How to Write a Check Made Out to Yourself

Quick answer

• You can write a check to yourself by listing your own name in the “Pay to the order of” line.
• This is a common method for transferring funds between your own accounts or for accessing cash.
• Ensure your signature is on the back of the check when you deposit or cash it.
• Double-check all information on the check, including the date, amount, and your name, before signing.
• Be aware of your bank’s policies regarding cashing or depositing checks made out to yourself.

Who this is for

• Individuals needing to move money between their checking and savings accounts.
• People who need to withdraw cash from their checking account using a check.
• Anyone who wants a clear record of a personal fund transfer.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before writing a check to yourself, clarify why you’re doing it and when you need the funds. Are you trying to move money to savings, pay yourself back for an expense, or simply get cash? Knowing your goal will help you choose the best method and ensure you’re not creating unnecessary steps. For instance, if you just need to move money to savings, an online transfer might be simpler.

Current cash flow

Understand your current account balance and any upcoming transactions. Writing a check to yourself that overdraws your account can lead to hefty fees. Review your recent spending and any scheduled payments to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the check and any other immediate obligations.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

If this check is for a non-essential purpose or an unexpected expense, assess your emergency fund. Ideally, you should have a readily accessible emergency fund to cover unforeseen costs without needing to rearrange your finances via check. If you don’t have one, consider building it before making large transfers to yourself for non-critical reasons.

Debt and interest rates

If you’re considering writing a check to yourself to pay off debt, compare the interest rates. If you’re moving money from a low-interest savings account to pay off high-interest debt, it’s generally a good move. However, if you’re pulling funds from savings to pay off low-interest debt, it might not be the most financially optimal decision.

Credit impact

Writing a check to yourself generally has no direct impact on your credit score. However, if you write a bad check (one that bounces due to insufficient funds), it can lead to overdraft fees from your bank and potentially be reported to a check verification service, which can make it harder to open new accounts or write checks in the future.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Identify the need: Determine why you need to write a check to yourself. Is it for transferring funds between accounts, withdrawing cash, or reimbursement?

• What “good” looks like: You have a clear, specific reason for the transaction.
• Common mistake: Not having a clear purpose, leading to unnecessary steps or confusion. Avoid this by writing down your reason before you start.

2. Gather your checkbook: Locate a blank check from your checking account.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clean, unused check ready to be filled out.
• Common mistake: Using an old or damaged check. Avoid this by ensuring the check is in good condition and has all necessary security features.

3. Date the check: Write the current date in the upper right-hand corner.

• What “good” looks like: The date is clear and accurate.
• Common mistake: Leaving the date blank or using an incorrect date. Avoid this by always filling in the current date.

4. Write your name in the “Pay to the order of” line: Clearly write your full name as it appears on your bank account.

• What “good” looks like: Your name is legible and matches your account.
• Common mistake: Misspelling your name or using a nickname. Avoid this by writing your legal name exactly as it appears on your bank statements.

5. Write the amount in numbers: In the box provided, write the numerical amount of the check.

• What “good” looks like: The numbers are clear, and there’s no ambiguity.
• Common mistake: Ambiguous or messy numbers that could be misread. Avoid this by writing numbers distinctly and clearly.

6. Write the amount in words: On the line below “Pay to the order of,” write out the dollar amount in words. For cents, write them as a fraction over 100 (e.g., “Fifty-five cents/100”).

• What “good” looks like: The written amount precisely matches the numerical amount.
• Common mistake: Discrepancies between the numerical and written amounts. Banks will typically honor the written amount if there’s a difference, but it can cause delays. Avoid this by carefully double-checking both amounts.

7. Add a memo (optional but recommended): In the “For” or “Memo” line, briefly note the purpose of the check (e.g., “Transfer to savings,” “Cash withdrawal,” “Reimbursement”).

• What “good” looks like: A short, clear note that helps you track the transaction.
• Common mistake: Leaving the memo blank, making it harder to recall the purpose later. Avoid this by always adding a brief, descriptive memo.

8. Sign the check: Sign the check in the lower right-hand corner with your authorized signature.

• What “good” looks like: Your signature is clear and consistent with your bank’s records.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to sign or using a different signature than usual. Avoid this by signing consistently.

9. Endorse the back (if cashing or depositing): When you’re ready to cash or deposit the check, turn it over and sign the endorsement area on the back. Some banks may require you to write “For Deposit Only” above your signature if you’re depositing it.

• What “good” looks like: The endorsement is clear and follows bank instructions.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to endorse the check, which will prevent it from being cashed or deposited. Avoid this by remembering to sign the back.

