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The Money Desk · Blog
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How to Write Dollars and Cents on a Check

Write the amount in the numeric box and again in words, making sure dollars and cents match. These examples show both fraction and spelled-out cents formats.
From TheFinanceBase Team2 min to read
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Write the amount twice: enter dollars and cents in the small numeric box, then spell out the same amount on the written-amount line. For example, a $105.50 check can show $105.50 in the box and “one hundred five dollars and 50/100” on the line. Check the two entries before signing.

This guide applies to U.S. personal checks. Banks may print slightly different instructions or line layouts, so use the wording and spaces provided on your check.

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1. Enter the numeric amount

In the small box on the right, write the amount in numerals, including dollars and cents. For a whole-dollar amount, use two decimal places: write $20.00, not just “20.”

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2. Write the amount in words

On the long line below the payee information, spell out the dollar amount. You can spell out the cents or write them as a fraction over 100. Chase gives both approaches for $105.50, while U.S. Bank specifically recommends the fraction format.

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Numeric amount Written amount example Format
$105.50 one hundred five dollars and fifty cents Cents spelled out
$105.50 one hundred five dollars and 50/100 Cents as a fraction
$105.00 one hundred five dollars only “Only” wording shown by Chase
$105.00 one hundred five dollars and 00/100 Zero-cents fraction shown by Citizens

These are examples rather than a single universal phrase for every bank. If your check includes printed wording or a specific layout, follow it.

3. Match both amounts exactly

Compare the numeric box with the written line before you sign. If they conflict, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s consumer resource says, “Legally, words overrule numbers.” That page was last reviewed in April 2021 and says its information is not legal advice or an OCC legal opinion, and state law can affect disputes: HelpWithMyBank.gov/OCC guidance.

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4. Close unused space on the amount line

After the written amount, draw a line through any remaining blank space so another person cannot easily add words. Citizens recommends this as a practical alteration-prevention step. It does not guarantee that a check cannot be changed.

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5. Finish the check safely

  • Use a blue or black gel pen; U.S. Bank recommends these ink colors and pen type.
  • Do not sign until both amount fields are complete. Chase specifically advises waiting to sign.
  • Review the payee, date, amount, memo and signature before handing over the check.

How to write common amounts

Whole-dollar amounts

For $20.00, enter $20.00 in the box. On the line, use a form your bank accepts, such as twenty dollars only or twenty dollars and 00/100.

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Amounts with cents

For $47.25, enter $47.25 in the box and write either forty-seven dollars and twenty-five cents or forty-seven dollars and 25/100.

Amounts below one dollar

For $0.75, enter $0.75 in the box and write zero dollars and 75/100 (or the equivalent wording your check accepts). Keep the dollar portion explicit so the two fields are unambiguous.

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Quick checklist before signing

  1. The numeric box contains dollars and cents, including two decimal places for a whole-dollar amount.
  2. The written line spells out the same dollar amount.
  3. The cents match and are either spelled out or shown as a fraction over 100.
  4. Any unused line space is crossed out.
  5. You used blue or black ink and signed only after completing the amount fields.

For bank-specific illustrations, see Chase’s check-writing guide, U.S. Bank’s step-by-step guide and Citizens’ check guide.

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  • Slim Compact Size: Measuring 7.0 x 3.74 x 0.47 inches, this checkbook cover is perfectly sized for standard American checks and registers. It fits easily in briefcases or crossbody bags without taking up too much space, making it ideal for everyday use.
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