Moving forward with lessons about writing a check is our next step in our “What about Bob?” learning sessions. For Bob, his lesson was two-fold: he learned the basics of how to write a check, and made a pitch for a date with his check writing teacher. More on that later.

How to Write a Check in 6 Steps

Bob first learns that writing a check is an easy and important skill everyone should know.

1. Write the date on the line in the upper right-hand corner. There will be a blank space next to or above the word “Date.” Remember that a check is a legal document, and the date written here should always be the day that you sign the bottom of the check.
2. Write the name of the recipient. Bob writes the name of the person or company he’s sending the check to next to the line that says “Pay to the Order of.” If it’s a company and you’re not sure exactly what it’s called, make sure you get that information right before you write the check. If it’s to an individual, Bob is instructed to include both their first and last name.
3. Write the amount of the check to the right of the dollar sign. Write the exact amount, using dollars and cents. If the check is for twenty dollars, write “20.00.”
4. Write the monetary amount of the check in word-form below the “Pay to the Order of” line. Bob learns that he must express the amount of cents if there are cents, or write “even” at the end of the amount so that another person doesn’t add more money to the amount. A check for $20.00, write either “Twenty dollars and 0/100 cents,” “Twenty dollars even,” or just “Twenty” with a line running all the way from the right of the word to the end of the line.
5. Sign the check on the line in the bottom right corner. Your check will be invalid if it is not personally signed.
6. Fill out the memo section on the bottom left of the check. Though this part of the check is optional, it can be helpful to write a note to yourself or the recipient as a reminder of the purpose. For example, you can write “For May rent” if you’re sending a rent check, and write the apartment number in the memo section. Bob also thinks it is a good idea to put his phone number in the memo section for a possible date in the future. Nice try Bob.

Want to know what Bob has learned about how to write a check? Check out Bob’s video or give us a call and we will walk you through the same lesson.

Bob’s check writing video was produced by 2188 Studios, a small Michigan production company led by Ben and Lucas Daniels based in Chelsea, and directed by Michigan native Jeff Daniels, with actors from the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea.