The basics of how to write a cheque
Firstly, do not use felt tips, erasable ink, company stamps or pencils. This may smudge or ruin the writing making it hard to read. Just stick with a regular ballpoint pen. Write only where you’re supposed to be writing and in capital letters if you can so that the handwriting is illegible.
The date on the cheque is very important as banks will not honour a cheque that is dated in the future. A cheque dated more than six months ago will be return as out date by UK banks. So, it is essential that you get the date right.
If you make mistakes, when writing don’t attempt to scratch it out erase it. It’s way better to destroy the spoilt cheque and start afresh. Write exactly the amount you’re supposed to then add “ONLY” at the end. Afterwards draw a horizontal line to fill up the rest of the space to prevent tampering. Do not staple, fold, wrinkle or otherwise ruin the paper cheque. This may render it invalid due to eligibility. Now that you know this, let turn to the details of how to fill out a cheque.
The details of how to write a cheque
Writing a cheque is easy, and this part of the article will show you exactly how to do it. Move through each step, one by one. You need to write or complete the steps in any order you like. In this guide, you’ll move from the top of a check to the bottom, which should help you avoid skipping any steps.
1. Current date
Write the current date near the top right hand corner. In most cases, you will use today’s date, which helps you and the recipient keep accurate records.
2. Payee
On the line that says “pay to the order of” write the name of the person or organization you are paying.
3. Amount in numeric form
Write the amount of your payment in the small box on the right hand side. Start writing as far over to the left as possible. If your payment is for one hundred pounds and twenty pence, the one should be right up against the left hand border of the pound box to prevent fraud.
4. Amount in words
Write out the amount using words to avoid fraud and confusion. This will be the official amount of your payment. If that amount is different from the numeric form that you entered in the previous step, the amount you wrote with words will legally be the amount of your cheque. Use all capital letters which are harder to alter. Write this all together on one line so that it Reads: ONE HUNDRED POUNDS AND TWENTY PENCE ONLY.
5. Signature
Sign the cheque legibly on the line in the bottom right hand corner. Make sure to use the same name and signature on file at your bank. This step is essential: a cheque will not be valid without a signature.
And there you have it…How to write a cheque.