You just opened a new bank account and the teller hands you a checkbook.

You think: What is this and what do I do with it?

Checks may seem old-school, but you need to use them now and then.

*If you're a bit fuzzy on the basics of opening a checking account, be sure to read this Byte first.

You'll probably use your debit card or online payments for regular purchases and bills, but some situations require writing a check:

• Downpayment on rent 🏘️

• Monetary gifts, like wedding gifts or birthday money you send in the mail 🎁

• Opening an investment account 💰

• Paying people or vendors that don't have online accounts 💲

• If you lose access to the internet for a period of time, like during a storm 🌩️

Date

Write today's date either fully, like: August 21, 2021 or abbreviated, like: 8/21/21.

"Pay to the Order of" line

Write the name of the person or company you're paying the check to.

Dollar Amount

Write the amount of money you're paying, like this: $125.00 or $53.21.

Line that ends with "Dollars"

Write the amount out, like this: One hundred twenty five and xx/100 or Fifty three and 21/100. Note: cents are always written in the cc/100 format.

Signature Line

Sign your name as it appears at the top of the check.

Memo Line

This line is optional. You can make a note to remind yourself what the payment was for, or even to give a message to the recipient like, "Happy Birthday!"

Here's an example of a check written in the amount of $1,250.00:

Now that you know how to write a check, practice your new skill by writing one the next time you owe money to a friend. They'll be impressed!