Writing a check for the first time can be a challenge... but it doesn't need to be! All you need is your checkbook, a pen and your checkbook register. Here is how you can write a check in just a few, quick steps:
Once you've written your check, we recommend either using duplicate checks (where you have a carbon copy of the check you've just written) or recording the transaction in a checkbook register to track the payment when you balance your checkbook.
Learn How to Write and Deposit a Check
Did you know checks are still a relevant form of payment with billions written every year, yet not everyone knows how to write or deposit one into their account? Don't worry, we will show you. First, write the date in the upper right-hand corner. Then write the name of the person or business you're making the check out to. Write the dollar amount in the small box and then spell it out in the dollars line directly below the pay to the order of line. If space remains, draw a line to prevent tampering. Sign your name on the bottom right-hand line. You can also include a note for you or the payee on the memo line, or just leave it blank. If you make a mistake, void the check and start again. On the bottom of the check, you'll see the financial institution's routing number and your account number. You'll need both if you plan to set up direct deposit or electronic payments, plus the check number that will show up on your account statement.
Once you receive a check, you have a couple options. You can bring the check to your financial institution to cash or you can deposit it into your account. To cash your check at your financial institution, flip it over and sign the back in the designated area. To deposit your check into your account, write for deposit only and sign it.
If available, you can also use your financial institution's mobile app to mobile deposit your check. It is easy to do with these few steps. Sign the back of your check in the designated area and write for mobile deposit at your financial institution's name below your signature. Or if available, check the box on your signature and add your financial institution's name and the date. After you fill out the back of the check, simply follow the instructions on your financial institutions app. It can be as simple as taking a picture of the front and back of the check. Once you are finished, write mobile deposit and the date on the front of the check. Make sure to keep your check for at least five days to make sure the transaction post to your account, and then you can destroy it. If mobile deposit is not available, you can stop by an ATM or your financial institution, and then you're done. Easy, right?
For your reference, the below table contains the spelling of additional numbers that can be found when writing your check:
| 0 | zero |
|---|---|
| 1 | one |
| 2 | two |
| 3 | three |
| 4 | four |
| 5 | five |
| 6 | six |
| 7 | seven |
| 8 | eight |
| 9 | nine |
| 10 | ten |
| 11 | eleven |
| 12 | twelve |
| 13 | thirteen |
| 14 | fourteen |
| 15 | fifteen |
| 16 | sixteen |
| 17 | seventeen |
| 18 | eighteen |
| 19 | nineteen |
| 20 | twenty |
|---|---|
| 21 | twenty‑one |
| 22 | twenty‑two |
| 23 | twenty‑three |
| 24 | twenty‑four |
| 25 | twenty‑five |
| 26 | twenty‑six |
| 27 | twenty‑seven |
| 28 | twenty‑eight |
| 29 | twenty‑nine |
| 30 | thirty |
| 31 | thirty‑one |
| 32 | thirty‑two |
| 33 | thirty‑three |
| 34 | thirty‑four |
| 35 | thirty‑five |
| 36 | thirty‑six |
| 37 | thirty‑seven |
| 38 | thirty‑eight |
| 39 | thirty‑nine |
| 40 | forty |
|---|---|
| 41 | forty‑one |
| 42 | forty‑two |
| 43 | forty‑three |
| 44 | forty‑four |
| 45 | forty‑five |
| 46 | forty‑six |
| 47 | forty‑seven |
| 48 | forty‑eight |
| 49 | forty‑nine |
| 50 | fifty |
| 51 | fifty‑one |
| 52 | fifty‑two |
| 53 | fifty‑three |
| 54 | fifty‑four |
| 55 | fifty‑five |
| 56 | fifty‑six |
| 57 | fifty‑seven |
| 58 | fifty‑eight |
| 59 | fifty‑nine |
| 60 | sixty |
|---|---|
| 61 | sixty‑one |
| 62 | sixty‑two |
| 63 | sixty‑three |
| 64 | sixty‑four |
| 65 | sixty‑five |
| 66 | sixty‑six |
| 67 | sixty‑seven |
| 68 | sixty‑eight |
| 69 | sixty‑nine |
| 70 | seventy |
| 71 | seventy‑one |
| 72 | seventy‑two |
| 73 | seventy‑three |
| 74 | seventy‑four |
| 75 | seventy‑five |
| 76 | seventy‑six |
| 77 | seventy‑seven |
| 78 | seventy‑eight |
| 79 | seventy‑nine |
| 80 | eighty |
|---|---|
| 81 | eighty‑one |
| 82 | eighty‑two |
| 83 | eighty‑three |
| 84 | eighty‑four |
| 85 | eighty‑five |
| 86 | eighty‑six |
| 87 | eighty‑seven |
| 88 | eighty‑eight |
| 89 | eighty‑nine |
| 90 | ninety |
| 91 | ninety‑one |
| 92 | ninety‑two |
| 93 | ninety‑three |
| 94 | ninety‑four |
| 95 | ninety‑five |
| 96 | ninety‑six |
| 97 | ninety‑seven |
| 98 | ninety‑eight |
| 99 | ninety‑nine |
| 100 | one hundred |
|---|---|
| 200 | two hundred |
| 300 | three hundred |
| 400 | four hundred |
| 500 | five hundred |
| 600 | six hundred |
| 700 | seven hundred |
| 800 | eight hundred |
| 900 | nine hundred |
| 1,000 | one thousand |
| 2,000 | two thousand |
| 3,000 | three thousand |
| 4,000 | four thousand |
| 5,000 | five thousand |
| 6,000 | six thousand |
| 7,000 | seven thousand |
| 8,000 | eight thousand |
| 9,000 | nine thousand |
| 10,000 | ten thousand |
| 100,000 | one hundred thousand |
We're happy you're here and hope this article helped you learn about checks! To discover even more about why checks are a great choice, continue reading with these articles: