Learn to Write a Check: Comprehensive Guide with Check Writing Tool

Need a hand to write a check? HowToCheque.com is here to assist you. From check formats to amount spellings, we’ve got you covered. With the help of our check writing tool and comprehensive check writing tutorial, writing a check is now easier than ever before.

Check Writing Tool

Our online check writing tool is designed to simplify the process of writing checks. This user-friendly tool guides you through each step, ensuring that every check you write is accurate and error-free. Simply enter the amount, the payee’s name, date, and memo, and let our tool do the rest.

Comprehensive Tutorial on How to Write a Check

While our check writing tool is a valuable resource, understanding the process of filling out a check is crucial from a financial perspective. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow tutorial to help you master your check writing skills. But before we get to the steps to write a check we need to know the key elements and fields of a check.

12 Essential Parts of a Check

There are mainly 12 elements in a check. Out of these 12 elements you have to fill 6 elements and 6 are preprinted on the check. Here are the elements and their respective uses.

1. Date Field: Located at the top right corner of the check, this is where you write the current or a future date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Typically, a check is valid for up to 180 days from the date written on the check, although in some cases, the validity is 90 days.
2. Payee’s Name Field: This long line next to “Pay to the Order of” is where you write the payee’s name, i.e., the name of the receiver. This can be an individual’s full name or an organization’s name. You can also write the word “Cash” if you intend to cash the check.
3. Amount in Numeric Field: Located next to the “Payee’s Name” line, here you write the amount of the check in numbers.
4. Amount in Word Field: In the blank line under the “Payee’s Name” line, you write the amount of the check in words. You should write the dollar part of the amount in words and the cent part as a fraction over 100. For example, if the amount is $100.20, you would write it as “One hundred dollars and 20/100”. For added safety, draw a horizontal line if there is excess space left.
5. Signature Field: Located at the bottom right corner of the check, this is where you sign your signature. You should only sign the check after verifying that it is filled out correctly.
6. Memo Field: Located at the bottom left corner of the check, this is where you write the purpose of the check. In some bank’s checks, ‘Memo’ is printed as ‘For‘. Although this step is optional, it is recommended to fill it out as it helps track your spending in the future.

Besides the six fields you fill out, there are six more preprinted elements on a check. Let’s take a closer look at these preprinted elements:

• Account Holder’s Information: Typically located at the top left corner of the check, this section contains your information such as name and address.
• Check Number: This is a unique number for the particular check in the checkbook. It’s printed on the top right corner and the bottom right corner of the check. (We are counting it as two separate elements.)
• Bank’s Information: Your bank’s information such as name, logo, and address is also preprinted on the check.
• ABA Routing Number: The American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number is printed at the bottom of the check. This number is used for identifying your bank.
• Bank Account Number: Next to the ABA routing number, your bank account number is also printed.

Write a Check in Six Easy Steps

Knowing these parts of a check makes it easier to write one. I can bet that you’re already feeling confident about filling out a check by yourself. To make it even smoother, here’s a step-by-step check writing tutorial. For the purpose of this tutorial, let’s consider a scenario where you are issuing a check of 125 dollars to Christy Walker for rent on May 15, 2024.