Checks are still a very common way to receive and send funds to others. Knowing how to read and write a check is an essential life skill since checks come from a variety of sources—whether it be an IRS refund, a rent payment, or a bank loan.

Deciphering a check may appear complicated at first glance. However, it’s easy once you understand the different fields and numbers. The images and information below will help you know how to read a check and properly fill out the fields when writing one.

How to Read the Front of a Checkk

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1. Personal information: This section is where you will find the check owner’s personal information including their first and last name (or business name, if applicable), street address, city, state, and zip code.
2. Payee line: On the payee line, you will see the words “pay to the order of.” This is where the name of the person or company receiving the money is written. It’s important to write the recipient’s full first and last name so no one else can deposit it.
   Checks made out to multiple people can be endorsed differently based on whether 'and' or 'or' is used. 'And' requires all parties to endorse the check, while 'or' allows any listed payees to endorse it. This distinction is vital for correct check processing.
3. Dateline: The date line on a check states the date it is written or the earliest date it can be cashed or deposited. The full date—including the month, date, and year—should be included.
   A post-dated check has a future date written on it. This date indicates when the check can be cashed or deposited. While banks and credit unions may hold the check until the date written, they are not legally bound to do so. Understanding post-dating is crucial for both issuing and receiving checks.
   Checks dated over six months ago may be considered stale-dated. Banks and credit unions often have the discretion to reject these checks, though they may still process them at their discretion. To avoid a check being rejected because you held onto it too long without cashing it, be sure to cash or deposit all checks promptly.
4. Check number: Each check will have a number that identifies it. This info is helpful when tracking checks or balancing your checkbook.
5. Bank’s fractional number: The fractional number is eight digits of the bank routing number. Banks and credit unions use it to process checks manually.
6. Dollar box: The dollar box is where the check amount is written in numbers. Be sure to fill it out completely and add a dash at the end. Doing so will prevent someone from adding additional numbers to the end or modifying it to make it a larger amount.
7. Signature line: The signature line is where the check issuer signs the check approving the payment. It cannot be deposited or cashed unless it has been signed. If there are discrepancies with the check, the signature can be compared to the one on file to determine whether fraud occurred.
8. Account number: Each check is connected to an account and that account’s number is listed at the bottom of the check. It is included to identify the account from which the money is withdrawn.
9. ABA routing number: The bank’s routing number is at the check's bottom. The routing number is used to identify the financial institution to which the account belongs.
10. Memo line: The memo line allows the check writer to add notes about the check. For example, you can include the invoice number, the payment, or other details for record-keeping. It is optional for information to be written in this space.
11. Amount of check: The check amount spelled out in written words (e.g., "one hundred dollars"). This matches the numeric dollar value amount. The text acts as the official amount for legal purposes if discrepancies arise. The best practice is to fill in the space with words and draw a line through any blank areas before and after to prevent alterations.

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How To Read The Back Of A Check

The back of the check is often less understood. However, it’s equally as important as the front of the check. Here are the important elements on the back:

1. Security box: The security box outlines the security features used for the check. It’s designed to educate the check issuer and recipient and discourage anyone from completing check fraud.
2. Security screen: Only the bank uses this section to list the events of the check processing. You might find the words “original document” or some other wording written lightly in this space.
3. Endorsement area: This is where the recipient signs the check before it is deposited or cashed. It can be endorsed with only a signature or add information such as “for deposit only.” Adding check usage restrictions will help you reduce the presence of fraud if the check gets into the wrong hands.
4. Mobile deposit: Many checks now have special endorsement checkboxes for mobile deposits. You must check the box and add the credit union or bank’s name before depositing it. However, if you don’t see a checkbox, most financial institutions require you to write the words “For Mobile Deposit” in the endorsement area (along with your signature).

Find the Checking Account That’s Right for You!

Now that you know all there is to know about writing and reading a check—it’s time to open a new checking account and put your newfound skills to the test! At Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union, we offer a wide range of checking accounts designed to suit your unique lifestyle and financial goals. 

Click here to learn more and open an account online!