Checking Account Forms and Instructions
How to Write a Personal Check
Use the instructions on this page to learn how to write a check.
1. Always use a pen when writing a personal check - never a pencil.
2. On the “Date Line”, write in today’s date.
This can be in either long or short format (i.e. long format – “July
23, 2005”; short format – “7/23/05”).
3. On the “Pay to the Order” line, write in the name of the
person or company to whom the check is being written.
4. In the “Dollar Box”, write in the numeric value the check.
(ex.: 12.95)
5. On the “Dollar Amount Line”, write out the spoken
representation of the amount written into the “Dollar Box”. Utilize
the cents as a fractional representation.
(ex.: 12.95 will be written out as: Twelve and ------------- 95/100)
6. On the “Signature Line”, sign your name.
OPTIONAL: On the “For Line”, write in any information that
would help you identify the purpose of the check. Items found
written on the “For” line include: phone numbers, drivers license
#, Credit Card Account Numbers, general descriptive purpose of
check
(ex.: doctor’s appointment)
Using a Checking Account Worksheet
Review the sample check below, read the scenario, and write out a check for payment.
Example Check
Checking-Writing Scenario
Say that today you went to Smith’s Department Store and bought three pairs of jeans
on sale. The total cost of your purchase was $62.13. Fill in the check for the
complete sale. Don’t forget to write something on the memo line to help you
remember what you bought.
My Name
111 Main Street
Anytown, State 00000
(555) 123-4567
101
Date__________________________
Pay of the Order of_______________________________________________$___________________
______________________________________________________________________________Dollars
My Bank
Anytown, State 00000
(555) 555-1000
Memo__________________________
_________________________
1:23 45678910: 000 000 101
Suppose you started with $745.22 in your checking account. Then, your paycheck was
direct deposited and you paid Smith’s Department Store for the jeans. Your check
register should look something like the example below. List checks and other debits in
the fourth column and payroll deposits and other credits in the seventh column. The
outstanding balance is recorded in the last column on the right.
Example Bank Register
RECORD ALL TRANSACTIONS THAT APPLY TO YOUR ACCOUNT
CHECK
NUMBER
DATE
DESCRIPTION OF
TRANSACTION
(-) PAYMENT,
CO √
WITHDRAWAL DE
OR FEE AMOUNT
(+)
DEPOSIT,
CREDIT
OR
INTEREST
Beginning Balance
5/17/04
Paycheck
BALANCE
745.22
$470.50
+470.50
=1,215.72
5/26/04
Smith’s Department $62.13
Store
-62.13
=1,153.59
Example Bank Register
RECORD ALL TRANSACTIONS THAT APPLY TO YOUR ACCOUNT
CHECK DATE
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION (-) PAYMENT, CODE √
OF
WITHDRAWAL
TRANSACTION
OR FEE
AMOUNT
(+)
DEPOSIT,
CREDIT
OR
INTEREST
BALANCE