If you are new to check writing, then listen up. Though it's not the most difficult thing in the world, safely writing a check is something that everyone needs to know before it is all said and done.

Use Ink Only

Always use ink; the use of pencil puts you at a huge risk of fraud. Using lead, or even erasable ink, makes it easy for a dishonest person to alter the amount on the check. It is necessary to use a form of ink to prevent others accessing your blank check. A permanent marker is actually much better to use than a regular pen. This is particularly important to stress, since there have been episodes where common people have engaged in "check washing," wherein criminals use chemicals to remove the ink from checks so as to alter them. You can avoid this scenario altogether if you use permanent marker.

Dating and Identifying Tips

When you first look at the check, it might seem complicated. All of those blanks are easy to fill out once you have all of the information, though. The first step is to fill out the current date on the check. Make sure to correctly identify the date, as post-dating a check is actually illegal. Once you've done that, you should write the name of the person who will be receiving the check on the "pay to the order of" line. Be sure to include their complete name.

When Filling in the Amount

The most important article of information on the check, of course, is the dollar value that you are assigning to it. It is required to write the amount in two places. Put this information in the dollar amount line first. The line is titled Dollars and is located below the Pay to the order of line. When you write out the amount, write it out in full, including any cents. To prevent someone from changing your numbers, you must fill out this area of the check. Afterward, you will need to print the numbers in the box to the right.

Signing Your Check

When you are all done with the other parts of the check, it's time to sign the check. It is very important that you sign the check with your standard signature, similar to the one that can be found on your driver's license. If you don't take great care to do this, then the bank could throw up red flags on your check and you could have to answer annoying questions about potential fraud. With the amount of check fraud and forgery going on today, banks are on the lookout for signatures that look suspicious or don't match your normal signature. The final part of the check is the "info" section, which is optional. Most people like to write what the check is for just for their own bookkeeping ease. Generally, the more information you provide, the better off you will be.

In general, it isn't difficult to write a check. However, check writing isn't something that should be taken lightly. Be certain to take a great deal of care in filling out each section of the check as carefully and completely as possible, so as to minimize the possibility that your check will be manipulated. This will prevent future headaches from occurring.

Finance Products on our marketplace

As well as the check designs styles mentioned above, you will find many more including: personalized photo checks, computer checks and recycled checks.