How to write a cheque
While cheque usage is on the decline due to the rise of easier and faster digital payment options, cheques are still far from obsolete. In fact, 44% of current account holders and 78% of businesses write at least one cheque a year.
Whether you need to pay rent, donate, or give a gift, knowing how to write a cheque remains a useful skill. This simple guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently fill out a cheque and avoid any potential errors or delays.
If you’re looking for an easier way to send money to a bank account, Western Union offers a convenient alternative. You can easily transfer funds directly to a bank account around the world, saving time and hassle.
Things to consider before writing a cheque
Keep these tips in mind when writing a cheque to ensure accuracy and prevent any issues with processing or fraud:
- Use a black or blue ink pen to make sure your cheque can’t be easily altered.
- Double-check your account balance to confirm you have enough money to cover the cheque amount.
- Avoid leaving any sections blank as this could lead to fraud.
- Never sign a blank cheque.
- If you make any mistakes, destroy the cheque and start writing a new one.
- If you write cheques regularly, using a chequebook with carbon copies can help you keep track of what you’ve written.
While cheques are sometimes necessary, quicker options like bank transfers are available. Western Union offers both online and in person services if you need to transfer money by bank transfer overseas.
How to write a cheque step-by-step
Want to know how to write a cheque UK? Follow these easy steps below:
Step 1: Date the cheque
Start by writing the date in the top right corner of the cheque. You need to include the day, month, and year clearly.
You can use the current date, which is the most common, or future-date the cheque. Future dating is often used when funds will be available in the future, but you want to complete the cheque in advance.
Remember that most cheques are valid for six months from the date written. Always double-check the date to avoid any issues with expiration.
Step 2: Who is this cheque for?
Next, you will need to write the name of the person or business you’re paying, known as the payee. This goes on the line labelled “Pay to the Order of.” Make sure the spelling is correct to avoid issues when the cheque is cashed.
Step 3: Write the payment amount in numbers
You are going to fill in the amount twice on the cheque. The first will be in numeric form in the box on the right side of the cheque. Write it as close to the edge as possible, for example, “1,500.75” for £1,500.75, as this helps prevent any alterations to the amount.
You also always need to include the pence, even if it is a whole amount. For example, if you’re sending £1,000, you will need to write £1,000.00.
Step 4: Write the payment amount in words
You will also need to write the payment amount in words on the line beneath the payee’s name, followed by the word “only.” Including “only” helps prevent any additions or alterations to the amount.
For example, if your cheque is for £1,500.75, you would write “One thousand five hundred and seventy-five pence only.” Make sure the written amount matches the number in the box to avoid any confusion or delays in processing.
Step 5: Write a memo
The memo section is a small area on the cheque where you can note the reason for the payment. It’s optional and won’t affect whether the cheque is processed, but it can be helpful for your own records or to inform the recipient of the purpose of the payment. For example, you could write “January Rent” if you’re paying rent or “Invoice #12345” for a business payment.
Step 6: Sign the cheque
To complete the cheque, you will need to sign it in the space at the bottom right. Your signature is what makes the cheque valid, so ensure it matches the signature your bank has on file. Without this, the cheque won’t be processed.
Be mindful of the risks of cheque fraud, especially cheque forgery. Cheque forgery is when someone alters your cheque or signs it without your authorisation. To reduce this risk, never sign a blank cheque and always keep your chequebook in a safe place.
How much can I write a cheque for?
The maximum amount you can write a cheque for depends on your bank’s specific policies. For example, Lloyds Bank allows individual cheques of up to £10,000 or a total of £10,000 per day.
Even if you have enough funds in your account, your bank might not automatically process large cheques. Banks sometimes block high-value cheques as a precautionary measure if the transaction seems unusual or raises suspicion of fraud. It’s always a good idea to notify them if you’re making a larger-than-usual payment to avoid delays.
How to balance a chequebook
Balancing a chequebook means keeping track of your transactions to ensure that your records match your bank account balance. This helps you stay on top of your spending and make sure your account has enough money to cover your cheques.
Balancing a chequebook involves two main steps: recording your transactions and reconciling your bank statement.
Record your transactions
Every time you write a cheque, be sure to record it in your cheque register. Include the date, cheque number, who you paid, and the amount. Don’t forget to track other transactions like withdrawals, deposits, online payments, and debit card purchases so you know your true balance.
Reconcile your bank statement each month
At the end of each month, compare your chequebook with your bank statement to make sure everything matches. This step helps you catch any mistakes or unauthorised transactions and ensures that your records are up to date.
Sending money with Western Union
Cheques can take days to clear, which can be frustrating when you need to send money quickly. For faster, more reliable ways to send money, use Western Union. With our money transfer app, you can send money to a bank account directly, avoiding waiting for a cheque to clear.
FAQs
How can I write a cheque in the UK?
To write a cheque in the UK, start by filling in the date, the recipient’s name, and the amount. Write the amount in both numbers and words, then sign the cheque to make it valid.
How to properly write a cheque?
To properly write a cheque, ensure that all the details like the date, amount, and recipient’s name are correct. Don’t forget to sign it, as a cheque is invalid without your signature.
Can you properly write your own cheques?
Yes, you can write your own cheques if your bank account supports chequebooks. Just follow the steps to ensure it’s filled out correctly and always double-check the details to avoid mistakes.
