| If you are new to check writing, then listen up. Though | | | | information will need to be inputted twice. The first |
| it's not the most difficult thing in the world, safely writing | | | | place to put the information is in the dollar amount line. |
| a check is something that everyone needs to know | | | | You'll find this just under the line that says "PAY TO |
| before it is all said and done. | | | | THE ORDER OF." Include the full amount and any |
| Use Ink, Never Lead | | | | cents that are involved in the transaction. You need to |
| Writing a check with a pencil leaves you at a huge risk | | | | complete this portion of the check thoroughly to avoid |
| of fraud. Someone could erase what you have written | | | | another from changing your numbers. Look at the right |
| and simply fill in the blanks with how much money | | | | side of the check. Put the numbers you see there in |
| they'd like to receive. To keep from handing out blank | | | | the amount box. |
| checks to people, use some sort of ink. Though most | | | | Signing the Check |
| people would say that a pen is good enough, it is best | | | | When you are all done with the other parts of the |
| to use a permanent marker if at all possible. This is | | | | check, it's time to sign the check. It is very important |
| important because there have been instances where | | | | that you sign the check with your standard signature, |
| people have engaged in "check washing", a process | | | | similar to the one that can be found on your driver's |
| where criminals use chemicals to remove ink from | | | | license. If you don't take great care to do this, then the |
| checks. If you go with permanent marker, this won't | | | | bank could throw up red flags on your check and you |
| happen to you. | | | | could have to answer annoying questions about |
| Dating and Identifying | | | | potential fraud. With the amount of check fraud and |
| Upon first glance at the check, it might seem | | | | forgery going on today, banks are on the lookout for |
| complicated to the inexperienced. If you know all of the | | | | signatures that look suspicious or don't match your |
| information, however, the blanks are very easy to fill | | | | normal signature. The final part of the check is the |
| out. To start with, enter the current date on the check. | | | | "info" section, which is optional. Most people like to write |
| It is illegal to post-date a check so always recheck the | | | | what the check is for just for their own bookkeeping |
| date that you put on the check. Once this has been | | | | ease. Generally, the more information you provide, the |
| completed, be certain to write the name of the person | | | | better off you will be. |
| who shall be the recipient of the check on the "pay to | | | | Overall, writing a check is not a particularly difficult task, |
| the order of" line of the check. Make sure that you've | | | | although there are a few things to keep in mind. It isn't |
| accurately written the business name or the person's | | | | something to be flippant about, however. Make sure |
| first and last name. | | | | that you've filled out each part correctly so that the |
| When Filling in the Amount | | | | likelihood of your check being altered is at a minimum. |
| The foremost piece of information on the check is the | | | | This will prevent future problems and save you from a |
| amount of money you want the Bank to pay. This | | | | huge mess of troubles. |