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Though check writing is less prevalent, some people still opt to settle their financial obligations by check.
If you are one of those who want to pay your bills with a check but don’t know how to write one, this tutorial is for you.
How To Write A Check
Writing a check is surprisingly easy. You can do it in six easy steps, and here’s how:
1. Name Of Payee
The first thing you want to do is write the payee’s name. The payee is the beneficiary or the person to whom the check is written. In the example above, the payee is the Prime Mortgage Company.
The term “Pay to the order of” is a banking phrase meaning “Please pay.” The check above is saying, “please pay” this payee (name inserted) the amount written on this check.
Without a payee, the bank wouldn’t know who to pay, and it may return the check unpaid.
Because people have similar names, it would be helpful to include the payee’s initials, if they have one.
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2. Date (Of The Check)
The date of the check is crucial. If you omit it, the bank will not honor the check. The date on a check tells the bank when to cash it.
If a check has the current date, it means the payee can cash it immediately. If the check has a future date, the payee can cash it only on the future date indicated. A date older than six months may indicate that the check has expired. Most banks will not honor a check that is more than six months old.
If you write today’s date on a check but don’t currently have the funds in your bank account from which to cash the check, you may be liable for writing a bad check. That’s why the date on your check is very important. It tells the payee when to present the check at the bank.
3. The Amount In Figures (numbers)
Writing the amount in numbers is essential. It tells the payee and the bank how much to withdraw from your account. In this case, the amount is $1575.50. Make sure to write the amount clearly so that machines or people will easily understand it.
A check without figures is invalid, and the bank will not honor it.
4. The Amount In Words
The amount in words affirms what you already wrote in numbers. They should both be the same amount.
If there’s a difference between the amount in numbers and the amount in words, the bank may reject your check.
5. Memo Line
The memo line reveals the reason for the payment. You can elect to write something on it. Some people leave it blank, and that’s fine.
Most people who write in the memo line do so to remind themselves of what the payment was about.
6. Signature
Your signature on a check is your stamp of approval. It says you are aware of the payment, and you authorize it. If you don’t sign your check, the bank will not honor it. Unlike the optional memo line, signing your check is imperative.
Your signature has to conform to the signature you provided when you first opened the bank account. If your signature on your check differs significantly from the one the bank has on file, the bank may refuse to cash your check.
Now that you know how to write a check, let’s answer some of the most common questions about check writing.
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Checks are usually good for 180 days, or six months. If you have a check that’s older than six months, you should consult with the bank to see if it is still valid.
You can endorse a check to someone else by writing the following words on the back of the check: “Pay to the order of [name of beneficiary],” then sign your signature below. Do not write below the designated lines.
You can write a check to yourself as you would to someone else, except this time, the payee is you.
Voiding a check is surprisingly easy. You do it by writing VOID in big bold letters across the face of the check. Make sure not to write over the account and routing numbers. But write in big and bold letters so as everybody knows the check is nullified.
Here’s how to write a check for $1000 [see picture attached]
Conclusion
Writing a check is easy and straightforward. You can do it in six easy steps:
- Name of the payee
- Date
- Amount in numbers
- Amount in words
- Memo, and
- Signature
We hope this post gives you the confidence you need to write your next check. If you’re still confused and you need more information on writing a check, here are some resources.
Get A New “Fee Free” Bank Account
| | A convenient online bank that offers a full-service account. |
| | Fees-free full-service bank that pays 0.9% APY. |
| | An environmentally friendly bank that pays up to 1% APY. |
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The post How To Write A Check In Six Easy Steps appeared first on WholesomeWallet - Get Better With Money.