Understanding the Pre-printed Information on Your Checks

It is important to understand the information that is already printed on your checks so you can write checks accurately and completely. Below is a diagram of all the pieces of information you will find on a check:

What You Will Need to Complete:
To complete your checks, you will need to fill in the following pieces of information:

1. The date.
2. The Pay to the Order of line.
   This is where you write the name of the person or company to whom you will give the check. After writing the name, you can draw a line to the end. This prevents anyone from adding an additional name on your check.
3. The dollar amount of the check in numbers.
   Such as $19.75.
4. The dollar amount of the check in words.
   Such as 75/100. After writing out the amount of the check, draw a line to the end. This prevents anyone from adding an additional amount after what you have written.
5. The memo section.
   This area is optional. You can use this area to remind yourself why you wrote the check or to record the account number of the bill you are paying.
6. The signature line.

What is on the Check That You Will Need to Know:
7. Your name and address.
Your phone number is sometimes included.
8. The check number.
The number is used to identify each check written.
9. Codes for the state where the bank is located and the regional Federal Reserve Bank that will handle this check.
10. Your bank’s number and branch.
11. Routing numbers.
This includes the bank and state computer routing numbers, as well as your account number.

What is On The Back of Your Check:
There is also important information printed on the back of your checks:

The back of the check has an endorsement area. Endorsing a check means to sign the back of the check to make it “cashable.” For example, if you write a check to your friend, your friend would endorse the check to get the cash or to deposit the amount into his or her account.