How to Write a Check: Step-by-Step Guide with Number to Words Examples
Checks may seem old-fashioned in an age of Venmo and Zelle, but millions of Americans still write them every month. Rent payments, property tax bills, contractor payments, school fees, and charitable donations are often paid by check — especially when a payee doesn't accept digital transfers or when a paper trail is needed for legal purposes. Writing a check incorrectly can result in it being rejected, creating payment delays or even fraud risk.
This guide covers every field on a check, explains exactly how to write dollar amounts in words, shows 50 common examples, and shares security tips to protect yourself from check fraud.
Why People Still Write Checks
- Rent: Many landlords — particularly individual property owners — still require checks or money orders
- Security deposits: Landlords and escrow companies often require a paper check
- Contractors and trades: Plumbers, electricians, painters frequently prefer checks for large jobs
- Government payments: Tax authorities, court fees, and government agencies may require checks or money orders
- Gifts: Personal checks remain a common and flexible gift form
- Payroll: Some small businesses still issue paper payroll checks
The Anatomy of a Check: Six Fields to Fill Out
Field 1: Date (Top Right)
Write today's date in the format MM/DD/YYYY or the format printed on the check. You can postdate a check (write a future date), but be aware that banks can often process postdated checks early — postdating provides no legal guarantee against early processing.
Field 2: Pay to the Order Of (Payee Line)
Write the full legal name of the person or organization you're paying. For individuals, use their full name (e.g., "John Smith"). For businesses, use the exact business name as registered (e.g., "Acme Property Management LLC"). Avoid abbreviations unless you're certain the payee's bank will accept them.
Never leave this line blank — a check with no payee is a blank check that anyone can fill in with their own name.
Field 3: Amount in Numbers (Dollar Box)
Write the dollar amount numerically in the small box on the right side of the payee line. Be precise — write $1,234.56, not $1234.56. Start writing as close to the dollar sign as possible to prevent someone from inserting digits before your amount.
Field 4: Amount in Words (Written Amount Line)
Write the dollar amount in words on the long line below the payee line. This is the legally controlling amount if there's a discrepancy between the written words and the numeric box. See the detailed guidance and examples in the next section.
Field 5: Memo Line (Bottom Left)
Optional but recommended. Note the purpose of the payment — "August 2026 rent", "Invoice #4521", "Deposit — 123 Main St." This helps both you and the payee with record-keeping and makes it easier to trace if a dispute arises.
Field 6: Signature (Bottom Right)
Sign your name exactly as it appears on your account agreement with the bank. An unsigned check cannot be processed. Never sign a blank check — once signed without a payee and amount, anyone who obtains it can fill in any amount and cash it.
How to Write Dollar Amounts in Words
The written amount line requires the dollar amount in words, followed by the cents as a fraction over 100. The format is:
[Dollars spelled out] and [cents]/100
After writing the amount, draw a line through any remaining blank space to prevent alteration:
Examples:
- $15.99 → Fifteen and 99/100 ——————————
- $100.00 → One hundred and 00/100 ——————
- $250.50 → Two hundred fifty and 50/100 ————
- $1,000.00 → One thousand and 00/100 —————
- $1,234.56 → One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100 ——
- $10,000.00 → Ten thousand and 00/100 ————
- $50,000.00 → Fifty thousand and 00/100 ————
Use the free Number to Words Converter on UtilDaily to convert any dollar amount to written form instantly — essential for large or complex amounts.
