How to Properly Write a Check for $1,200

Quick answer

• Clearly write the date in the top right corner.
• Fill in the payee’s name on the “Pay to the Order of” line.
• Write “$1,200.00” in the box for the numerical amount.
• Write “One thousand two hundred and 00/100” on the line for the written amount.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner.
• Double-check all entries for accuracy before handing it over.

Who this is for

• Individuals needing to make a payment of $1,200 via check.
• People who are unsure about the specific fields on a check and how to fill them out.
• Anyone who wants to ensure their check is processed without errors.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Goal and Timeline

What is this $1,200 payment for? Is it for rent, a bill, a gift, or a large purchase? Knowing the purpose can help you ensure you’re using the correct account and payee. Also, consider when the payment needs to arrive. This helps you factor in mailing time or in-person delivery.

Your Current Cash Flow

Before writing a check for a significant amount like $1,200, confirm you have sufficient funds in your checking account to cover it. Review your recent transactions and your current balance. Overdrawing your account can lead to hefty fees.

Emergency Fund or Safety Buffer

While not directly related to writing the check itself, it’s wise to consider if this $1,200 payment impacts your emergency fund. Ideally, large payments should come from regular income or savings designated for such expenses, rather than depleting your emergency cushion.

Debt and Interest Rates

If this $1,200 is for a debt payment, ensure it’s being applied correctly to reduce the principal or cover interest as intended. If you’re deciding whether to pay a debt early with this amount, consider the interest rate on the debt versus potential earnings elsewhere.

Credit Impact

For large payments, especially those related to loans or rent, ensure the payment is made on time and to the correct entity to avoid any negative impact on your credit report. Late payments or errors can affect your credit score.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Date the Check

• What to do: Write the current date in the top right corner of the check, in the space provided. You can use the MM/DD/YYYY format (e.g., 10/26/2023) or the full date (e.g., October 26, 2023).
• What “good” looks like: A clear and legible date that accurately reflects when the check was written.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Writing the wrong date. Always double-check the date before writing anything else. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the bank may not honor it until that date.

Step 2: Write the Payee’s Name

• What to do: On the line that says “Pay to the Order of,” write the full, legal name of the person or company you are paying.
• What “good” looks like: The exact name of the recipient, spelled correctly. For example, if paying “Acme Corporation,” write “Acme Corporation,” not just “Acme.”
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Misspelling the payee’s name or using an incorrect business name. This can cause the check to be rejected or delayed. Always verify the correct payee name.

Step 3: Write the Numerical Amount

• What to do: In the box to the right of the “Pay to the Order of” line, write the numerical amount of the check. For $1,200, this would be “$1,200.00”. Use a dollar sign and include cents.
• What “good” looks like: A clear, concise numerical representation of the amount, including cents, enclosed by the dollar sign.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving off the cents or not using the dollar sign. This can lead to confusion or alteration. Always write the cents (e.g., .00) and the dollar sign.

Step 4: Write the Written Amount

• What to do: On the long line below the “Pay to the Order of” line, write out the dollar amount in words. For $1,200, this would be “One thousand two hundred and 00/100”. The “and” signifies the decimal point for cents.
• What “good” looks like: The amount written out clearly and legibly, with “and” separating the dollars from the cents, and the cents written as a fraction over 100.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not writing the cents as a fraction (e.g., writing “One thousand two hundred” instead of “One thousand two hundred and 00/100”). This leaves room for the numerical amount to be altered. Always include the fractional representation of the cents.

Step 5: Add a Memo (Optional but Recommended)

• What to do: In the bottom left corner, in the space marked “Memo” or “For,” you can write a brief note about the purpose of the check. For example, “Rent – October” or “Invoice #12345.”
• What “good” looks like: A short, clear note that helps you and the recipient identify the payment’s purpose.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving this blank on important payments or writing too much information. This can make record-keeping difficult. Use it for essential identification.

Step 6: Sign the Check

• What to do: In the bottom right corner of the check, sign your name in the space provided. This is your authorization for the bank to release the funds.
• What “good” looks like: Your signature, matching the one on file with your bank.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to sign the check or signing it with a signature that doesn’t match your bank’s records. This will cause the check to be returned. Always sign it.

Step 7: Review and Verify

• What to do: Before handing the check over or mailing it, take a moment to review all the information you’ve written.
• What “good” looks like: All fields are filled correctly, legibly, and match your intended payment.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing and missing an error. A quick review can prevent costly mistakes.

