• Know how to write a void check: Writing a voided check can protect against fraudulent or mistaken transactions.

Use PayPal to manage checking and deposits

Whether the payer is writing a rent check or the payee is cashing a check at a bank, the steps for writing a check remain the same. Skipping a step or filling out a check incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings or the check being deemed illegitimate.

However, correctly writing a check can speed up money transfers, allowing payers and receivers to securely exchange funds.

Whether it’s your first time writing a check or it’s already a habit, simplify deposits with PayPal’s mobile check deposit.