To write a check, use a pen with permanent ink and fill in six fields: the date in the top right, the payee after "Pay to the order of," the amount in numbers in the box, the amount in words on the line below, an optional memo at the bottom left, and your signature at the bottom right. Leave no blank space where someone could add digits.
This guide goes field by field with a worked example, then lists the mistakes that cause rejected or altered checks. If you would rather print checks than write them by hand, see how to print a check from your computer.
What are the parts of a check?
A standard business check is 8.5 x 3.5 inches; a personal wallet check is smaller, usually about 6 x 2.75 inches. Either way, the layout is the same. Your name and address are at the top left, the check number at the top right, then the date, the payee line, the amount box, the amount in words, the memo line, the signature line and, along the bottom, the MICR line with the routing number, account number and check number.
- Date. Top right.
- Pay to the order of. The payee line.
- Numeric amount. The box to the right of the payee line, usually with a dollar sign printed.
- Written amount. The line below the payee, ending with "Dollars."
- Memo. Bottom left, optional.
- Signature. Bottom right.
- MICR line. The numbers along the bottom edge. Do not write on it.
How do you fill out a check, step by step?
- Use a good pen. Pick a black or blue ballpoint or gel pen with permanent ink. Avoid pencil and erasable pens.
- Write the date. Put today's date in the top right in a clear format, such as March 15, 2025 or 03/15/2025. See where to write the date on a check.
- Write the payee. After "Pay to the order of," write the person or business name exactly as they use it. Use the full legal name where you can. See where to write the payee on a check.
- Write the amount in numbers. In the box, start close to the left edge so no one can add a digit, and include the cents: 1,250.00.
- Write the amount in words. On the line below, write the dollars in words and the cents as a fraction over 100: One thousand two hundred fifty and 00/100. Draw a line through any remaining space. See how to write the amount in words on a check.
- Add a memo. Write what the check is for, such as an invoice number or month. It is optional but useful for your records. See what is the memo line on a check.
- Sign the check. Sign on the line using the same signature your bank has on file. A check without a valid signature is not good. See where to sign a check.
- Record it. Write the check number, date, payee and amount in your register or check stub before you hand it over.
What does a completed check look like?
Suppose you owe Maple Street Plumbing $1,250.00 for invoice 4471. Here is how each field reads on a finished check.
| Field | What you write |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2025 |
| Pay to the order of | Maple Street Plumbing |
| Amount in numbers | 1,250.00 |
| Amount in words | One thousand two hundred fifty and 00/100 ------- Dollars |
| Memo | Invoice 4471 |
| Signature | Your signature, as it appears on file with the bank |
Notice the cents are written as 00/100 even though the amount is a whole number, and the dashes after the words fill the space. Both habits make the check harder to alter.
What if the numbers and words do not match?
The written amount is the one that should govern. When the numeric amount and the words disagree, banks generally pay the written amount, though some return the check for clarification. Either way you get delay and possibly a fee, so read both lines again before you sign. Do not rely on the bank to choose the one you meant.
What are the most common mistakes when writing a check?
- Leaving gaps. Space before the number or after the words invites alteration. Start at the left edge and fill the remaining line with a dash.
- Forgetting the cents. Write .00 or 00/100 even for whole amounts.
- Misspelling the payee. If the name is wrong, the payee may not be able to deposit it.
- Using the wrong date. Post-dating can cause confusion, and a stale date may be refused. Banks vary on how they handle old dates, so confirm with yours.
- Signing before filling it out. A signed blank check is an open invitation.
- Skipping the record. Without a register entry you can overdraw without noticing.
What should you do if you make a mistake?
Do not cross out, overwrite or use correction fluid. Banks may reject an altered check, and a corrected check is a fraud risk. Write VOID across the face, keep the spoiled check with your records, note the check number in your register as voided, and write a new check with the next number. Our guide to correcting a mistake on a printed check explains the process and the rare exceptions.
How should you protect yourself when writing checks?
- Store your checkbook out of sight and keep a count of unused checks.
- Avoid mailing checks from an unlocked mailbox where possible.
- Do not write your account number anywhere except on the check itself.
- Review your bank statement monthly and compare it against your register.
- Know your check number sequence and notice any gap.
If you write the same kinds of checks repeatedly, Check Writer 123 can print them for you: it generates the amount in words automatically, assigns check numbers, remembers saved payees and keeps a searchable register. Writing by hand remains perfectly fine for occasional checks.
Putting it together
Writing a check correctly comes down to six fields, a permanent pen and no empty space. Fill in the date, the payee, the numbers, the words, a memo and your signature, then record the check before it leaves your hands. Once you are writing many, consider printing them instead and start with how to print a check from your computer.