10. Deposit or cash the check: Take the endorsed check to your bank or an ATM that accepts deposits.

• What “good” looks like: The transaction is completed successfully, and funds are available as expected.
• Common mistake: Cashing the check at a third-party service that charges high fees. Avoid this by using your own bank or a trusted ATM.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
<strong>Insufficient Funds (Bouncing)</strong>	Overdraft fees from your bank, potential non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, negative mark with check verification services, difficulty opening new accounts.	Always verify your account balance before writing a check. Set up low-balance alerts with your bank.
<strong>Discrepancy in Amounts</strong>	The bank will typically honor the written amount, but it can cause delays or confusion.	Carefully write the numerical and written amounts, then double-check that they match exactly.
<strong>Incorrect or Misspelled Name</strong>	The bank may refuse to cash or deposit the check, or require additional verification, delaying access to funds.	Write your name exactly as it appears on your bank account.
<strong>Forgetting to Sign</strong>	The check is invalid and cannot be cashed or deposited until signed.	Always make signing the check the last step before you intend to use it.
<strong>Forgetting to Endorse (Sign Back)</strong>	The check cannot be cashed or deposited. You’ll have to get a new check or go back to your bank to get it properly endorsed.	Always remember to sign the back of the check before presenting it for deposit or cashing. Follow bank instructions (e.g., “For Deposit Only”).
<strong>Using the Wrong Check</strong>	Attempting to use a check from a closed account, a different bank, or a non-negotiable document will lead to rejection and potential confusion.	Ensure you are using a current, valid check from the account you intend to draw funds from.
<strong>Not Recording the Transaction</strong>	You may lose track of where your money went, potentially leading to confusion during reconciliation or overspending.	Keep a record in your check register or banking app of every check written, including the date, payee, amount, and memo.
<strong>Writing to “Cash”</strong>	While sometimes permitted, writing a check to “Cash” is riskier. If lost or stolen, anyone can cash it. It also makes tracking harder.	It’s generally safer and more traceable to write the check to yourself. Avoid writing checks to “Cash” unless absolutely necessary and you plan to cash it immediately.
<strong>Using a Post-Dated Check</strong>	While not illegal, post-dating checks is generally not advised. Some banks may cash them early, others may hold them, leading to confusion and potential overdrafts.	Write the current date. If you need funds later, plan ahead and write the check closer to when you need it.
<strong>Failing to Check Account Balance</strong>	Leads to overdraft fees, bounced checks, and potential damage to your banking relationship.	Always check your available balance before writing any check, especially one made out to yourself for cash withdrawal.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need to move funds between your checking and savings accounts, then writing a check to yourself is a valid method, because it creates a clear record of the transfer.
• If you need cash from your checking account, then writing a check to yourself and cashing it at your bank is a common and relatively safe option, because it’s a standard banking transaction.
• If your goal is to reimburse yourself for a specific expense, then writing a check to yourself with a clear memo line is a good practice, because it helps with bookkeeping and tax purposes.
• If you have sufficient funds in your checking account, then writing a check to yourself is generally safe, because it avoids overdraft fees and bounced check charges.
• If you are unsure about your current account balance, then check your balance online or via your bank’s app before writing the check, because writing a check without sufficient funds can incur significant fees.
• If you intend to deposit the check into another account you own, then endorse the back of the check with your signature and potentially “For Deposit Only,” because this is required by the bank for deposit.
• If you plan to cash the check at your bank, then ensure you have a valid ID, because the teller will need to verify your identity.
• If you are writing the check for a large amount, then consider if an electronic transfer might be more efficient and secure, because large cash withdrawals can sometimes raise flags or be inconvenient.
• If you are writing multiple checks to yourself for different purposes, then use the memo line diligently, because it will help you reconcile your accounts later.
• If you are concerned about the security of carrying cash, then consider depositing the check directly into a savings account instead of cashing it, because this keeps the funds in the banking system.
• If your bank has a daily limit on ATM withdrawals, then writing a check to yourself and cashing it at the teller window may be necessary for larger amounts, because teller transactions often have higher limits.

FAQ

Q: Can I write a check to myself for cash?

A: Yes, you can write a check made out to your own name and then cash it at your bank. This is a common way to get cash from your checking account.

Q: What if I make a mistake on the check?

A: If you make a minor mistake before signing, you can often cross it out neatly and initial the change. However, for significant errors, it’s usually best to void the check and write a new one.

Q: Do I need to endorse a check made out to myself?

A: Yes, if you are depositing or cashing the check, you must endorse it by signing the back. Your bank may also require you to write “For Deposit Only” above your signature for deposits.

Q: What happens if I write a check to myself and don’t have enough money in my account?

A: The check will likely bounce, resulting in overdraft fees from your bank and potentially fees from the merchant if you tried to use it elsewhere. It can also negatively impact your banking relationship.

Q: Is it safe to write a check to myself for a large amount?

A: While possible, be cautious. Consider if an electronic transfer is more appropriate. If you do cash it, be mindful of carrying large amounts of cash. Your bank might also have procedures for large cash withdrawals.

Q: Can I deposit a check made out to myself into a different bank account?

A: Yes, as long as it’s an account you own and you endorse the check correctly, you can deposit it into another account at the same or a different bank.

Q: What’s the difference between writing a check to “Cash” and writing it to myself?

A: Writing a check to “Cash” means anyone who possesses the check can cash it. Writing it to yourself is more secure, as only you can endorse and cash/deposit it. It’s generally recommended to write it to yourself.

Q: Will writing a check to myself affect my credit score?

A: No, writing a check to yourself does not directly impact your credit score. However, bouncing a check can lead to fees and negative reporting to check verification services.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific bank policies on cashing or depositing checks, including daily limits and required identification.
• Legal implications of writing fraudulent checks or checks with insufficient funds beyond general fees.
• Advanced fund management strategies, such as using money market accounts or investment vehicles for savings.
• International banking procedures for checks.

Where to go next:

• Contact your bank directly for their specific policies and procedures.
• Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice on managing your money and accounts.
• Review your bank’s terms and conditions for checking accounts.