How to write a check, step by step.

A US check, line by line — including the "and XX/100" cents convention that trips people up. For the exact amount-in-words line, use the converter linked below.

1 · Date (top-right)M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

2 · Pay to the order of
______________________________$ 3 · amount box

4 · Amount in words
… and XX/100 ——— Dollarsfill the line

5 · Memo (bottom-left)6 · Signature (bottom-right)

Step 1 — Date

Write today's date in the top-right corner, US format (month/day/year). Post-dating is possible but banks may still process it early.

Step 2 — Pay to the order of

Write the payee's full name on this line. Draw a line through leftover space so no name can be added.

Step 3 — Amount in numbers

Write the amount as digits in the small box, including cents: 1,500.50. Keep it tight against the dollar sign so nothing can be inserted.

Step 4 — Amount in words (with cents as a fraction)

On the long line write the dollars in words, then the cents as a fraction over 100, then "Dollars" is usually preprinted at the end. For $1,500.50 you write: One Thousand Five Hundred and 50/100. For a whole amount, use 00/100 or "No/100". Draw a line to fill any empty space.

Need the exact line? The amount converter set to USD produces "One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and 50/100" — copy and adapt to your check's preprinted layout.

Step 5 — Memo

Optional. Note what the check is for (e.g. "March rent") in the bottom-left.

Step 6 — Signature

Sign the bottom-right line to match your bank's records. An unsigned check is void.

The cents convention, explained

The "/100" means cents out of one hundred. The cents are written as a number, not words: forty-two cents is "42/100", not "Forty Two". The word "and" here links dollars to cents — it is the only place "and" belongs on a US check, which is why amounts are written "One Hundred and 00/100" rather than "One Hundred and Fifty" for $150 (that would be written "One Hundred Fifty and 00/100").

Writing an Indian or UK cheque instead? Different spelling and conventions — see how to write a cheque.

Questions

How do I write cents on a check?: As a fraction over 100 after the dollar words: "and 50/100" for fifty cents, "and 00/100" for none.
Do US checks use the word "Only"?: No — that's an Indian/UK convention. US checks end the words line with the cents fraction and "Dollars".
Words or numbers — which wins?: If the two disagree, US banks pay the amount written in words.