fin.codes

How to fill out a check

Six fields, in order: date, payee, amount in numbers, amount in words, memo, signature. Fill the amount lines carefully — the written words are the legal amount.

Sample check with the six fields you fill out numbered in order No. 1001 DATE PAY TO THE ORDER OF $ DOLLARS MEMO SIGNATURE ⑆123456789⑆ 000987654321⑈ 1001 123456 ① Date · ② Payee · ③ Amount in numbers · ④ Amount in words · ⑤ Memo · ⑥ Signature

Filling out a check, in order

  1. Date. Top right. Today's date in a format your bank recognizes, like 07/04/2026.
  2. Pay to the order of. The recipient's full legal name or exact business name. Ask if you're not sure — a wrong name can delay the deposit.
  3. Amount in numbers. The small box with the $ sign. Write digits tight against the left edge, with cents: 128.45.
  4. Amount in words. The long line. Words for dollars, cents as a fraction, then a line through the leftover space: One hundred twenty-eight and 45/100 —.
  5. Memo (optional). Bottom left. What the check is for, or an account/invoice number the recipient asked you to include.
  6. Signature. Bottom right, matching the signature your bank has on file. Sign last, only after every other field is filled.

If the numbers in the box and the written words disagree, banks follow the written words — that line is the legal amount. Write it carefully and line out the unused space.

Do and don't

  • Do: Use a pen — a penciled check can be altered.
  • Do: Start each line at the far left and line out leftover space.
  • Don't: Never sign a blank or partly blank check.
  • Don't: Don't cover the numbers along the bottom edge — machines read them.

What the digits at the bottom mean

The row of digits along the bottom edge is the bank's routing number, your account number, and the check number — here's how to read each group, or look any routing number up to see which bank it belongs to.

Check writing questions

Which amount counts if the numbers and words don't match?

The written words control — under U.S. commercial law the words are treated as the legal amount when the two disagree. Banks may also simply reject a mismatched check.

Can I write a check in pencil?

No. Pencil can be erased and the check altered. Always use blue or black ink.

What goes on the memo line?

Anything that helps the recipient apply the payment — 'July rent', an invoice number, or an account number they asked for. It's optional and doesn't affect whether the check clears.

How do I write cents in the words line?

As a fraction over 100 after the dollar words: 'Forty-two and 07/100'. If it's a whole-dollar amount, write 'and 00/100' so nothing can be added.

The other check guides

Routing data is sourced from official bank pages, FDIC and NCUA institution data, and public routing directories, current in this build as of July 4, 2026. Confirm routing or SWIFT details with the financial institution before sending money.