Beginner

How to write a check — even if you’ve never done it

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Although it’s much more common these days to pay bills electronically or send money via digital wallets or apps like Greenlight, knowing how to write a check is still a helpful skill to have. You may need to know how to write a check from time to time — you could be paying rent, sending a gift, or buying something at a store that doesn’t accept cards or apps.

If you’ve never written a check (or just want to brush up on the process), don’t stress. We’ve simplified check-writing into six easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Date the check

Start by looking at the line at the top right of the check. Enter the current date here. In the U.S., the default is MM/DD/YYYY (i.e., 01/15/2025).

When you write a post-dated check (a check that will not be paid until a later date), ensure that the date you write in is the day you want it cashed. The sender and the bank use the date to determine when the check was written or when it becomes current.

Step 2: Write the recipient’s name

The line that says "Pay to the Order of" is where you’ll enter the name of the individual or company you’re paying. Make sure to use the correct business name if it’s a business, and double-check the spelling of a person’s name.

For example, you might write “John Smith” if you pay John Smith your monthly rent. Or, to pay a company, you might write “ABC Plumbing, LLC.”

This ensures that the check goes to the right person or company and no issues arise at the bank.

Step 3: Enter the amount you’re paying

In the box to the right of the "Pay to the Order of" row, write the payment amount in numbers with decimals. For example, when writing a check for $150, you should write “150.00.”

Step 4: Write the dollar amount in words

Write the check amount in words on the line below the recipient's name. For $367.25, you would write “three hundred sixty-seven and 25/100.” You would still write the decimals as 00 if the amount is a whole number. So, for $150.00, write “one hundred fifty and 00/100.”

This is a critical part of the check that verifies the amount, so it should match the amount you’ve written in the number field.

Step 5: Write a memo (optional)

There is a memo line in the bottom left corner of the check. Although writing in this section is optional, it is an ideal spot to specify the purpose of the payment (such as Annie’s birthday gift, or January 2025 rent). For bill payments, consider including your invoice or account number in this space.

Step 6: Sign the check

On the bottom right corner, you’ll find the signature line. Use the same signature that’s on file with your bank. Without your signature, the bank will not be able to process your check.

A few important tips when writing out a check

Now that you know how to write a check, keep these tips in mind to ensure check-writing goes smoothly.

Use a permanent pen: This prevents anyone from making changes after you have written the check.
Fill blank spaces: Draw a line through blank spaces on the check, such as after you write the check amount in words if there is extra room.
Verify the info: Before handing over or sending the check, review the recipient’s name and the amount and confirm that you signed it.
Keep a record: Write down the check number, recipient, amount, and purpose in your checkbook register or your digital tracker. This helps you track your spending and avoid overdrafts.

Frequently asked questions about writing checks

1. What if I make a mistake while writing out a check?

If it’s a tiny error, you can fix it and initial right next to the correction. If it’s a significant mistake, just write "VOID" on the check and start with a new one.

2. What do I do with a voided check?

Keep it in a safe place or shred it. Voided checks contain your bank account information and can be misused if they fall into the wrong hands.

3. What does it mean to write a check for cash?

Writing a check for cash means that instead of entering a business or person’s name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, you would simply write CASH. This effectively means that anyone in possession of the check can cash it or deposit it (just as they could with actual cash). This is generally not recommended for security reasons.

Writing a check is easy once you learn the steps. While checks might seem like a thing of the past, they’re still a reliable way to handle payments when the situation calls for it.

Manage your money and safety. Ask your parents about Greenlight’s money and safety app for families. Invite them to sign up for one month free. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†

†Valid for new customers only. Subject to identity verification and minimum load requirements. Your first monthly fee will be billed to your parent wallet seven days after successful registration. To receive a refund of your first monthly fee, you must request to close your account on or before the day immediately preceding your first Monthly Billing Date. See the ‘Account’ tab of Settings by tapping the gear icon on the Greenlight app home page to confirm when your risk-free trial ends. See Terms for details.