How to Write and Endorse a Check

Writing a check may seem simple, but completing it correctly helps ensure your payment is processed smoothly and securely. Check fraud remains a common way for bad actors to access your funds, and banks are increasingly attentive to incomplete or incorrect checks.

Writing a Check for Payment

1. Start by writing the date in the top-right corner of the check.

   1. This helps both the bank and the payee know when the check was issued. You can write the date in either format: October 13, 2022, or 10/13/2022.

   2. If you choose to post-date your check (write a future date), be sure to notify the payee. A post-dated check is written with a future date, meaning the payee should wait until that date to deposit or cash it.

2. Write the full legal name of the person or business receiving the payment next to "Pay to the order of."

   1. Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations. This helps ensure the payment is accepted and processed without issue.

3. In the small box on the right-hand side, write the amount of the payment in numbers. Be sure to include dollars, cents, and a decimal point, even if there are no cents. For example, 1,400.00. This allows ATMs and bankers to accurately process the payment.

4. On the line beneath “Pay to the Order of,” write the payment amount in words. This must match the numerical amount. Continuing with the example above, the check would say "One Thousand Four Hundred Dollars and 00/100. Clear spelling is important to avoid confusion or delays.

5. Sign your name in the bottom-right corner using the signature you provided when opening your account. This confirms 1) you authorize the payment and 2) the amount is correct. Without a signature, the check cannot be processed.

6. The memo line is optional, but can be used to help with account reconciliation. Use the memo line to note the purpose of the payment. Examples: October Rent Utility Bill, or Invoice #1024.

Endorsing a Check

Endorsing a check is done by signing your name on the back. It's important to NOT sign the back until you are ready to deposit or cash the check at a bank, an ATM, or via mobile deposit. Signing early could allow someone else to cash it if the check is lost or stolen.

How to Sign

• Sign using your legal name

• If the check is made out to a variation of your name (ex: Pat instead of Patricia), sign that name first, then sign your legal name below it.

• Use a permanent-ink pen

• Write clearly and legibly