Although checks are less common than they once were, they are still widely used, even in today’s computerized world. Although paper checks can be used to move cash, they are still a reasonable option. However, you probably don’t have the time or the desire to look at them every day.
This tutorial will show you how to write a check. You can go through each step individually or use the example below as a guide for writing the checks. As long as you don’t miss any important information, you can go through the steps in any order that suits your needs. This example will show you how to move from the top end of a check down to the bottom. This should allow you not to skip any steps.
Follow the steps below using the image as a guide.
Current date – Write this in the upper right-hand corner. Most cases will use today’s date. This helps both you and your recipient keep accurate records. Although you can postdate the check, it may not always work as expected.
Payee – On the line that reads “Pay to the Order of”, write the name and address of the person or organization you are paying. If you are unsure what to write, ask the question “Who do I make my check out to?”
Enter the amount in numeric format. Write as far as you can to the left. To prevent fraud, the “8” in a payment for $8.15 should be placed right against the dollar box’s left border. Here are some examples of how you can write the amount.
The amount in words. Use words to describe the amount and avoid confusion. This is the official amount for your payment. This amount will be legally the amount of your check if it is not the same as the numeric amount that you entered in step 1. You should use all capital letters as they are more difficult to change.
Signature Sign the check-in legibly on the bottom-right corner. Make sure to use the same name and signature as your bank. This is a crucial step. A check won’t be valid if there isn’t a signature.
Memo (or “For”) line: If you like, include a note. This step is optional and will have no effect on how the bank processes your check. You can add a note to the memo line reminding you why you wrote the check. You can also write information that your payee will need to process your payment or locate your account in case anything is misplaced. This is where you can write your Social Security Number or an account number to pay the IRS.
Make a note of each installment after you have completed the check. This can be done in a check register, electronic, or on paper. You won’t spend the cash twice by recording the installment. The assets will still be accessible until the check has been stored or modified, which could take some time. It is a good idea to make a note of the installment as soon as it occurs.
Before you write a check make sure it is something that you really need to do. It’s cumbersome and not the most efficient way to move your money. There are other options available that can make your life easier, and save you money. For example, you can:
- You can pay your bills online and tell your bank to automatically send you a check each month. The check will be delivered to you electronically.
- You can also get a debit card to spend with. The same account will be used to pay, but it will be done electronically. You don’t need to use up any checks (which will have to be re-ordered), and you will have an electronic record of your transaction, including the name of the payee, the date, and the amount.
- You can set up automatic payments to pay regular bills or insurance premiums. This is a great way to make your life easier and save money. Make sure you have enough money in your bank account to pay the bill.
Whatever method you use to pay, ensure you have enough funds in your checking account. You could have problems with your payments, such as high fees or legal issues if you don’t have enough funds.
02. In your Check Register, record the payment
Keep a log of each check that you make in a checkbook. This will enable you to:
- Keep track of your spending to avoid bounce checks
- You should know where your money is going. The bank statement might only contain the amount and check number, but not any description of the person who wrote it.
- Detect identity theft and fraud in your checking account.
When you received your checkbook, you should have been given a check register. You can make your own check register using paper or a spreadsheet if you don’t already have one.
Copy all the important information from your check to
- The check number
- The date you wrote the check
- Please describe the transaction and who wrote the check.
- What was the amount of the payment?
A diagram of the various parts of a check will provide more information.
To balance your checking account, you can use your registration. Double-checking transactions in your bank account is a practice that ensures you and the bank are on the right page. This will let you know if your account is in error and if anyone has not deposited a check that you wrote. It will also help you to believe that you have more money available.
A check register can give you an instant overview of your available money. You should not assume that money has been written once you have signed a check. In some cases, funds can be drawn quickly from your account because the check is converted into an electronic check.
03. Tips for writing a check
Make sure you pay the correct amount to the person or organization you are writing a check when you send it in.
Checks that are lost or stolen can be altered by thieves. There are many ways that checks can be lost once they have left your hands. Make it difficult for thieves not to cause you headaches. You will need to spend time and effort to clean up after fraud, regardless of whether you lose your money forever.
Security Tips
To reduce the chance of fraud in your account, you can adopt the following habits.
- It’s permanent: Always use a pen to write checks. Anyone with an eraser and a pencil can alter the amount of your check or the name of the payee if you use a pencil.
- Blank checks are not allowed: Make sure you fill in the details of the payee as well as the amount before signing a check. You don’t have to know who the check is payable to or how much it costs. Just bring a pen. It’s safer than giving someone unlimited access to your checking account.
- To prevent checks from growing, ensure that you write the dollar amount in a way that scammers cannot add to it. Start at the left edge of your space and draw a line following the last digit. If your check is $8.15, for example, place the “8” as far as you can. Draw a line from your right side to the “5” and end the space. Or, write numbers so large it is difficult to add numbers. You can leave space so that someone can add numbers to your check, which could end up being $98.15 and $8,159.
- Carbon copies: Get carbon copies if you need a paper record for every check you write. These checkbooks come with a thin sheet that contains a copy of each check you write. This allows you to quickly see where your money went, and what you wrote on each check.
Consistent signature: While many people aren’t able to sign with a legible signature and others may even sign checks or credit card slips with funny images, it is important that you have a consistent signature. Consistently using the same signature can help you and your bank identify fraud. If a signature does not match, it will be easier to show that you aren’t responsible for the charges. - Cash is not allowed: Do not write a check that is payable to cash. This is as dangerous as carrying around cash or a signed check.
- You can write fewer checks. While checks are not necessarily dangerous, there are safer ways to pay for things. Electronic installments are secure because there is no paper that can be lost or stolen. Electronic installments are more convenient than checks. Most checks can be changed to electronic installments in any case. Because they are electronically stored in an accessible organization with a timestamp, the name of the payer, and a timestamp, electronic installments are often easier to follow. For your regular expenses, use tools such as internet-based bill installments.