50 Common Check Amounts in Words
| Amount | Written Form |
|---|---|
| $5.00 | Five and 00/100 |
| $10.00 | Ten and 00/100 |
| $15.75 | Fifteen and 75/100 |
| $20.00 | Twenty and 00/100 |
| $25.00 | Twenty-five and 00/100 |
| $30.00 | Thirty and 00/100 |
| $40.00 | Forty and 00/100 |
| $50.00 | Fifty and 00/100 |
| $75.00 | Seventy-five and 00/100 |
| $99.99 | Ninety-nine and 99/100 |
| $100.00 | One hundred and 00/100 |
| $125.00 | One hundred twenty-five and 00/100 |
| $150.00 | One hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| $175.50 | One hundred seventy-five and 50/100 |
| $200.00 | Two hundred and 00/100 |
| $250.00 | Two hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| $300.00 | Three hundred and 00/100 |
| $400.00 | Four hundred and 00/100 |
| $500.00 | Five hundred and 00/100 |
| $750.00 | Seven hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| $800.00 | Eight hundred and 00/100 |
| $999.99 | Nine hundred ninety-nine and 99/100 |
| $1,000.00 | One thousand and 00/100 |
| $1,200.00 | One thousand two hundred and 00/100 |
| $1,500.00 | One thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $1,750.00 | One thousand seven hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| $2,000.00 | Two thousand and 00/100 |
| $2,500.00 | Two thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $3,000.00 | Three thousand and 00/100 |
| $3,500.00 | Three thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $4,000.00 | Four thousand and 00/100 |
| $5,000.00 | Five thousand and 00/100 |
| $6,000.00 | Six thousand and 00/100 |
| $7,500.00 | Seven thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $8,000.00 | Eight thousand and 00/100 |
| $9,000.00 | Nine thousand and 00/100 |
| $10,000.00 | Ten thousand and 00/100 |
| $12,500.00 | Twelve thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $15,000.00 | Fifteen thousand and 00/100 |
| $20,000.00 | Twenty thousand and 00/100 |
| $25,000.00 | Twenty-five thousand and 00/100 |
| $30,000.00 | Thirty thousand and 00/100 |
| $35,000.00 | Thirty-five thousand and 00/100 |
| $40,000.00 | Forty thousand and 00/100 |
| $45,000.00 | Forty-five thousand and 00/100 |
| $50,000.00 | Fifty thousand and 00/100 |
| $75,000.00 | Seventy-five thousand and 00/100 |
| $100,000.00 | One hundred thousand and 00/100 |
| $250,000.00 | Two hundred fifty thousand and 00/100 |
| $1,000,000.00 | One million and 00/100 |
Security Tips to Prevent Check Fraud
- Use a ballpoint pen. Never pencil or felt tip. Ballpoint ink is harder to wash off with chemicals used in check washing fraud.
- Fill in all blank spaces. Draw a line through any blank space on the amount line, payee line, and memo line to prevent alterations.
- Never sign a blank check. A signed blank check is essentially cash — anyone who gets it can write in any payee and any amount.
- Mail checks securely. Use a secure mail drop box (not a curbside mailbox) for checks. Thieves steal mail specifically to intercept checks.
- Verify checks clear quickly. Monitor your account and reconcile your check register regularly to catch any discrepancies.
How to Void a Check
To void a check (for setting up direct deposit or automatic payments), write "VOID" in large letters across the entire face of the check using a black or blue pen. Write it clearly across the signature line, the amount box, and the payee line. The word VOID should be large enough that it can't be missed or removed. Keep the voided check in your records or shred it securely — never throw an unshredded voided check in the trash.
Mobile Check Deposit
Most US banks now support mobile check deposit — take a photo of both sides of a check through your bank's app, and the funds are deposited electronically. After a successful mobile deposit, write "Mobile Deposit — [date]" on the check and keep it for 30 days before shredding, in case any issue arises with the deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I make a mistake writing a check?
Minor corrections (a crossed-out letter, a corrected digit) should be initialed by the account holder. For any significant error, it's better to void the check and write a new one. Banks may refuse checks with heavy corrections, and multiple alterations can be a fraud red flag.
Can I write a check for any amount?
Yes, up to your available account balance. There's no legal maximum on a personal check amount, though very large checks (e.g., over $10,000) may trigger additional bank scrutiny and reporting requirements under Bank Secrecy Act regulations.
How long is a check valid?
Personal checks are typically valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date written. Banks may refuse to cash checks older than 6 months, though they are not legally required to do so. Some checks (Treasury checks, cashier's checks) have different validity periods.
What is a certified check vs. a cashier's check?
A certified check is a personal check that your bank has verified and guaranteed, with funds set aside. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds (not your personal account) and purchased by you. Both are considered more secure than personal checks and are often required for large transactions like real estate closings.