

Safety tip: Put the furthest number to the left flush up against the left-hand side of the box. Write out the amount in all numbers (just below the date): Here you'll write in numerical the amount of the dollars and cents you're paying. And unlike other types of fraud, such as credit card, getting your money back is a complicated process that involves taking legal action.ĥ. By not specifying a payee, technically anyone can cash your check. Safety tip: While it does simplify the check writing process somewhat by making it out to "cash," it can create other issues if the check is lost or stolen. If you don't know the name or if you want to write a check to yourself, you can simply make a check out to "cash." Also, don't just assume who the check should be made out to - you may need to ask the legal name of the individual or business you're paying, otherwise they might not be able to deposit your check.
Write a check full#
Write in the name of the person or entity you're paying ("pay to the order of" space): Write out the full name of the person or place you're paying, such as "Beautiful Properties, Incorporated" on our example check. Ideally, you should write and date a check the same day you're making the payment.ģ. For example, if you forget you postdated a check, you may also forget to check to be sure you have enough money in your account to cover it when your payee eventually cashes it. Keep in mind, though, that postdating a check can have complications. Fill in the date (upper right hand corner): You have a couple of options with the date: either use the current date (most common) or, if you are giving a vendor a check to cash in the future, you can "postdate" it. You can always write your current address on the check.Ģ. Having your address on a check is technically optional, but many merchants will want or expect to see it. If you have a joint account, you'll list both names here. If you are likely to move, you can skip pre-printing the address and just have the check company put your name if you are the sole person on the account. Make sure your name and address are on the check (upper left hand corner): It makes life easier to have your name and address pre-printed on your checks.
Write a check how to#
A thief can easily erase pencil and change payee names, amount of the check, etc.įrom the top of the check down, here's how to fill out a check:ġ. Always use a pen - not a pencil - to write a check because it's your first line of defense in making your check tamper-proof. If you're new to check writing, or if you need a brush-up that includes smart ways to safeguard your checks from fraud, here's everything you ever needed to know about writing a check (but were afraid to ask):Īs you can see in our example above, there are several places on a check where you need to add information. Writing a check may feel like it's becoming a lost art - but the truth is that even in the age of digital financial transfers, paper checks remain a popular, easy and important way to make payments.
