So you've been asked to write a check. Weird, right? It's 2025. You pay your rent via Venmo, you tip with a tap, and you probably haven't seen your signature since you signed for a package in your pajamas. But sometimes, life throws you a curveball that requires… a check.

Whether it's your landlord, your great aunt, or a DMV still living in 1984, here's your no-shame, all-facts guide to writing a check that won't bounce or get laughed at.

What You'll Need:

  • A checkbook (yes, those still exist—ask your financial institution or dig through your junk drawer).
  • A pen (blue or black ink. Pencils are for standardized tests, not money).
  • A steady-ish hand and about 30 seconds of your life.

Let's Break It Down, Box by Box:

Date (Top Right Corner)

What goes here? Today's date.

Why? Because checks expire. Plus, writing tomorrow's date doesn't make you a time traveler, just someone with a bounced check.

Example image: "August 18, 2025" written neatly in the top right corner.

Pay to the Order of (That Long Line on the Left)

What goes here? The person or business you're paying. Spell it out. No nicknames. No emojis.

Pro Tip: If you're writing a check to a business, double-check the name. "Bob's Pizza" and "Bob's Pizzeria LLC" are not the same thing (at least to a bank).

Example image: "LeHigh Voltage Co." clearly written on the "Pay to the order of" line.

Amount in Numbers (That Box With a $ in Front of It)

What goes here? The amount you're paying, like this: 87.23

Pro Tip: Always start at the left of the box to prevent someone from turning "87.23" into "987.23." (Yes, people really do that.)

Example image: "$87.23" written tightly against the left side of the box.

Amount in Words (The Line Below the Name)

What goes here? The amount in full words. Like: "Eighty-seven and 23/100."

Why? Banks use this line as the official amount. If this and the box don't match, your check could be rejected or, worse—processed for the wrong amount.

Bonus Tip: Draw a squiggly line through the extra space so nobody adds "million dollars" at the end.

Example image: "Eighty-seven and 23/100 ----------------------" across the whole line.

Memo (Bottom Left)

What goes here? Why you're writing the check. "Rent," "Dog-sitting," "For tacos" — whatever makes sense (and keeps you organized).

Pro Tip: It's optional, but helpful. Think of it like the subject line of an email, but with less potential to cause regret.

Example image: "August 2025 Power Bill" written in the memo line.

Signature (Bottom Right)

What goes here? Your name. The way you signed when you opened the account. Not your Instagram handle.

Warning: No signature = no money moves. It's just a sad piece of paper otherwise.

Example image: A cursive-style signature like "Will B. Rich" on the signature line.

Wait, Do People Still Use These?

Yes, but rarely. Some landlords, small businesses, government offices, and retro souls still live in the world of checks. Think of it like knowing how to use jumper cables — most days you won't need it, but when you do, it saves your butt.

One Last Thing:

Don't forget to record it. In your checkbook register, your budgeting app, your brain—somewhere. Writing a check means money is about to leave your account. And surprises are fun... unless it's your balance hitting zero.