How To Write a Check in Just One Minute

The first time writing a check can be a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, Its easy. I'll show you How To Write a Check in just 1 minute....

The first time writing a check can be a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, Its easy. I'll show you How To Write a Check in just 1 minute.
In USA, you write a check using your checking account. You can write a check up to the monetary balance you have in your account. However, if you have overdraft protection, you may be able to write a check for a higher amount.

 
How To Write a Check

Bouncing a check (having it returned due to insufficient funds) is an offense in the USA. The merchant (to whom you wrote the check) may charge you around $30 to $35, and your bank may charge you another $25 to $70. If the amount is large, the recipient may take legal action against you, take you to court, and you may end up in jail.

It is absolutely fine to write a check for small amounts, like $2. Most people in the U.S. carry little or no cash with them. Most of the payments are done either with a credit card or check. However, it is still recommended to to carry some cash (around $20) at all times, just in case. Of course, if you are writing checks for small amounts, you will want to keep your checkbook with you all the times.
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Check Writing Steps

1. Date: Date format in the U.S. is month/day/year. You can write it out in one of several formats, such as 04/17/2016, Apr 17, 2016, or April 17, 2016.

2. Payee: Write the name of the person or company to whom you're paying money with the check.

3. Amount in Numbers: Write the amount in numbers., e.g. 125.89. Note that the $ sign is already pre-printed. Therefore, you don't have to write it again.

4. Amount in Words: This will be the same amount that you wrote in step 3, e.g., One-hundred twenty-five and 89/100.
How To Write a Check
How To Write a Check


5. Memo: An optional description of the nature of the payment. You can write something like "phone bill," "rent," etc. If you have an account number with the payee, you should mention that account number here. That way if the check and payment stub are separated at the company, they can keep track of whose account to apply the payment to.

6. Signature: Your signature, the same way you wrote it when you opened your bank account. If you have a joint account, and if there are multiple signatories, any authorized person can sign. After you write the check, remember to write the date, check number, payee, and the amount in the check register located at the front of the checkbook. 

Check Information   
The order of these numbers may differ on your check and may include some special symbols different than those shown.


7. Check Number: Each check has a different check number. Please note that the check number appears twice on the check - once at the top right corner and once at the bottom center.

8. Routing Number: This is the routing number of the bank that facilitates electronic clearing of the check. This number will be the same for many account holders at your bank. The routing number is always nine digits and begins with a 0, 1, 2, or 3. On a check, this number is always bracketed by this special symbol: 


What is Routing Number?
An ABA routing transit number (ABA RTN) is a nine digit code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks to identify the financial institution on which it was drawn.

9. Account Number: Your bank account number. This number will be the same on all of your checks. On a check, this number is generally accompanied by this special symbol: 

Check Routing Number

Bank checks usually contain three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of the check.Business checks usually have the check number printed first, followed by the routing number, followed by the bank account number last. 

Personal checks usually use a different number order, with the routing number appearing first, followed by the account number, followed by the check number. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on How To Write a Check

What is a transit number for a bank account?

Routing transit number. An ABA routing transit number (ABA RTN) is a nine digit code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks to identify the financial institution on which it was drawn.

What is the check number?

If the design of your check allows for it, you may include a personal message in the over signature area on your checks. The first number in the MICR line at the bottom of your check is your bank's routing number. It is 9 digits long and always starts with 0, 1, 2 or 3.

What is a routing number for?

A routing transit number (RTN) is a nine digit bank code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks identifying the financial institution on which it was drawn.

Which set of numbers is the routing number on a check?

Your bank routing number is a nine-digit code that's based on the U.S. Bank location where your account was opened. It's the first set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, on the left side. You can also find it in the bank routing numbers chart below.

What is a Checking Account?

An account at a bank against which checks can be drawn by the account depositor.

How much money does it take to open a bank account?

Checking: $25 deposit to open; $12 monthly fee unless direct deposit of at least $500, minimum balance of $1,500 or $5,000 average daily balance in linked accounts. Checking: $0 to open; $10 monthly fee unless balance of at least $1,500 in prior month or one direct deposit and one bill payment each month.
You can have a US Bank Checking Account for Free, With $25 Bonus, Here is how to get it.

Who is the drawer of a Bank Check?

The drawer writes the various details including the monetary amount, date, and a payee on the check, and signs it, ordering their bank, known as the drawer, to pay that person or company the amount of money stated.

What is a bank counter Check?

A counter check is a bank check given to customers who have run out of checks or whose checks are not yet available. It is often left blank — hence sometimes called a "blank check", though this term has other uses — and is used for purposes of withdrawal.
 

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