Have you ever filled out a check? Even though nowadays most transactions are digital, knowing how to fill out a check is indispensable, especially if you are just starting your financial life.
According to recent data, one-third of Americans paid by check in 2024, demonstrating that they still play an important role in the U.S. economy.
You may consider checks as an obsolete payment method; the reality is that they are useful for specific cases. Therefore, today we explain what a check is, the different types and how to fill them out correctly.
What is a check and what is it for?
Despite the digital era, checks remain a relevant traditional means of payment due to their formality and traceability. They are used to make rent payments, purchases and service payments.
In addition, checks are a common method of payment among immigrant communities, who often use them as they become accustomed to the U.S. banking system.
But what is a check and what are its characteristics? It is a physical document that a person or company, known as the drawer, issues to order payment to a third party through a bank. In order for the payment to be made, the issuer must have sufficient funds in his current account.
In general, a check contains the following information:
- Name of the drawer, whether natural person or company
- Beneficiary's name
- Financial institution from which the money will be withdrawn
- Amount receivable with numbers and letters
- Issuer's signature
What are the different types of checks?
There are different types of checks in the United States. This time we will focus on the personal check, but you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
Personal check
A personal check is a payment order issued by an individual to another individual from the funds of a checking account.
What is a personal check used for?
The most common uses of personal checks are:
- Payment of rent and utilities
- Acquisition of goods for daily use
- Legal agreements requiring documentary support
Certified check
A certified check has the same use as a personal check. But it is a document previously reviewed and endorsed by the intermediary banking institution, which is in charge of verifying that the issuer has the necessary funds to pay the check and freezing them until the recipient cashes them.
A certified check provides certainty of the existence of funds, making it a more secure method of making and receiving payments.
Cashier's check
Unlike the personal check, the cashier's check is issued directly by the bank, which provides greater security to the beneficiary, since the bank is in charge of issuing and safeguarding the funds.
To issue a cashier's check, the issuer must go to a bank branch and make payment for the amount to be transferred. The bank issues the check in the name of the beneficiary, with the guarantee that he/she will be able to collect the money through the institution's funds and not through a checking account.
It is commonly used for the acquisition of high value assets, such as houses and automobiles.
Money order
Although it is not strictly speaking a check, it is a traditional method of payment, which works in a similar way.
A money order is an instrument that allows money to be sent through the traditional mail by means of a certified check, which must be purchased and paid by the issuer at an authorized branch.
It allows you to send money securely and you do not need to have a bank account to use it.
How do I fill out a check in the U.S.?
Before issuing a payment order of this type, you need to know how to do it correctly. Here is an example of how to fill out a check easily, starting with step 1.
1. Write the date
Remember that in the United States the format for writing dates is mm/dd/yyyy.
Name of beneficiary
Write the full name of the person to whom you wish to issue the check, exactly as it appears on his or her official identification.
3. Quantity in numbers
Write the numerical amount of the amount clearly.
4. Quantity with letters
Write the amount in letters, including the cents.
5. Add a memo
You can add a note to specify the reason for payment of the check.
6. Sign the check
Sign the check legibly in the space provided for the issuer.
7. Check the data
Make sure that all the information is correct, so that the beneficiary does not have any problems in collecting the payment.
It is essential that you fill out the checks legibly, without scratches or erasures, as this may invalidate the check.
How to write numbers in letters correctly on a check?
Typing the amounts in letters can be a bit confusing since they are in U.S. dollars. Points to keep in mind when filling out this field on your check are:
- Dollars are written in full amounts
- Cents are written with fractions
- Avoid using dollar signs or similar symbols
- If there is extra space at the end of the line, add a line to prevent fraud
- For example, 1000.75 is written. One thousand and 75/100 dollars
Cash checks and manage your money easily with Comun
As you can see, knowing how to fill out a check is very useful to send and receive money in the United States. It is a reliable and accessible alternative in case you do not have a bank account.
However, writing and cashing a check can also be a major investment of time and resources. So forget about going to the bank, wasting time or spending on gas just to cash a check. With Comun, you deposit it from your cell phone, no lines, no questions, no hassles.
Conoce Comun, the only option dedicated to serving the needs of immigrant communities in the United States available in Spanish.
Why choose Comun?
- You can open your account with the official ID of your country.
- Access to an app specially designed for immigrants in the U.S.
- Allows you to make payments, receive your salary and manage your finances
- Send money to your loved ones in Latin America for only a $2.99 shipping fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about how to fill out a personal check? Check our frequently asked questions section.
What happens if I make a mistake when filling out a check?
In case of crossings out or inconsistency in the amounts, it will be necessary to cancel the check and use the following check
How to cancel a check?
Write VOID in large letters on the front of the check.
What data does a check have on the back?
On the back is what is known as the "endorsement" of the check, i.e., the signature of the beneficiary who will cash the check.
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