In today’s evolving digital world, putting pen to paper seems like a chore. After all, everything we need — from paying bills to ordering dinner — can be done with a click of a button using our smart phones. But there may come a time where you’ll need to know how to write a check. Don’t fret – writing a check is easy and an important skill to learn.

Let’s review the steps on how to fill out a check:

Step One: Date your check using today’s date. The date line is typically on the upper, right-hand corner of your checks. You can also postdate a check if you’d like the recipient to cash the check at a later date.

Step Two: On the Pay to the Order of line, fill out the name of the person or organization you’re using the check to pay. This is also known as the payee.

Step Three: To the right of the payee line is a small box, write the amount of money to be cashed there. Make sure to utilize the whole box, starting as far to the left as possible, to prevent anyone from trying to write in a larger amount.

Step Four: On the line under payee, write out your payment amount in words. The two amounts should be the same number. To write a check with cents, be sure to put the cents over 100. For example, $112.67 should be written out as one-hundred twelve and 67/100. Security Tip: Use all capital letters or cursive writing when filling out a check, as letters are harder to alter.

Step Five: Fill out the memo or for line, if you’d like a reminder about what the check was written for. You could also put useful information on this line for the payee, such as an account number if you’re paying a bill.

Step Six: Sign the check with your official signature. Checks cannot be cashed without a signature.

Don’t forget to record your transaction to keep your account balanced and up to date. You can keep an Excel spreadsheet if that suits you or write transactions in a checkbook register. Free checkbook registers are available at any of the NexTier Bank locations.

If you have any questions, contact our Customer Care Center at 1.800.262.1088 or visit a branch near you.

Don’t have an account with NexTier yet? Select deposit accounts can be opened online. Click here.