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How to Write a Check (Step-by-Step)

Learn how to write a check by filling in the date, payee, amount in numbers and words, memo and signature. Here's a simple $125.00 example payable to Jane Smith.

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A filled-in example

Fictional example check to Jane Smith for $125.00, written as One hundred twenty-five and 00/100, with date, memo, signature and labeled bank numbers.
Fictional names and bank numbers. Example only — not negotiable.

  1. 01Date

    Write the date in the date field. In this example: October 13, 2026.

  2. 02Pay to the order of

    Write the person or business you are paying. In this example: Jane Smith.

  3. 03Amount in numbers

    Write the amount, including cents, in the amount box: $125.00.

  4. 04Amount in words

    Write: One hundred twenty-five and 00/100. This states the dollars in words and the cents as a fraction.

  5. 05Memo

    Add a short note about the payment, such as October lessons.

  6. 06Signature

    Sign with the signature your bank has on file. The fictional signer here is Alex Example.

The numbers at the bottom

Routing number
The nine-digit number identifying your US bank.
Account number
The number identifying the account the money comes from. Keep it private.
Check number
The identifier for this check, usually repeated at the top right. Here it is 1001.

Two important tips

  • Start the amount in words at the far left and draw a line after it to fill the remaining space.
  • Never sign a blank check.

Skip the handwriting

Check Snapper fills in the amount in words for you and prints the check on blank check stock.

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