How to Write a Check with Thousands and Cents (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to properly write a check for amounts in the thousands with cents, ensuring your payment is processed correctly and securely.

How to Write a Check with Thousands and Cents: Step-by-Step

Write the date and recipient's name

Begin by writing the current date in the top right corner and the recipient's name on the "Pay to the order of" line. These steps are the same regardless of the check amount.

Write the dollar amount in the box with commas and cents

In the amount box (usually on the right side of the "Pay to the order of" line), write the dollar amount with a comma separating the thousands and a decimal point for cents.

Examples:

$1,234.56 (one thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and fifty-six cents)
$5,000.75 (five thousand dollars and seventy-five cents)
$12,345.00 (twelve thousand three hundred forty-five dollars and zero cents)

Important: Always include the comma between thousands and always include cents even if the amount is a whole dollar (e.g., $5,000.00).

Write out the thousands in words on the amount line

On the line below "Pay to the order of," write out the dollar amount in words. For thousands, spell out each part clearly. Start at the far left of the line.

Examples for thousands:

$1,234: One thousand two hundred thirty-four
$5,000: Five thousand
$12,345: Twelve thousand three hundred forty-five
$123,456: One hundred twenty-three thousand four hundred fifty-six

Note: Do not use the word "and" between the thousands, hundreds, or tens places. Save "and" for separating dollars from cents.

Add the cents as a fraction

After writing the dollar amount in words, add the word "and" followed by the cents as a fraction over 100.

Complete examples with thousands and cents:

$1,234.56: One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100
$5,000.75: Five thousand and 75/100
$12,345.00: Twelve thousand three hundred forty-five and 00/100

Remember: The word "and" in check writing is ONLY used to separate dollars from cents, not to separate thousands from hundreds.

Add "Dollars" and draw a line

After writing the full amount with cents, add the word "Dollars" and draw a line through any remaining space on the line to prevent fraud.

Complete examples:

One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100 Dollars ~~~~~~~~
Five thousand and 75/100 Dollars ~~~~~~~~

Security tip: The line after "Dollars" prevents someone from adding words that could change the amount of your check.

Sign the check

Complete the check by signing your name in the bottom right corner. For larger amounts, some banks may verify your signature more carefully, so be sure to sign consistently.

Why Writing Large Amounts with Cents Correctly Matters

When writing a check for amounts in the thousands with cents, proper formatting is crucial. The difference between writing a check correctly and incorrectly might seem minor, but it can lead to confusion, payment errors, or even make your check vulnerable to fraud.

Banks process millions of checks daily, and clear formatting helps ensure your payment is processed exactly as intended. This guide will show you exactly how to write amounts in the thousands with cents in both the numeric amount box and the written amount line.

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Why Learn to Write Checks?

Even in today's digital world, knowing how to write a check properly remains an essential financial skill. Checks are still commonly used for rent payments, small business transactions, gifts, and situations where electronic payments aren't accepted.

Our guide and templates ensure you'll always be prepared when you need to write a check, helping you avoid errors that could lead to payment issues or even fraud.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Comma Placement

Always place the comma correctly in the numeric amount box. For example, write "$1,234.56" not "$1234.56".

Omitting the Word "and"

Always include the word "and" before writing the cents portion. For example, write "One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100" not "One thousand two hundred thirty-four 56/100".

Incorrect Fraction Format

Write cents as a fraction with 100 as the denominator (e.g., 56/100). Don't write it as a decimal (e.g., 0.56) or as words (e.g., "fifty-six cents").

How to Write a Check with Thousands and Cents (Step-by-Step Guide)