How to write a check
In these days of digital finance, writing a check may seem a little old-fashioned. But it’s something that people still do and some places still ask to be paid this way. As you may never have written a check, or simply have forgotten how, we’ve put together this article to help you. We hope you find it useful.
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WorldRemit Content Team
• 3 mins read • Updated
Things to consider before writing a check
Writing a check isn’t always the fastest and most efficient way to pay for things. So, before you get your pen out and start writing a check - consider the alternatives:
Pay bills online - or you can even tell your bank to send a check automatically each month. That way you won't need to write the check, or pay for postage.
Use a debit card and pay electronically.
Set up automatic payments for regular payments like utility bills and insurance premiums. There's usually no charge to pay this way, and it makes your life easy.
Send a bank transfer. Read all about bank transfers and how long they take.
Send a money transfer - you can do this quickly and securely with WorldRemit.
Another important thing to consider before writing a check is to ask yourself - do you have sufficient funds available in your checking account to cover it? If you don't, your payments may bounce and create problems, including hefty fees and potential legal issues.
How to get a checkbook
You can order checkbooks from banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Several nationwide retailers, including Costco, Office Depot, Sam’s Club and Walmart also sell personal checks, as well as online merchants.
The best way to write a check
It’s simple. Just follow these simple steps to write a check:
Date the check - on the line at the top right-hand corner.
Write the name of the person the check is intended for (the payee).
Write the payment amount you’re paying in numbers
Write the payment amount in words
Sign the check
Can my bank write a check for me?
This will vary from bank to bank, but usually a teller can supply you with a cashier's check. A cashier’s check is a check that draws from the bank’s funds rather than your individual account. It’s a form of payment that guarantees your recipient that there’s enough money to cover the check. However, you must first provide the bank with enough money to cover the check’s value.
You’ll need to show your ID and provide the payee's name and the check amount. If you're a current bank or credit union customer, you'll need to specify from which the funds account the check should be drawn.
Cashier’s checks offer your payees the benefit of being paid reliably and immediately. This is why they’re often used in major transactions, like purchasing a vehicle or home.
Need to send money abroad? Use WorldRemit to send money fast.
If you need to get money to your friends and family fast, then a check is almost certainly not the fastest way to go. Send money abroad with WorldRemit. Our service is fast, secure and always low cost. Plus, It’s easy to sign up to the WorldRemit app in seconds. You’ll even get your first three transfers free with code 3FREE.
How to write a check: FAQs
Can I write a check in blue ink?
Yes. But do check this with your bank, as it can vary from bank to bank. No laws have specified the colors of ink you can use to fill out checks. But most banks do care about the color, because certain machines they use to validate checks often cannot identify ink that’s not blue or black.
Can you write a check to yourself?
Yes, as long as you have the funds to do so. It’s one way to withdraw money from your bank account or transfer funds from one account to another. But remember, all banks vary - so there may be different policies.
Can you sign a check on behalf of someone else?
So, you have a check from someone else that you’re supposed to deposit on their behalf and they forgot to sign it. Can you sign their name on the back in order to give yourself the right to cash the check for them? The answer is ‘yes’ - as long as you have their permission. It’s fraud if you don’t have permission.
The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice, you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.
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