How to Write and Read a Cheque

Now that we know how to read a cheque, let’s tackle the proper way to go about writing one.

Much like writing a letter, the ability to write a cheque may seem like a bygone skill that you no longer need to pay attention to.

However, even in today’s increasingly digital world, there are times when you may need to rely on a cheque to perform a large transaction or pay a bill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to foolproof cheque writing.

1. Write in the Date

First, write the date. You’ll find a spot for this in the top right corner of the cheque where it says “date.”

You will generally want to use today’s date, i.e., the date on which you are signing the cheque. The exception to this is if you are filling out post-dated cheques. If you enter a date that is in the future, the cheque cannot be cashed until this date arrives.

2. Write in the Recipient’s Name

Next, you will want to turn your attention to the line that says “Pay to the order of.”

Here, you will want to fill out the name of the person who will be cashing the cheque.

It is important that you spell the recipient’s name correctly. If you are writing a cheque to a company, ask them what their preferred name would be.

3. Write in the Cash Amount

In the location where there is a dollar ($) sign symbol, write the numeric amount that you would like the cheque to be for.

You will need to include two decimals no matter how small or large the amount is.

For example, if you are writing a cheque for $1,050, you would write it as $1050.00. In the unlikely event that you are writing a cheque for fifty cents, you would write it as $0.50.

4. Write in the Cash Amount in Words

You will also need to write the amount that you are writing a cheque for on the second line in actual words. Since you will be writing the dollar amount down to the cent, you will use “/100” to clarify the exact amount that you are authorizing to be withdrawn.

So, for the amount of $1050.50, for example, to write the cheque amount in words, you would write “one thousand and fifty dollars 50/100 cents.”

Most people will draw a line between the words and the last cents as a security measure so that the cheque amount cannot be meddled with.

5. Sign the Cheque

Finally, it’s time to sign the cheque. This is a small but very important step, so give it your best Hollywood sign.

6. Optional: Fill in the Memo

Optional: you can now fill the memo section if you would like. For example, if your cheque is for rent, you could write “October rent.”