Mastering the Art of Writing Numbers in Words on Checks
Writing a check correctly can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to it or never learned how. The less you use your checkbook, the more confusing it can be, particularly when writing out dollar amounts like $1,200 or $450. Don’t worry—here’s a simple guide on how to write numbers in words on a check.
### Rules for Writing Numbers in Words on a Check
The National Credit Union Administration advises using words for dollars and fractions out of 100 for cents. For instance, if your check is for $19.99, you would write it as “Nineteen and 99/100.” For whole dollar amounts, include “00/100.” Always use a pen, not a pencil, to prevent fraud. For example, writing “Three hundred twenty and 00/100” makes it harder for someone to alter the amount.
Hyphenate all numbers under 100 that require more than one word. For example, $73 is written as “seventy-three,” and $43.50 as “Forty-three and 50/100.” You don’t need to write “dollars” if it’s preprinted on your check.
Next, draw a horizontal line from the end of the written-out dollar value to the end of the field, as if crossing out any extra space. This is known as the “legal line” and helps prevent unauthorized changes to the amount.
### Writing Large Numbers in Words on a Check
Knowing how to write numbers in words is crucial for larger checks. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., banks usually default to the amount written in words if there’s a discrepancy. For example, if you write $900 in the number box but “Nine thousand and 00/100” on the text line, your bank could legally pay $9,000.
For clarity, hyphenate multiword numbers in the tens and ones places, but not hundreds or above. For example, $500 is “Five hundred and 00/100.”
### Writing $450 in Words on a Check
When combining hundreds and tens, it gets a bit more complex. Huntington Bank suggests writing $130.45 as “One hundred thirty and 45/100.” So, $450 would be “Four hundred fifty and 00/100.” The fraction helps protect against alterations if your check is intercepted.
### Writing a Check for $1,200 in Words
When writing thousands, you might wonder whether to use “Twelve hundred” or “One thousand, two hundred.” While “Twelve hundred” isn’t wrong, it can be confusing. Capital One recommends using “One thousand, two hundred and 00/100” for $1,200. The “00/100” is a good security measure for whole dollar amounts.
### Examples of Writing Numbers in Words on a Check
Here are some examples to put it all together:
– $1,750: One thousand, seven hundred fifty and 00/100
– $47.99: Forty-seven and 99/100
– $899: Eight hundred ninety-nine and 00/100
These examples assume the check has “Dollars” preprinted at the end of the text line.
### Correct Way to Write a Check
Even if you don’t use your checkbook daily, there are times when writing a check is necessary or more secure. For instance, sending your child to school with a check for a field trip is safer than sending cash. People also use checks to pay landlords, home contractors, or other service providers who don’t accept credit cards.