Today, the use of checks for payment is rare since there are simpler alternatives to do so, such as money transfers, tapping a debit or credit card, or scanning a QR code. But sometimes, we’ll need to use a check in certain circumstances, like as a gift for a wedding or birthday.
Unlike other digital payments, a check will require you to write payment details on the check paper correctly. Writing a check could be tricky, especially if the amount of money contains cents.
Now, it’s best for you to figure out how to correctly write dollars and cents on a check before making a payment or giving money to someone. Let’s get started!
What’s in the Check?
Before going to the guide for writing dollars and cents on a check, you must first get to know the format of the check paper.
Take a look at the example of a paper check!
On a check paper, there are some fields you need to fill out, including:
1. The date of the check
The time when you wrote on the check is an important thing that you should provide. The line of the date is usually available on the top line of the check paper.
The date includes the month, day, and year; for example, July 25, 2024. So, you can write it in various formats, either using a number or spelling out the month as follows:
- MM/DD/YYY: 7/25/2024
- Month, DD, YYYY: July 25, 2024
- DD/MM/YYYY: 25/07/2024
It’s best to use a format that is appropriate for your country. However, if you use the wrong format, it could make a big difference as well.
2. The name of the recipient
On the “Pay to the Order Of” line, you should write the name of an individual, business, or organization where the check is going. The line is usually parallel to the field where you write the mount of the check in numbers.
Make sure to write the full legal name of the recipient, not their nickname. If the recipient is two people, you can write “Person A and Person B” on the line, and both should be present to cash the check. Or you can write “Person A or Person B” on the line, and either person can present and deposit the check.
3. The amount of check in numbers
On the check paper, you’ll see a field that shows the dollar sign ($). In the small box next to the sign, you have to write the amount of money you want to send numerically. Even though you pay a full dollar, you should include the cents after the decimal, like $580.00.
Make sure to write it correctly, so the bank will withdraw the balance from your bank account as stated on the check paper.
If you make the slightest mistake in writing the amount of money, it will have fatal consequences—you can withdraw less or more of your money or even be rejected by the bank.
4. The amount of check in words
Under the line of recipient, you should write the dollar amount in words corresponding to the amount of the check in numerical form. You should write the dollars and also the cents.
Make sure to write the dollar amount in words as far to the left as possible. It will actually help to ensure the field is full, so someone cannot change the amount of your check.
5. Purpose of the check
Even though mentioning the reason why you wrote the check is optional, it’s very useful for you, especially if you need a report of your monthly expenses. If you write it down, you can remember what the check is for.
You can write the purpose of the check on the line that says “Memo.” For more complete information, you can enter information such as your account number or telephone number.
If you are giving the check as a gift, you can write “Happy Birthday” or “Happy Wedding.”
6. Sign the check.
Just like the check date, your signature is also important as a check closes. This, of course, confirms to the bank that you agree to pay the amount in the check to the recipient. If there is no signature, the check cannot be cashed.
Okay, those are the things you can find on a check. If you already understand, you can now fill out a check and give it to someone.
Writing Dollars and Cents on a Check: Here’s How!
There’s no doubt that the most confusing part of filling out a check is to write the amount of the check, both in numbers and words. Here, you should correctly put dollars and cents. If not, it will interpret another amount.
So, how should you write dollars and cents on a check? Okay, let’s see the appropriate format below!
Assuming you want to send someone money in the amount of $97.15, Sure, you can write it in two lines, including:
In numeric form
To do this, you can start by writing down the dollar figure (“97”), followed by the decimal point (“.”), then the cent number (“15”). So, you can finally write $97.15 in the small dollar box.
In word form
After writing the numeric form, you can now write it in word form. It will be “ninety-seven dollars and fifteen cents.” You can write it on the line under the name of the recipient.
To make it simpler for you, the format to write the amount of a check in words could be “the dollar amount” à “and” à the number of cents.
If you want to write the number of cents in fraction format, you must use a slash (/).
The amount of the check of “$97.15,” can be read as “ninety-seven dollars and 15/100.” The format could be “the dollar amount” → “and” → “15/100.” It’s technically a fractional amount of whole dollars.
Well, writing a check is quite complicated if you do not know the format. Thus, be sure to always pay attention to each number written in the check amount in numeric form since it determines how the check is written in word form.
What If You Write a Wrong Check?
If you’ve already written a check and found the wrong part, you may want to cancel it. But you’re worried if the check is used by someone else.
If it happens to you, you can write “VOID” on the entire check. Of course, it can protect you from fraud and prevent someone from using the check. After that, you can start again with a new check.
The Best Tips to Write a Check
If this is your first time writing a check, you surely need tips and tricks that can help you complete it. Thankfully, we’ll show you a few of the of the best tips you can take when writing a check.
Here they are:
- Always use a pen. Pen writing is quite difficult to change, so it would be hard for someone else to add or change what is written on the check. Never write a check with a pencil because writing is very easy to erase.
- Write a check clearly. When writing a check, you shouldn’t use cursive letters. Instead, you have to write it in print. Not everyone has the ability to read cursive writing. Of course, this will cause a delay in the disbursement of the check, or even not at all, because the check is considered wrong.
- Never sign a blank check. You don’t sign an empty check. It will be used by irresponsible people. They’ll probably fill in your name and some money, so they will be able to find it and steal a lot of money from you.
- Never leave empty space on a check. If there’s empty space on the line of the amount of the check, it will make it easier for other people to add additional numbers or several zeros, so that the amount of money becomes more. Sure, it will drain your bank account balance.
- Double-check your check: Before you give a check to someone, make sure to double-check it, ensuring everything is correct.
Since you will be giving it to someone else, you must be careful when writing the check to minimize errors.
