Managing Your MoneyIdentifying the Parts of a Check

Parts of a CheckA check is paper issued by a bank that allows

the account holder to draw money from her account for payment to others or for personal use. The account holder fills in payment information and signs the check.

The components of a check include information printed directly on the check by the check printing company as well as information typed, printed or written by the drawer.

Parts of a CheckYour information: Your full name and address is usually printed at the top left, and may contain your phone number.

Parts of a Check

Date: Preferably today’s date. Banks usually charge a fee for holding them, while some checks are not honored after 6-9 months.

Parts of a Check

Check Number: Usually a 3-4 digit number for easy identification.

Parts of a Check

Payee: The recipient individual/company

Parts of a Check

Numeric Amount: Amount of dollars and cents paid notated numerically

Parts of a Check

Written Amount: Spelled-out amount of dollars and cents paid

Parts of a Check

Bank Information: Your bank’s name and branch, address, and contact information.

Parts of a Check

Memo: A quick comment or remark, like “rent.”

Parts of a Check

Signature: Your signature. Your bank has a copy of this on file in case of check fraud.

Parts of a Check

Routing Transit Number: A 9 digit number used to determine where to route your check.

Parts of a Check

Account Number: Length varies depending on bank.

Parts of a Check

Check Number: Usually a 3-4 digit number for easy identification.

How to Write a Check1. Now that you are able to identify the parts

of a check, it is time to learn how to write a check. Start by writing in the date and payee

How to Write a Check2. Next, you write the amount of your

payment in numeric form.

How to Write a Check3. After, you write out the amount of your

payment using words instead of numerals. To be extra careful, you can also draw a line through any excess space in the small box with your payment amount.

How to Write a Check4. Now you sign your check, and you can

write a memo if you like.

Managing Your MoneyIdentifying the Parts of a Check

What’s Next?Successfully identifying the parts of a check and writing checks.

Move on to the sample example of check writing.