Writing a check looks simple until you’re staring at the blank “Dollars” line, unsure whether to write “nine hundred twenty-three” or “nine hundred and twenty-three.” One mistake here and the bank can reject the check or, worse, honor the wrong amount.
Here’s the quick answer, then the full breakdown.
Quick Answer
- Write today’s date on the top-right line.
- Write the payee’s full name after “Pay to the order of.”
- Write the amount in numbers in the small box (e.g., $923.00).
- Write the amount in words on the long line below (e.g., “Nine hundred twenty-three and 00/100”).
- Sign the bottom-right line.
- Add a memo if needed.
Not sure how to spell out your amount? Use our free Check Amount Converter — type any number and get the exact wording instantly.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Date Line
Top right corner. Use the full date (Month Day, Year). Post-dating a check doesn’t guarantee it won’t be cashed early — most banks process on the date received, not the written date.
2. Payee Name
Write the full legal name of the person or business. Avoid nicknames or abbreviations — mismatched names are one of the most common reasons a bank teller flags a check.
3. Numeric Amount Box
Write the amount with a dollar sign and two decimal places: $923.00. Keep the numbers close together so nothing can be inserted before or after.
4. Amount in Words
This is the legally binding version — if the numeric box and the written words ever disagree, banks go with the words. Spell out the dollar amount, then write the cents as a fraction over 100.
Example: for $923.45 → “Nine hundred twenty-three and 45/100”
Draw a line through any remaining blank space so nothing can be added later.
Not sure how to spell out a specific number? Our Number to Words Converter guide covers trickier amounts and common mistakes in detail.
5. Signature
Sign exactly as your signature appears on file with the bank. An unsigned check is invalid regardless of everything else being correct.
6. Memo (Optional)
Useful for your own records or if the payee needs to know what the payment is for (e.g., “March Rent”, “Invoice #4521”).
Common Check-Writing Amounts, Spelled Out
| Amount | Written on the check |
|---|---|
| $100.00 | One hundred and 00/100 |
| $500.00 | Five hundred and 00/100 |
| $1,000.00 | One thousand and 00/100 |
| $1,500.00 | One thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $2,500.00 | Two thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
Need a different amount? Try the converter tool — it handles any figure instantly, including cents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mismatched numbers and words — banks default to the words if the two don’t match, which can cause payment delays.
- Leaving blank space — always draw a line to close off empty space on the amount line.
- Forgetting cents — always write “00/100” even for whole-dollar amounts, so no one can add a decimal.
- Using pencil — always use pen; pencil can be altered.
- Skipping the memo on shared accounts — makes bookkeeping harder later.
Writing a check for a specific situation, like rent? See our dedicated guide: How to Write a Check for Rent.
FAQ
Do I need to write “dollars” after the amount in words?
Most check templates already print “dollars” at the end of the line, so you typically only write the number in words plus the cents fraction.
What if I make a mistake writing the amount?
Void the check and start a new one. Don’t cross out and rewrite a dollar amount — banks may refuse altered checks.
Is a check valid without the amount in words?
No. Banks require both the numeric and written amount; missing either can cause the check to be rejected.
Can I write a check for cents only, like $0.75?
Yes — write “Zero and 75/100” on the amount line and “$0.75” in the numeric box.
Want to skip the math? Our free tool converts any dollar amount into the exact words you need to write on a check — just type the number.