How to Write a Cheque: Step by Step
| Field | Location | What to Write | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Top right | Today’s date (or a future date if post-dating) | March 25, 2026 |
| Pay to the order of | First long line | Full name of the person or company | Jane Smith |
| Amount (numbers) | Box on the right | Dollar amount with cents | $1,250.00 |
| Amount (words) | Second long line | Written amount, cents as a fraction of 100 | One thousand two hundred fifty and 00/100 |
| Memo / For | Bottom left | Purpose of payment (optional) | March rent |
| Signature | Bottom right | Your signature (must match bank records) | [Your signature] |
Writing the Amount in Words
| Numeric Amount | Written Amount |
|---|---|
| $50.00 | Fifty and 00/100 |
| $125.50 | One hundred twenty-five and 50/100 |
| $1,000.00 | One thousand and 00/100 |
| $1,250.75 | One thousand two hundred fifty and 75/100 |
| $3,500.00 | Three thousand five hundred and 00/100 |
| $10,000.00 | Ten thousand and 00/100 |
| $25,350.25 | Twenty-five thousand three hundred fifty and 25/100 |
Draw a line after the written amount to prevent anyone from adding extra words.
Common Cheque-Writing Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using pencil | Can be erased and altered | Always use pen (blue or black) |
| Numbers and words don’t match | Bank uses the written words as legal amount | Double-check before signing |
| No signature | Cheque is invalid without a signature | Always sign last, after verifying everything |
| Wrong date | Stale-dated cheques may not be cashed | Use today’s date unless intentionally post-dating |
| Leaving the payee line blank | Anyone could fill in their name | Always write the payee name first |
| Forgetting cents | Could be altered to add amount | Write “.00” or “and 00/100” |
| Spelling errors in payee name | May be rejected by bank | Verify the exact legal name |
| Not recording in register | Lose track of outstanding cheques | Note cheque number, date, payee, and amount |
Types of Cheques in Canada
| Cheque Type | What It Is | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal cheque | Written from your chequing account | Cost of chequebook ($25–$50 for 50–100 cheques) | Rent, personal payments |
| Certified cheque | Bank verifies and holds funds | $15–$25 | Large purchases where payee needs guarantee |
| Bank draft | Prepaid by the bank (like a cashier’s cheque) | $8–$15 | Real estate, car purchases, large transactions |
| Post-dated cheque | Dated in the future | Same as personal cheque | Rent payments in advance |
| Counter cheque | Blank cheque from the bank (no pre-printed info) | $0–$2 | When you don’t have your chequebook |
Cheque Security Features
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MICR line (magnetic ink) | Machine-readable numbers at bottom for processing |
| Watermark | Prevents photocopying |
| Microprinting | Tiny text visible under magnification |
| Chemical sensitivity | Paper reacts to tampering chemicals |
| Void pantograph | Word “VOID” appears if photocopied |
| Sequential numbering | Track individual cheques |
How to Order Cheques
| Bank | Cost (50–100 cheques) | How to Order |
|---|---|---|
| TD | $30–$60 | Online banking, branch, or phone |
| RBC | $30–$60 | Online banking or branch |
| BMO | $25–$50 | Online banking or branch |
| Scotiabank | $30–$55 | Online banking or branch |
| CIBC | $30–$55 | Online banking or branch |
| Tangerine | $50 (200 cheques) | Online banking |
| Simplii Financial | Free (limited quantity) | Online banking |
| Third-party (ASAP Cheques, etc.) | $20–$40 | Online order |