Step 8: Record the Transaction

• What to do: Make a note of the check number, date, payee, and amount in your check register, personal finance software, or banking app.
• What “good” looks like: An accurate record of the transaction that helps you track your spending and balance your account.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to record the check. This can lead to an inaccurate account balance and potential overdrafts. Always record it immediately.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Forgetting to date the check	The bank may refuse to process it, or it could be deposited immediately.	Always date the check before writing any other information.
Incorrect payee name	The check may be rejected, or funds could go to the wrong person/entity.	Verify the exact spelling and legal name of the payee.
Numerical amount doesn’t match written amount	The bank will likely question the check, causing delays or rejection.	Ensure both amounts are identical. If there’s a discrepancy, the written amount usually prevails.
Leaving out the cents in the written amount	The written amount can be altered more easily, potentially increasing the value.	Always write the cents as a fraction (e.g., “00/100”) on the written amount line.
Illegible handwriting	The bank may not be able to read the details, leading to processing issues.	Write clearly and legibly, using a pen with dark ink.
Forgetting to sign the check	The check is invalid and will not be processed by the bank.	Always sign the check in the designated signature line.
Overdrafting your account	Significant overdraft fees from your bank.	Always check your account balance before writing a check and record all transactions promptly.
Not recording the check	Inaccurate account balance, potential for overdrafts, and difficulty tracking.	Maintain a check register or use your bank’s app to record every check written immediately.
Using a check from the wrong account	Funds will be debited from an unintended account.	Ensure you are using the correct checkbook for the account you intend to draw funds from.
Post-dating the check	Some banks may not honor it until the date, others may process it immediately.	Write the correct date. If you need payment to be held, arrange it directly with the payee.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the payee is a business, then verify their exact legal name because using an incorrect name can cause the check to be rejected.
• If you are unsure of your account balance, then check your online banking or your latest statement before writing the check because this prevents overdraft fees.
• If the check is for a bill that has a due date, then write the check with enough time to arrive before the due date because late payments can incur penalties.
• If you are paying a loan, then write the loan account number in the memo line because this helps the lender apply the payment correctly.
• If you have multiple checking accounts, then ensure you are using the check from the account with sufficient funds because using the wrong account can lead to an overdraft.
• If you are mailing the check, then use a secure envelope and consider using certified mail for important payments because this provides tracking and proof of mailing.
• If you need to cancel a check, then contact your bank immediately to place a stop payment because this prevents it from being cashed.
• If the check is for a personal transaction, then consider using a personal check rather than a business check if you have both options.
• If you are writing a check to yourself (e.g., for cash), then write “Cash” on the payee line and endorse the back of the check with your signature because this is standard practice.
• If you make a mistake while filling out the check, then do not try to erase or use correction fluid because this can invalidate the check. Instead, void the check and start over.
• If the recipient needs the funds immediately, then consider an alternative payment method like a wire transfer or cashier’s check because checks can take time to clear.

FAQ

Can I write “Cash” on the payee line?

Yes, you can write “Cash” on the payee line if you intend to withdraw the money yourself. However, you must endorse the back of the check with your signature for the bank to cash it.

What happens if the numerical and written amounts don’t match?

If the numerical amount and the written amount on a check differ, the bank will typically honor the amount written out in words. This is why it’s crucial to ensure both are identical.

Can I use correction fluid on a check?

No, you should never use correction fluid or attempt to erase anything on a check. This can invalidate the check. If you make an error, void the check and write a new one.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Check clearing times can vary. Local checks might clear in 1-2 business days, while checks from out of state or from certain financial institutions may take longer, sometimes up to 5-7 business days.

What is a “voided” check?

A voided check is a check that has been marked with the word “VOID” in large letters across its face. This indicates that the check is no longer valid and cannot be used for payment. Banks do this to prevent misuse.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Generally, no. A check made out to a specific payee must be endorsed by that payee. If you receive a check intended for someone else, it should be returned to the sender or given to the intended recipient.

What is the difference between a personal check and a cashier’s check?

A personal check is drawn on your individual checking account. A cashier’s check is a check issued by the bank itself, drawn on its own funds, and is often preferred for large transactions as it’s guaranteed funds.

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

• Specific bank policies on check processing and holds.
• Advanced check fraud prevention techniques.
• International check writing and cashing procedures.
• Detailed explanations of electronic fund transfers (EFTs) or other payment methods.
• How to open or manage a checking account.
• The legal ramifications of writing a bad check in specific jurisdictions.