By Katherine Rasmussen
Let’s be honest, when was the last time you saw someone writing a check? Maybe your parents still use them, or maybe your school required a payment that needed a check. In a world where Venmo, Cash App and Apple Pay handle most payments, the idea of sitting down with a pen and paper to pay for something feels almost ancient. But checks aren’t totally gone, and knowing how to write one is still a good life skill to have.
So why are checks disappearing? Mainly because of convenience. Digital payments are faster, easier and automatic. You don’t have to buy stamps, wait for mail or balance a checkbook. Plus, online banking keeps track of your money for you. Still, checks can come in handy, as some landlords, small businesses and schools prefer them.
HOW TO WRITE A CHECK
When writing a check, start by dating it in the top right corner. You can use today’s date or a future one if you’re postdating the check, which tells the recipient not to cash it until that day. Next, on the line labeled “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the person or business you’re paying, making sure it’s spelled correctly. Then, in the small box on the right, clearly write the amount in numbers, such as “45.67.”
Below the payee’s name, write the same amount in words, like “Forty-five and 67/100,” since the bank will use this written amount if there’s ever a discrepancy. You can also include a brief note in the “Memo” line to remind yourself what the payment is for, such as “March rent” or “Senior class hoodie.” Finally, don’t forget to sign the check in the bottom right corner, because without your signature, it isn’t valid.
While paper checks might be on their way out, they’re still part of “adulting” that everyone should know. Understanding them gives you a better sense of how money moves, and it can come in handy when technology fails or a situation calls for something a little more old-school. Even if you’re more likely to tap your phone than uncap a pen, it’s good to keep this skill in your back pocket. You never know when you might need it.
