How to write a cheque amount without errors.

A cheque is rejected far more often for how the amount is written than for any other reason. This guide covers exactly how to write the words and figures so a cheque clears the first time.

The two places the amount appears

Every cheque states the amount twice: once in words on the long line, and once in figures in the box on the right. Both must say the same thing. When they disagree, banking practice is to honour the amount written in words, but in modern clearing a mismatch usually just gets the cheque returned. The first rule, then, is simple: make the words and the figures match exactly, down to the paise.

For example, for forty-five thousand five hundred rupees and fifty paise, the figure box reads 45,500.50 and the words line reads "Forty Five Thousand Five Hundred Rupees and Fifty Paise". If you would rather not write it out by hand, the cheque amount converter produces the exact line for any figure.

Writing the words line correctly

The words line follows a fixed order: the amount, then the word "Rupees", then the paise (if any) joined with "and", and finally the word "Only" to close a whole-rupee amount. So 2,500 becomes "Two Thousand Five Hundred Rupees Only", while 2,500.75 becomes "Two Thousand Five Hundred Rupees and Seventy Five Paise". The closing "Only" matters: it seals the line so nothing can be appended after it. There is a separate guide on why "Only" is used if you want the detail.

Writing the figures box correctly

Write the figures tight against the rupee symbol, with no gap, and include the paise as a decimal. A cheque for a round amount should still show the paise as .00 so the box can't be altered. Keep your digits clear and unjoined; a sloppy 1 that looks like a 7 is a common cause of disputes.

The eight habits that stop a cheque bouncing

Match words and figures exactly, including paise.
End the words line with "Only" for whole amounts.
Leave no gaps — draw a line through empty space after the words and the figures.
Don't overwrite or correct anything; under CTS clearing, altered cheques are typically rejected. Write a fresh cheque instead.
Sign exactly as the bank holds your specimen signature.
Date it correctly; a cheque is generally valid for three months from its date.
Write legibly in ink, not pencil.
Cross the cheque ("A/C Payee") when you want it paid only into the named account.

Tip. If you write cheques often, generate the words line with the converter and copy it — it removes the most common source of error, the words themselves. New to cheques entirely? Start with the step-by-step cheque walkthrough.

A worked example

Suppose you're paying a deposit of 45,500.50. In the figure box you write 45,500.50. On the words line you write "Forty Five Thousand Five Hundred Rupees and Fifty Paise". Notice there is no "Only" here because paise are present; "Only" is used when the amount is whole. Draw a short line after "Paise" to fill the remaining space, sign, date, and the cheque is ready.

This guide describes common Indian and UK cheque conventions. It isn't legal advice; for anything that must clear a specific bank, confirm the exact requirements with that bank.