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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.
Why Write A Check?
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 đī¸
Monetary gifts, like wedding gifts or birthday money you send in the mail đ
Opening an investment account đ°
Paying people or vendors that don't have online accounts đ˛
If you lose access to the internet for a period of time, like during a storm đŠī¸
Did you know?
Let's Do This!
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!"
Quiz
Jane needs to write a check for $2,500.31. How should she write this on her check in line #4?
Jane needs to write out the full amount in order to be clear. She does not want someone to misunderstand the amount she's paying!
Did you know?
An example...
Here's an example of a check written in the amount of $1,250.00:
Take Action
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!
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW