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How to Write $1400 on a Check Correctly

ByWallstreet Observer

Quick answer

  • Write the numerical amount in the box as “1400.00”.
  • Write the dollar amount in words on the line as “One thousand four hundred and 00/100”.
  • Ensure the written amount matches the numerical amount precisely.
  • Sign the check in the designated signature line.
  • Double-check all information before handing it over or mailing it.
  • If you make a mistake, void the check and start over.

Who this is for

  • Anyone needing to pay a bill or make a payment using a personal check.
  • Individuals who haven’t written a check in a while and need a refresher.
  • People who want to ensure their check is processed without errors.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Goal and Timeline

Before you write any check, clarify why you are writing it and when it needs to arrive. Is this for a rent payment due by the first of the month? A bill with a specific due date? Knowing this helps you avoid late fees and potential penalties. Ensure you have enough time for the check to be processed by the recipient and cleared by your bank.

Current Cash Flow

Review your checking account balance to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the $1400. Writing a check without adequate funds can lead to bounced check fees from your bank and potential fees from the recipient. It’s wise to leave a small buffer in your account for unexpected transactions.

Emergency Fund or Safety Buffer

While not directly related to writing the check itself, having an emergency fund is crucial. If an unexpected expense arises that depletes your checking account, an emergency fund can prevent you from needing to overdraft or miss other important payments. Check the official source or your provider for guidance on establishing an emergency fund.

Debt and Interest Rates

Consider if this $1400 payment is related to debt. If it’s a payment towards a loan or credit card, ensure it’s applied correctly to reduce your principal or cover interest as intended. High-interest debt can significantly impact your financial health, so prioritizing payments to reduce it is often a good strategy.

Credit Impact

Writing a check that bounces can negatively impact your credit score. This can happen if you don’t have sufficient funds. Similarly, late payments on bills that this check is intended to cover can also harm your credit. Always ensure payments are made on time and in full.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Locate a blank check: Find a pre-printed check from your checkbook.

  • What “good” looks like: You have a clean, undamaged check ready to be filled out.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an old or expired check. Always use current checks provided by your bank.

2. Fill in the date: In the top right corner, write the current date.

  • What “good” looks like: The date is clear and legible.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to date the check, which can delay processing or make it invalid for future use.

3. Write the payee’s name: On the line starting with “Pay to the Order of:”, write the full legal name of the person or organization you are paying.

  • What “good” looks like: The payee’s name is spelled correctly and completely.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Incorrectly spelling the payee’s name. This can cause the check to be rejected or require special handling.

4. Write the numerical amount: In the small box to the right of the payee line, write the amount in numbers. For $1400, this is “1400.00”.

  • What “good” looks like: The numbers are clear, and the cents are clearly indicated with a decimal point.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Omitting the “.00” or writing it unclearly. This can lead to ambiguity about the exact amount.

5. Write the dollar amount in words: On the longer line below the payee line, write out the dollar amount in words. For $1400, this is “One thousand four hundred and 00/100”.

  • What “good” looks like: The amount is written out clearly, and the fraction of a dollar (cents) is represented as “XX/100”. Drawing a line through any remaining empty space on this line is also good practice.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Discrepancies between the numerical and written amounts. The written amount is legally binding. If they differ, the written amount is usually honored, but it can cause significant processing issues.

6. Add a memo (optional): In the bottom left corner, in the “Memo” or “For” line, you can write a brief note about the purpose of the check (e.g., “Rent – June,” “Invoice #12345”).

  • What “good” looks like: A concise and informative note that helps you and the recipient track the payment.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving it blank when it’s important for record-keeping, or writing something too lengthy that obscures other information.

7. Sign the check: In the bottom right corner, sign your name on the line labeled “Signature.”

  • What “good” looks like: Your signature matches the one your bank has on file.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to sign the check, or signing with a different signature than your bank’s record, which can cause the check to be rejected.

8. Review all information: Before handing over or mailing the check, take a moment to read over everything you’ve written.

  • What “good” looks like: All details (date, payee, numerical amount, written amount, signature) are accurate and legible.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing and missing a typo or an omission, which could lead to errors.

9. Record the transaction: Make a note in your check register or banking app about the check number, date, payee, and amount.

  • What “good” looks like: Your financial records are up-to-date, helping you track your spending and balance.
  • Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not recording the check, leading to an inaccurate understanding of your available balance and potential overdrafts.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

| Mistake | What it causes | Fix

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