How to Write a Check

Every personal check has the same six spaces for you to fill in, plus some printed numbers at the bottom.

Printed along the bottom are your bank's routing number (9 digits), your account number, and the check number, which also appears in the top right corner. You'll need the routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit.

Use a pen with blue or black ink, never pencil or erasable ink.

1. Date. Write today's date, like 10/13/2026 or October 13, 2026.
2. Payee. Write the full name of the person or company exactly, like Maria Lopez or City of Springfield Water Dept. Ask if you're unsure what name to use. Never write “Cash” unless you mean it: anyone holding it could cash it.
3. Amount in numbers. In the box, write the amount close to the dollar sign so nothing can be added in front: 125.50. Always include the cents, even if it's .00.
4. Amount in words. On the long line, write the dollars in words and the cents as a fraction over 100: One hundred twenty-five and 50/100. Start at the far left and draw a line through any leftover space up to the word “Dollars.”
5. Memo. Optional, but helpful: October rent, Apt 4B or an account or invoice number.
6. Sign. Sign the bottom right line the same way your name appears on the account. Sign last, after everything else is filled in.

Never sign a blank check. Anyone who gets it can fill in any amount. And don't leave gaps: empty space on the payee or amount line is where someone could add to it.

The written amount is the legal amount of the check. If the words and numbers don't match, the bank goes by the words, or may refuse the check. So it's worth getting right.

• Hyphenate 21 to 99: twenty-one, forty-five, ninety-nine.
• Use “and” only once, before the cents: One thousand two hundred five and 00/100, not “one thousand two hundred and five.”
• Cents go over 100: $7.05 is Seven and 05/100. No cents? Write and 00/100 or and no/100.
• Under a dollar: $0.75 is Zero and 75/100, though most people just pay that in cash.

Void a check

An employer or a company setting up automatic payments may ask for a voided check so they can copy your routing and account numbers. Also void any check you mess up.

1. Write VOID in large letters across the front in pen. Don't cover the numbers along the bottom if someone needs to read them.
2. Write “VOID” in your check register next to that check number.
3. Once it's no longer needed, shred it or cut it up. If that check number ever shows up as paid, call your bank right away.

Endorse a check you received

Before you can deposit or cash a check made out to you, you sign the back in the endorsement area near the top, on the left end. Don't write below the line that says not to.

Use the live check writer above and tap “Back (endorse)” to see where each endorsement goes.

A check doesn't come out of your account until the other person deposits it, which could be days or weeks later. If you only look at your bank balance, you might spend money that's already promised. A check register fixes that: the small booklet in your checkbook, a notes app or a spreadsheet.

1. Write it down right away: check number, date, payee and amount.
2. Keep a running balance: subtract each check, debit card payment and fee; add each deposit.
3. Reconcile monthly: when your statement arrives, tick off each item that cleared. Checks that haven't cleared yet are outstanding.
4. Check the math: statement balance − outstanding checks + deposits not yet shown should equal your register balance. If not, look for a missed fee or a typo, and call the bank if you spot an error.