How to Fill Out a Check with Dollars and Cents (With Examples)

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Plus, learn how to balance a checkbook the old-school way
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Personal checks have become a less common form of payment recently, as credit cards, debit cards, and mobile phone payments have become more popular. However, checks are still a useful way to transfer money from one account to another, whether you're paying rent or giving a friend a wedding present. Read on for our easy-to-follow guide on how to write a check with dollar and cent amounts. Getting it right can reduce your risk of fraud or check refusal, plus you’ll learn how best to balance your checkbook.

How to Write a Check With Cents

  1. Write the check amount in numbers in the “amount” box (47.50).
  2. Write the amount in words beneath “Pay to the Order Of” (Forty-seven and 50/100).
  3. Write the date in the top-right corner of the check.
  4. Fill in the payee (recipient) on the “Pay to the Order Of” line.
  5. Fill in the memo field (optional).
  6. Sign the check.

Sample Check

Section 1 of 3:

Writing a Check With Cents

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  1. The amount box is located on the right side of the check, below the “Date” line and to the right of the “Pay to the Order Of” line. It has a symbol to the left of it, indicating the currency—$ or £, for example. In this box, write out the amount of the check using numbers.
    • Separate the dollar amount and the cent amount with a decimal point—47.50, for example.
    • Include the decimal and cent amount even if the amount is in even dollars. For example, 47 dollars looks like 47.00.
  2. In the U.S., this blank line ends with the word “dollars.” On this line, write out the amount to be paid in words, rather than numbers. The dollar amount is always written out as words, and the cent amount is written as a fraction out of 100. This is because there are 100 cents in a dollar, so if the check amount includes 45 cents, it is 45/100 of a dollar. While this is the basic rule, there are a few different ways to format the actual content of the line. [1]
    • Example: Written dollar amount + “and” + fractional cent amount: forty-seven and 50/100.
    • Example: Written dollar amount + “dollars and” + fractional cent amount: forty-seven dollars and 50/100.
    • Some people draw a straight line after the cent amount to fill out the line: forty-seven dollars and 50/100 —————. This prevents others from adding to or changing the amount.
    • If the 2 amounts on a check are different, the amount written in words (e.g., forty-seven dollars and 50/100) is considered the legally binding amount.
    • If you have a compound number like 47 (as opposed to 40), place a hyphen between the two parts of the word: [2]
      • Correct: forty-seven
      • Incorrect: forty seven or fortyseven
    • Leave enough room to write out a very large textual amount, from several hundred to writing one-thousand-dollar checks , or even a million!
      • Correct: two million, five hundred fifty-two thousand, eight hundred forty-seven dollars and 00/100 ——.
      • Incorrect : 2,552,847 dollars and 00/100 ——————.
    • You can fix a mistake when writing a check by crossing it out with blue or black ink; then, write in the correct information, along with your initials.
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  3. In the top right-hand corner, you’ll see a short line that says the word “Date.” On this line, enter the appropriate abbreviation for the date on which you’re writing the check. You can use numbers or write out the name of the month. [3]
    • Post-date the check for some time in the future if necessary. If you don’t want the check to be cashed immediately, enter a date in the future so that the check cannot be cashed until that date. Note that postdating checks can be illegal if you manipulate the date intending to defraud someone. [4]
  4. Fill in the “Pay to the Order Of” line, located right above the line for the dollars and/or cents amount. Always use the full legal name of the person or company, as nicknames might cause problems when they try to deposit the check. For example, if your friend John Smith goes by the name “Buddy,” use their legal name rather than the nickname. [5]
    • To be safe, always ask who a check should be made out to. The person who will deposit the check will be able to give you the proper legal name.
    • You can write a check to 2 different people . If you use the word “and” between their names, they must both be present to deposit the check; if you use the word “or” between their names, either one can deposit the check. [6]
    • To write a check to yourself, write your full legal name on the “Pay to the Order Of” line. [7]
    • To write a check to cash, leave the “Pay to the Order Of” line blank or write “Cash” there. [8]
  5. This line can be left empty unless you have specific information you’d like to share there. Often, people use this line when sending checks to note the reason for the check when the recipient(s) reads it : “Babysitting,” “Groceries,” or “Happy Birthday!” This will help you remember what the check was for if you need to account for it at a later date. You can also use the memo line to provide the person receiving the check with information they might need to file and process it. [9]
    • If you’re paying rent to a landlord with many renters, you might list your address in the memo to remind them which unit you rent.
    • If you’re paying a utility bill, you can include your customer account number on the memo line.
    • The memo line is optional and can be left blank.
  6. The signature line is located on the bottom right-hand corner of the check. It’s very important that you write your signature exactly as it appears on the signature card you provided to the bank when you first opened your account. If you’ve changed your signature significantly since opening the account, you should let your bank know. Otherwise, the person trying to cash the check might run into problems cashing the check or even be accused of trying to forge your signature.
    • Never sign a blank check. If you lose it, anyone could pick it up, then fill in their name and include a large amount of money. If the check has your signature on it, it’s very possible they can deposit the check once altered.
    • Personal finance expert Derick Vogel recommends “waiting to sign a check until you're in front of the teller at the bank.”
    • Vogel also notes, “You should keep a check that you deposit through a mobile app until you can confirm it's in your account.”
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Section 2 of 3:

How do you balance a checkbook?

