Write the dollar amount in capital letters with "only" at the end, like "FIFTY AND 00/100 DOLLARS ONLY."
Start by filling in the payee’s name on the “Pay to” line. Then write the amount in words, all in capital letters, followed right away by the word only. For example: “PAY TO THE ORDER OF JANE DOE” goes on the first line, and below it you’d write “TWO HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 DOLLARS ONLY.”
What’s the problem?
The written amount acts as a backup if the numbers get smudged or changed.
Banks treat the written line as the official amount when there’s a mismatch. Even in 2026, most U.S. banks still go by the words if the numbers and text don’t agree, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2023 guidelines.
How do you fill out a cheque step by step?
Start with the date, then the payee, the amount in words, the amount in numbers, an optional memo, and finally your signature.
- Date line: Put today’s date in the top-right corner. Use MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 06/12/2026).
- Payee line: Write the full legal name of the person or company getting the money right after “Pay to the order of.”
- Amount in words: On the next line, write the dollar amount in all caps with no extra spaces. End with “and 00/100” if the cents are zero, or use a fraction for the cents (for example, “FIFTY-SEVEN AND 25/100 DOLLARS”).
- Amount in numbers: In the small box to the right, enter the exact number with a decimal and two digits for cents (for example, 57.25).
- Memo line (optional): Use the bottom-left line to note why you’re writing the cheque (for example, “RENT JUNE 2026”).
- Signature: Sign the cheque on the bottom-right line using the same name that’s on your account.
What if the numbers and words don’t match?
The bank will use the written words as the legal amount.
When there’s a difference, the bank follows the written line. The OCC’s 2024 examiner manual confirms this rule.
What if my handwriting is hard to read?
Print the words instead of using cursive, and never cross out or erase anything on the cheque.
If your handwriting looks messy, switch to printing. Also, avoid scribbling over mistakes—if you mess up, just write “VOID” across the whole cheque and start fresh.
What’s the best way to fix a mistake?
Write “VOID” across the cheque and fill out a new one—never try to correct the written amount.
Honestly, this is the safest approach. Crossing out or scribbling on the written line can make the bank question its validity, so it’s better to void the whole cheque and start over.
Any tips to prevent cheque fraud?
Record each cheque right away, use a ballpoint pen, store cheques securely, and shred old ones.
Keep a cheque register or a simple digital spreadsheet to log every cheque as soon as you write it. Use black or blue ballpoint ink—it won’t run if the cheque gets wet. Store your chequebook in a safe place and shred any outdated or unused cheques to lower the risk of fraud. Always double-check that the payee’s name matches exactly to avoid any hold-ups.
Why does the bank care about the written amount?
It’s the official record if the numbers get altered or smudged.
Banks rely on the written line as the legal amount when there’s a mismatch. Even with today’s digital systems, most U.S. banks still honor the words over the numbers, per the Federal Reserve’s 2023 guidelines.
Do I really need to write “only” at the end?
Yes—it prevents someone from adding extra words or numbers after your entry.
That little word “only” locks the amount in place. Without it, someone could slip in extra text and change what the cheque is for. It’s a simple but effective safeguard.
Can I use lowercase letters?
No—always use capital letters for the written amount.
Banks expect the words in all caps. Lowercase letters can look unclear and might cause the bank to reject the cheque or ask for clarification.
What happens if I forget the cents?
Write “and 00/100” to show there are no cents.
If the amount is a whole dollar value, end with “and 00/100 DOLLARS.” This makes it clear there are no cents involved.
Is there a penalty for mistakes?
Not usually, but the bank may reject the cheque or ask you to redo it.
Most mistakes just mean the bank won’t process the cheque until you fix it. In rare cases, repeated errors could cause delays or fees, so it’s best to double-check before you sign.
What’s the fastest way to write a cheque?
Fill in the date, payee, amount in words, amount in numbers, and sign—skip the memo if you’re in a hurry.
If you’re in a rush, you can leave the memo line blank. Just make sure the date, payee, amount, and signature are all correct before you hand it over.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
