How to Fill Out a Check Step by Step

In a world filled with online transfers and card transactions, paper checks might seem outdated. But many businesses still accept them, and keeping a checkbook can be a great way to track your spending. Learn the six steps to this (almost) lost art.

Step 1: Write the date

Checks have a “date” field in the top-right corner. Write today’s date, including the month, day, and year.

Step 2: Write the recipient's name

On the left side of the check, you’ll find a line that says “Pay to the order of.” This is where you write the name of the person or business you’re paying.

Step 3: Write the amount in numbers

Right next to the “Pay to the order of” line, there’s a small box with a dollar sign. This is where you write the payment amount in numbers.

Step 4: Write the amount in words

This is where it’s easy to get tripped up. On the line under the “Pay to the order of” line, you’ll need to write the amount in words. For example, if you’re paying someone $102.96, you would write “One hundred two and 96/100.”

Also draw a straight line through any remaining space on this field. That helps prevent someone from potentially adding extra numbers.

Step 5: Fill in the memo line (optional)

On the bottom left of the check, there’s a line that says “Memo.” This is where you write what the check is for (like “August rent” or “reimbursement for lunch”).

You don’t have to do this, but it may make it easier for you and the recipient to keep track of what the payment is for.

Step 6: Sign the check

A check isn’t valid until you sign it. The line on the bottom right corner (across from the “Memo” line) is for your signature. Sign your legal name here.

If you give someone a check and forget to sign it, most banks and credit unions will refuse to cash it.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a check

With the basics of writing a check behind you, watch for these four common errors:

• Using anything other than blue or black permanent ink. Writing checks in pencil or erasable pen makes it easy for criminals to change what you’ve written. Finicky bank scanners might have trouble reading ink in other colors.
• Using correction fluid or liquid paper. Correction fluid is a red flag for fraud, resulting in most financial institutions rejecting checks that include it. Instead, fix minor mistakes by crossing them out and initialing your corrections. For bigger mistakes, void the check and write a new one.
• Leaving important fields blank. Blank fields open up opportunities for fraud and could lead to the check being rejected. It’s OK to leave the memo field blank, however.
• Signing a blank check. If a check isn’t written in a specific amount, your recipient can write in whatever they’d like. Make signing your check the last step.

When you might still need to write a check

Many people don’t even have checkbooks anymore, but there are three situations in which a check might be required:

• Paying rent. Apartment complexes and large property management companies usually accept payment through online portals, but small management companies and individual landlords might still require payment by check.
• Major one-time expenses. If you’re giving money to a family member or making a charitable donation, a check can be more practical than cash. Many homebuyers also pay mortgage closing costs with checks.
• Paying contractors or local businesses. Some small businesses charge fees to cover credit card transaction costs but won’t charge extra if you pay by check.

Build credit and financial knowledge at the same time

Knowing how to fill out a check is a small thing until the day you need it. Personal finance tends to work that way: murky until you’re walked through the steps, and then clear enough to improve your financial literacy.

Credit is the same. If yours is limited and you're not sure where to start, the first step is smaller than it looks: get one account reporting positive payments, then keep it current.

Kikoff's Credit Account reports your on-time payments to all three credit bureaus, building the payment history that carries the most weight in your score. No hard credit check required.