In today’s digital first world, it is not unusual to hit adulthood without knowing how to write a check. So when you are faced with the situation, you are left scratching your head about how to fill out the check. No worries!
How To Write A Check Step-By-Step
(Before we proceed ahead. Please note that I do not work for a financial institution or claim to be a banking expert. I am writing based upon my own life experience.)
Writing a check is not hard, you just have make sure you put in the necessary info. You can print (all but your signature) or do the whole check in cursive using a pen. The key is that it is readable and done NOT using a pencil. Pencil markings can be easily erased and do not show up well if a check is scanned by machine.
- Today’s date
- Name of company or person check is for
- The amount of the check in numbers. For cents, you would just add on like this $1,115.34
- The amount of the check written out in words and for the cents if none 00/100 or if some like example right above 34/100
- Optional (What the check is for). Some companies may ask you to write your check number here.
- Your signature
And viola! You are done. Now deliver that check where it needs to go.
What To Do If Somebody Sends You A Check
In this day and age of pay by app, who in the world would send me a check? You would be surprised. Government entities, some companies, and even that sweet older neighbor on your birthday. So how do you access the money that the check is written for? If you have a bank account, you can easily do so at a branch of your bank or deposit online with an app if your banking institution offers that option.
If you do not have a bank account, you may need to use a check cashing service which may charge a fee or, if your lucky, get the check cashed at a branch of the bank that issued the check. You will often find bank logo and some contact info on checks.
No matter where or how you cash that check, you will need to sign it on the back where indicated just like it is written to you in the Pay To The Order Of Section. And you may need to show ID.
What is Routing Number? And Where Do I Find It?
A routing number is the 9-digit code used to identify a financial institution. You can find it on a check where noted in the image above (lower left-hand corner). Also, you can call the financial institution to get it or sometimes access it on their website. Routing numbers come standard on checks. You might need to provide a routing and account number (also found on the check as in image above next to routing number) if for example you were setting up direct deposit of your paycheck into your checking account. Be sure to only give out routing and account numbers to legitimate entities that you have done your research on.
What Does It Mean When A Check Bounces?
When a check bounces, it means that the check writer does not have enough funds in their account to cover the amount that they have written the check for. Aside from stiffing the person or company that the check is written to, the check writer will get hit with NSF (Non sufficient funds fees) and could find themselves in legal trouble. As a check writer, the best way to avoid bouncing checks is to keep track of the amount of money that you have in your account at any given time and the number of written checks that have been sent off but no cashed by the other party yet.
Fortunately, some great online tools such as Quicken Simplifi and Monarch Money can help you keep an eye on cashflow.