Writing paper checks in the digital age.
Paper checks might seem vintage, but they are sometimes necessary. Whether you want to avoid overspending, credit card processing fees, or simply want to personalize a birthday gift, knowing how to properly fill out a paper check is key to a smooth experience. Here’s what you should know about writing checks in the digital age.
Paper check basics.
A paper check is a physical document that allows you to pay another person or company with money from your checking account without using cash or a debit card. The recipient can deposit the paper check into their bank account or cash it at their financial institution, a check-cashing center, or the financial institution that issued the check. Unlike Zelle® and other peer-to-peer payments, paper checks may take several days to clear your account.
Checking account holders can order paper checks from their financial institutions. Checks are issued in a checkbook or pack of checks and are sequentially numbered in the top right corner. The check numbers make it easy to identify which ones have cleared the account.
How to write a personal check.
You can use cursive or print handwriting to complete a check — as long as it’s legible. Easy-to-read text handwriting helps avoid disputes related to the intended recipient or payment amount. Here’s how to fill in each section of a personal check.
- Date — Input the exact date you write the check. Include the two-digit month, two-digit day, and four-digit year. You may spell out the month if you prefer.
- Pay to the Order of — Specify who you are sending money to. This should be the first and last name of the person or complete company name as listed on a bill or other communication. If you leave this section blank, anyone can fill it in and attempt to cash the check.
- $ (Box) — Enter the exact numerical amount you allow the person or company to withdraw from your checking account. Place the first digit as close to the dollar sign as possible to discourage fraudsters from adding an extra number.
Do not use a glitter pen to write checks since it can interfere with the bank’s check scanning process causing a delay or rejection of the check.
- Dollars — Write the dollar amount in words as you would say it out loud, representing the cents as a fraction in numerals. Draw a line through any remaining space to discourage unauthorized changes. For example, you should write “Fifty and 12/100--------” on the Dollars line for a $50.12 check.
- For (Memo) — Record the purpose or reason for the payment. While this section is optional, it can serve as a reminder of why a specific payment was made to another person or company.
- Signature — Sign your name here to authorize the withdrawal of money from your account.
Never fill out a check using a pencil, erasable ink, or gel pens. Such writing utensils make it easy for crooks to “wash” the print from the check and rewrite it to themselves for any amount they choose.
- Routing transit number — The nine numbers between the special symbols are your financial institution’s identification number. This number allows other institutions to process the transaction from the correct bank or credit union.
Magnetic symbols on the bottom of your check. This number allows other institutions to process the transaction from the correct bank or credit union. - Check number — Sequential numbers appear in the upper right corner of each check. The next check you write will list the next number in the sequence. This makes it easy to track which checks you’ve written and which ones have cleared your account. The number is listed again at the bottom of the check and may start with zeros (“0”) if the check number is less than 1000.
- Account number — The numbers at the bottom of your check that are neither the routing number nor the check number. This is your checking account number. It ensures that funds are deposited or withdrawn from the correct account.
Always use a blue or black ballpoint pen to minimize the risk of check fraud and problems with bank processing.
Tracking paper checks.
If your checkbook came with a check register, use it to track your account balance and transactions. Most registers encourage you to input important check information:
- Amount of check
- Check number
- Date listed on the check
- Whom the check was made out to
- Purpose of the check
Recording this data is vital since it might serve as your only reference if the check is lost, stolen, or you need to dispute the transaction. Alternatively, you can order duplicate checks. These come with a carbon copy inserted behind each one. The paper check is removed from the checkbook and sent to the recipient, and the carbon copy remains in your checkbook for your records.
Watch out for check fraud.
When you pay by check, you shouldn’t have to worry whether your transaction is secure. Check fraud is on the rise and it’s good to learn about the many different types of scams link opens in a new window. and how to spot fraud.
Commerce Bank is working to fight check fraud with our free Texting for Check Fraud program. To learn more about the service, visit our FAQ page. If you have questions or concerns about keeping your accounts secure, visit your nearest branch or contact us today.
Are you ready to write your first paper check? Order checks now.
If you need a paper check to set up direct deposit for an employer or another purpose, stop by a Commerce branch. A friendly representative can print one for you.