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  1. 1
    Record transactions in the checkbook register to track your spending. Each time you make a payment by check, fill out your checkbook by recording the check number (located in the upper-right corner of the check). Also include the date and what the check was for in the “transcription” or “description” column. Write the check amount (in numbers) in the “deposit” or “withdrawal” column, depending on whether the check was made out to you or you wrote it to someone else. [10]
    • The checkbook register is located at the back of the checkbook or as a separate booklet within the checkbook.
    • Alternatively, you can keep banking records in a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app.
  2. 2
    Adjust your bank balance with each new transaction. This includes any checks, withdrawals, payments, and bank fees that occur throughout the month. Subtract these amounts from your total bank balance, or add amounts from any deposits to your total balance.
    • You can double-check your checkbook records with your online banking statement.
  3. 3
    Review and reconcile your bank statement each month. If you spot any differences between your recorded amounts and your bank statement, do the math and review the numbers again. Look out for any outstanding checks, payments, or fees that you might not have calculated yet. If there is still a discrepancy, contact your bank to work it out. [11]
    • It’s important to balance your checkbook every month to prevent fraudulent transactions, locate any errors, and keep an eye on your spending habits.
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Can I write a check in pencil? It’s not advised to write a check using a pencil, though it’s not illegal. It is dangerous to write a check using a pencil because anyone can erase what you’ve written and replace it with new information. It’s best to write out a check using blue or black ink. Avoid using felt-tip markers, as they can bleed through the check paper. [12]
  2. 2
    How do I void a check ? When writing a voided check (usually when setting up payment from a new employer for direct deposit), write out the word “VOID” prominently across the whole check. Use blue or black ink to write it in large capital letters. You can also write “void” smaller on specific lines, like the “Pay to the Order Of,” amount, and signature lines, if you like. Record the check number in your register so you know it’s accounted for. [13]
  3. 3
    How do I deposit a check? Sign the back of the check using the 2 designated grey lines. When going to the bank in person, fill out a checking deposit slip and bring the slip and check to the bank teller. If using an ATM to deposit a check , simply select the option for check deposit and insert the endorsed check into the designated slot in the ATM when instructed. For mobile check deposit, you’ll be asked to take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check when depositing it. [14]
  4. 4
    What do the numbers on the bottom of a check mean? The numbers on the bottom of a check include your account number, your bank routing number, and the check number itself. The routing number directs the check to the correct bank for processing, while the account number indicates where the money is coming from (i.e., your account). The usually 3-digit check number identifies the check itself. You’ll need the account and routing numbers found at the bottom of the check whenever you set up direct deposit for payment, or often when making a payment by phone or online. [15]
  5. 5
    How do I reorder checks? You can reorder checks using your bank’s website. It’s also possible to reorder checks from 3rd-party websites, like Walmart Checks , Checks Unlimited , or Super Value Checks . You'll need to provide your account number, routing number, and the starting check number when you reorder checks from any vendor.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I write a check in the amount of $ 542,404.08?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    The textual equivalent would be "Five hundred forty-two thousand, four hundred four and 8/100 dollars".
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  • Question
    How do I write out a check total of $.43?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    A check for less than one dollar would be written as "Zero and 43/100 dollars" in text and "0.43" in the amount box.
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      Tips

      • To endorse a check to someone else, first sign your name on the back of the check. Then, write "Pay to the order of” followed by the recipient’s name below your signature. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://isso.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/images/check-guide/HowToWriteACheck.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.grammarbook.com/numbers/numbers.asp
      3. ↑ https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/how-to-write-check.aspx
      4. ↑ http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/is-illegal-post-date-check.html
      5. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/ally-bank-doesnt-want-you-depositing-checks-using-your-nickname-2012-3
      6. ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-both-my-spouse-and-i-have-to-sign-the-back-of-a-check-made-out-to-us-en-941/
      7. ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/write-a-check-to-yourself-315076
      8. ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/pay-to-cash-checks-315313
      9. ↑ http://www.investopedia.com/university/banking/banking3.asp
      1. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/how-to-balance-a-checkbook
      2. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/how-to-balance-a-checkbook
      3. ↑ https://finance.oregonstate.edu/information-regarding-personal-checks
      4. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/what-is-a-voided-check-and-when-to-use-one
      5. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/how-to-deposit-a-check
      6. ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/parts-of-a-check-315356
      7. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/how-to-endorse-a-check

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To write a check with cents, start by filling in the amount box underneath the date line with the amount you’re writing the check for, separating the dollar amount and cent amount by a decimal point. Next, under the “Pay to the Order Of” line, write out the dollar amount in text, followed by the word “and.” Then, write the amount of cents expressed as a fraction of 100. For example, you would write 47 cents as “47/100.” For tips on filling out the other fields on your check, read on!

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