When you need to make a payment to someone else, you can write a check. You will fill in certain information on the blank lines of the check. Look at the image below to see the different parts of a check and then click the activity to see more details.
#1: On the top left of a check is the account holder's identifying information, including name and address.
#2: On the top right of the check, you will see a number. This is the number in sequence of the check being used. The check number is also on the bottom right of the check by the account number.
#3: Under the check number on the top right, you will see the date line. This is where you enter the date that you are writing the check. The date is important as a check can expire; or if the check is written for a date in the future, it cannot be deposited until that date.
#4: Under the account holder information you will see a line called Pay to the Order of. This is where you fill in the name of the person or business that you are writing the check to.
#5: Next to the pay to the order of line, you will see a box. This is where you write the amount of the check in numerals—for example, $500.00.
#6: Underneath the pay to the order of line and check amount box, you will see a blank line. This is where you write out in words the amount of dollars being paid—in this example, Five hundred—followed by the decimal amount written as a fraction: 00/100. Then draw a line to connect the written dollar amount (Five hundred) with the decimal amount (00/100). The amount written out needs to match the check amount exactly in order for the check to be valid.
#7: Underneath the written amount of the check and to the left, you will see the identifying information of the bank you are using for the checking account.
#8: Underneath the bank info, you will see the memo line. You can write a description of the transaction here. For example, if you are making a rent payment, you would write "rent" on the memo line.
#9: To the right of the memo line, you will see a blank line. This is the signature line where you sign your name to make the check official.
#10: Underneath the memo line, you will see a set of numbers. This is the routing number, which identifies the bank.
#11: Next to the routing number, you will see your account number. This number is unique to you and identifies the account as your checking account. The shorter number to the right of your account number is the sequential number of the check.
Back of a Check
On the back of a check, you will see an area for endorsement. This is where you sign your signature on a check you receive from someone else when making a deposit. What you sign on the back of the check can vary, depending on the type of bank transaction—a regular deposit, mobile deposit, or the check being cashed.
Now that you know all the parts of a check, look at this scenario of a check that needs to be written to pay a bill.
On January 1st, Sarah Smith needs to pay her power bill to the LA Power Company. Her power bill is $225.00. What would the check look like?
The front of a check. The check is from Sarah Smith who lives at 123 Happy Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 01010 and is dated January 1, 2021. The check is made out to LA Power Company in the amount of $225.00. The memo is power bill, and it is signed by Sarah Smith.
Since you now know all the parts to a check and what a completed check looks like, it's time to try writing a check on your own! Click one of the links below to access this lesson's assignment. Only complete Part 1 of the assignment at this time. Keep the document open, as you will need it to complete the rest of the lesson.
