How to Write a Check: A Step by Step Explanation For Everyone
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Many of the users had requested me to write a blog for – “How to write a Check?” Here Check spelling is not correct the correct spelling is Cheque. But keeping in mind that viewers’ sentiments should not get hurt we had written Check in the entire article.
How to Write a Check? Writing a check these days may seem more like a lost art, but it is, in fact, one of the prime skills to be possessed. Be it for a birthday gift, helping out a buddy, or even paying for a school trip, knowing how to write a check can come in handy. We are going to describe the steps on how to write a check, which can be explained in terms of an 8-year-old!
What is a Check?
Before we know How to Write a Check?, it would be important to learn what a check really is. A check is basically a piece of paper that tells your bank to pay someone a specific sum of money from your account. Look at it like this—it is a promise. Writing a check is like you promising to give someone the money and saying, “I will give you this money.”
How to Write a Check: Why Do People Use Checks?
Of course, the several reasons why:
Safety: Checks tend to be safer than the usage of cash. If you misplace cash, it is irrecoverable. However, if you misplace a check, you have the option of cancelling it.
Record Keeping: Writing checks helps you to record your expenditure or spending. Every check you write is accounted for on your bank statement.
Convenience: Many a time people prefer to pay by check than use cash or credit-cards, especially in big amounts.
How to Write a Check: Parts of a Check
You need to know all the parts of a check to write one properly. Here’s what’s on one sample check:
Date: This is today’s date.
Payee: This is the person or business to whom you are paying money.
Amount in Numbers: This is how much money you are going to pay in numbers, written like, $50.00.
Amount in Words: This is the amount stated in words, such as Fifty dollars and 00/100.
Signature: This is your written name at the bottom of the check. It simply means you are authorized to pay.
Memo: This section is optional. You can write who the check is to on the memo, such as “Birthday gift.”
How to Write a Check: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know what a check is and its parts, let’s go through the steps to write one!
Step 1: Get Your Checkbook
First you will need to get your checkbook. This is a book which has all of your checks. It might feel like a small notebook.
Step 2: Write the Date
The top right corner of the check should contain today’s date. This tells the bank when you are writing the check.
Step 3: Fill in the Name of the Payee
The “Pay to the order of,,” line should have the name of the person or business to receive the money. If you are paying your friend, perhaps we can call her Sarah, who owes you money, then you put in her name; “Sarah Smith.”
Step 4: Fill in the Amount in Number Form
In the box on the right-hand side of the check, write the amount you want to pay in numerical form. For instance, if you are paying $50, write “50.00.” Be sure to include the dollar sign ($) before the digit.
Step 5: Write the Amount in Words
On the line below the payee’s name, write out in words the exact amount. For $50.00, this would be “Fifty dollars and 00/100.” This is important to make sure no one gets confused about how much it is that you’re paying for.
Step 6: Include a Memo (Optional)
If you like, you can write a note in the memo section. For instance, you could put “For the school trip.” This way you and the payee will know what the check is for.
Step 7: Sign the Check
At the bottom right corner of the check, you’ll need to sign your name. That’s your signature, which means the payment is authorized by you. Without your signature, it is not a valid check!
Step 8: Record the Check
After you have written the check, record it in your check register. This will help to track how much money is left in your bank account.
How to Write a Check: When Writing a Check
Use a Pen: Always write checks with a pen. Ink cannot be erased, so this helps prevent anyone from changing the information.
Be Clear: Always make sure you can read your writing. If someone cannot read your writing, it could cause a problem.
No Blank Spaces: Fill in all parts of the check. If you don’t, someone could fill in an amount.
Keep your Checks Safe: Always keep your checkbook in a safe place. Someone might steal it.
How to Write a Check: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Amounts: Check what you write for the amount in numbers. Then check how you write it in words. They must be the same!
Forgotten Signature: Never write a check and forget to sign it. It’s of no worth unless you have signed it.
Wrong Name of Payee: Make sure to spell out the payee, the individual or company clearly and correctly because one mistake might be an upshot for them to not encash the cheque.
How to Write a Check: Update About Writing Check
Very of late, there has been an increasing interest in the question of how to write a check, most certainly among the younger populace who have seen no other form of payment other than the electronic style. Financial advisors are on the alert to warn individuals of the critical need to understand the traditional methods of doing things specific to payments, especially checks.
The role played by such methods is irreplaceable as they just might come to be so handy under certain conditions. Some learning institutions have even incorporated financial literacy courses in their curriculum, teaching their students some of the skills such as how to write checks, in a bid to better equip them with the capability of handling money.
How to Write a Check: Conclusion
It is a skill that everybody must learn. It’s not about paying bills, but how money works and how to keep a record of your money. You can write all sorts of checks using the steps given in this guide, and be confident that your payments are secure.
Below blogs may help you in solving few of your problems: