Writing a check is a big deal. You do not want to mess up with the money. If you are not careful then the check can fall into the wrong hands and you might get some serious loss along the way. Although the process of writing a check is easy.
Not many people seem to know about it. So here we are today to teach you how to write a check and give you some general pointers on the matter since we are discussing it already. So let’s not waste our time any more and just immediately start with the article.
Three numbers you must know –
The general knowledge that you must have before writing a check is important. There are these 3 points that you must know before you go forward and write that check of yours. This is important guys so pay attention. It’s better if you have the check-in front of you so that you can see what we are talking about.
- Bank routing number – This is the bank’s identification number. It is known as the bank routing number. The number is at the left bottom of the check and it is of 9 digits.
- Account number – This is your account number which is unique and individual.
- Check number – Each of your checks are numbered. The number is present after the account number as well as on the upper right-hand corner of the check.
How To Write a Check?
In this digital age, checks are hardly written anymore since net banking is a major thing now. However, if you are interested in writing checks then no one is going to stop you.
If you have a checkbook from the bank then writing a check is as easy as a pie. You just need to keep in mind a few things while writing a check.
Here are the 6 steps that you have to follow while writing a check. No, you can not skip any of those since they are all mandatory and important. Have a look.
1. Date
The date of the check is supposedly always on the top corner of the check. The current date is usually given while writing a check. This helps you as well as the bank to keep track of the transaction you make and on the day that you make them.
However, it is also possible to post-date the check if it is necessary. This is also done by a lot of people to suit their own needs and the demand of the situation.
So according to your needs, you can put the current date or a post date on the check but a date is needed nonetheless.
2. Name
Next comes the name of the recipient. The bank will not know who you are sending the money to without actually knowing what’s the name of the recipient. So you need to write down who you are making the payment too.
It can be the name of any particular individual or to an organization too. This information needs to be accurate to the letter so just ask the person you are paying to for the correct info if you are in confusion.
3. Value
The amount that you are paying needs to be written in numeric form. This is usually written in the small box of your check. You can easily see it.
Try writing it from the extreme left of the box so that no one can hamper with the amount if they wanted to. This is a good security measure that everyone should keep in mind while writing a check.
4. Value In words
This is done as a security measure in order to make sure that there is no fraud going on. Someone can easily add a number digit to your number value if you have left a blank space.
So you need to write the value of the check you are giving to someone in words in order to avoid any confusion and fraud. It is advised to use capital letters while writing this since they are harder to alter.
You should always fill up this place. This will make sure that you do not lose your money.
5. Signature
Put your signature. A filled our check is of no use without the signature. So be sure to sign your name at the bottom of the check. They have a designated area for your signature in most of the cases so you do need to worry about the format or anything.
Try to keep your signature consistent and legible for all of your checks. This helps the bank to process the check.
6. Memo
This is an optional step that you do not need to necessarily do. You can fill out any additional information or instructions here. This is a good place to write why you wrote the check.
This helps in order to keep a record of why you are writing this check to a certain someone or an organization. This is not going to affect the way that the bank is going to process the check.
7. General pointers
In addition to the six points that you have already read in order to write a check, there are some other things that you need to take care of. Here are some general pointers that you should keep in mind while writing a check.
- Write as neatly as you can. This will avoid confusion and problems in the future.
- If you make an error then cancel the check and start on a new one.
- Check that all the spellings are correct or not.
- Double-check everything before you hand over the check to the recipient.
- Do not use cursive handwriting.
8. Before writing a check
Before writing the check you need to make sure that you absolutely need to write the check. There are many other faster means of money exchange options nowadays.
If you want the Money transfer to be instantaneous then you need to have to opt for other options because checks can take some time. It is a long process since it is traditional and old-fashioned. Nothing wrong with that though.
If you want this to be the way you deal with transactions of money then no one is stopping you. Just know the other options too in case of an emergency.
9. Record the payment in your cash register
Another important step that you tend to forget. Keep a track of all the checks that you are writing. If you have written one check then that can be remembered through memory alone but if you are writing several checks in a month then you need to keep a track of all the checks that you have written.
- Track your spending so that there is no bounced checks.
- Know where the money is going. To avoid double payment.
- If there is fraud or identity theft then you can know immediately if you tend to keep a track of all your checks.
These are the stuff that you should immediately jot down right after writing a check. Trust us a little effort can be really useful.
- The check number
- The date that you wrote the check
- How much the payment was made for
- A description of the transaction or who you wrote the check to
Security Tips For Writing a Check
- Use a pen when you are writing a check. If you use a pencil then anyone can erase it and modify the check according to their needs.
- Don’t put your signature on a blank check. If you have not filled in the amount and the name of the recipient then you should never sign the blank check. It might fall into the wrong hands and then cause disaster for you.
- Use a consistent signature style. Do not change your signature for every check that you write. This does not end well.
- If you want a carbon copy of all the checks you write then get a checkbook with a carbon copy. This will help you keep a record.
- Check all the details of the check before you give it to someone.
- Do not carry a check around without any reason.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for giving this article a read. We hope that you have taken some information from the article. Writing checks are an important part of our life that we inevitably have to do at some point in time.
We have given a detailed description of the process step by step so that you can fully understand what we are trying to say and then you can write a check all by yourself.
Did you try to practice writing a check yet? If not then you should because now you know what you are dealing with. Do share this article with others too. It might just help someone in need. Thank you once again and have a nice day. Be careful with your checks!
