How to Write a Check: Amount in Words, With Examples

Checks are less common than they used to be, but rent, deposits, gifts and some government payments still rely on them. The line where you write the amount in words is the legal amount: if the numbers and the words disagree, banks generally go by the words. Getting it right matters, and the rules are simple.

The six parts of a check

1. Date, at the top right.
2. Pay to the order of: the person or company receiving the money.
3. Numeric amount, in the box: 1,234.56.
4. Amount in words, on the long line: One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100, followed by a line to the word "Dollars".
5. Memo (optional): an invoice number or "March rent".
6. Signature, at the bottom right.

Rules for the amount in words

• Write dollars in words and cents as a fraction over 100. $45.20 → Forty-five and 20/100.
• Use "and" only once, to separate dollars from cents. Write "one hundred twenty", not "one hundred and twenty".
• Hyphenate numbers from 21 to 99: twenty-one, thirty-seven, ninety-nine.
• No cents? Write and 00/100 or and no/100, so nobody can add cents later.
• Start at the far left of the line and draw a line through the empty space after the amount.
• Capitalizing the first word is common; capitalizing every word is optional.

Examples

Amount	How to write it
$25.00	Twenty-five and 00/100
$99.99	Ninety-nine and 99/100
$150.75	One hundred fifty and 75/100
$1,200.00	One thousand two hundred and 00/100
$1,234.56	One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100
$3,005.10	Three thousand five and 10/100
$12,480.00	Twelve thousand four hundred eighty and 00/100
$0.85	Zero and 85/100 (or "Only eighty-five cents")

For amounts like $1,500, "Fifteen hundred and 00/100" is also accepted and very common in the U.S., but "One thousand five hundred" is the safest form.

Write the numeric amount safely too

In the box, write the number close to the dollar sign, with the decimal point and both cent digits: $1,234.56, not $ 1234.5. Leaving space lets someone add a digit in front.

How to prevent check fraud

• Use a pen with permanent ink (gel pens are harder to wash).
• Never sign a blank check.
• Draw lines through empty spaces on the payee and amount lines.
• Write a memo so you can match the payment later.
• If you make a mistake, write "VOID" across the check and start over instead of correcting it.

Euros and other currencies

Outside the U.S., formats change. In many European countries cents are written in words too ("one hundred euros and fifty cents"), and in Brazil the amount is written in Portuguese with "reais" and "centavos". Our number to words converter supports USD, EUR and BRL, so you can copy the exact wording for each currency.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write $1,500 on a check?

One thousand five hundred and 00/100. "Fifteen hundred and 00/100" is also widely accepted in the United States.

Do I write "and" between hundreds and tens?

No. On a check, "and" separates dollars from cents only, so write "one hundred twenty and 00/100".

What if the number and the words don't match?

Under U.S. commercial law, the words generally prevail over the numerals, though the bank may contact you or return the check. Always make sure both agree.

How do I write cents on a check?

As a fraction over 100 after the word "and": 45 cents is written as 45/100.

Informational content only. For legal, financial or health decisions, consult a qualified professional.