How to Write a Cheque Amount in Words: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Cheque Amount in Words: Filling out a cheque seems simple, but one small mistake can cause unnecessary delays, rejections, or even fraud risks. One of the most crucial parts of a cheque is the amount in words—banks prioritize it over the numeric value if there’s any discrepancy. Writing it correctly ensures smooth processing and protects against unauthorized modifications.

Follow this expert guide to learn the correct format for writing a cheque amount in words and avoid common mistakes.

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Step 1: Write the Full Amount in Words

Always write the cheque amount exactly as you would say it aloud in formal English. Avoid slang or shortcuts.

✅ Correct: One thousand five hundred dollars
❌ Incorrect: Fifteen hundred dollars

For thousands and larger amounts, make sure to structure it properly:

✅ Correct: Two thousand three hundred fifty dollars
❌ Incorrect: Two thousand, three hundred and fifty dollars (No commas and no extra “and” before “fifty.”)

If the amount is in lakhs or crores (for Indian cheques), follow this format:

✅ Correct: Five lakh twenty thousand rupees only
❌ Incorrect: Five hundred twenty thousand rupees

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Step 2: Include Cents or Paise in Fraction Format

If the cheque amount includes cents (USD) or paise (INR), they should be written as a fraction over 100.

✅ Correct: One thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and 56/100
❌ Incorrect: One thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and fifty-six cents

If the amount is a whole number, write “only” at the end to prevent unauthorized alterations.

✅ Correct: Two thousand dollars only
❌ Incorrect: Two thousand dollars and zero cents

For Indian cheques:

✅ Correct: Seven lakh fifty-five thousand rupees and 25/100 only
❌ Incorrect: Seven lakh fifty-five thousand rupees and twenty-five paise

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Step 3: Hyphenation and Spacing Rules

To ensure clarity:

✔️ Use hyphens for numbers between 21 and 99 (Twenty-one, Fifty-six).
✔️ Do not use commas in the written amount.
✔️ Leave no extra spaces that could allow someone to alter the amount.

✅ Correct: Three hundred twenty-five dollars and 75/100
❌ Incorrect: Three hundred twenty five dollars and 75/100

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Step 4: Match the Words with the Numeric Value

The written amount must match the numbers exactly. If there’s a mismatch, banks will process the cheque based on the words, not the numbers.

✅ Example 1:

• Numeric Amount: $1,250.50
• Written Amount: One thousand two hundred fifty dollars and 50/100

❌ Incorrect Example:

• Numeric Amount: $1,250.50
• Written Amount: One thousand two hundred dollars and 50/100 (Missing “fifty” will cause issues.)

Before signing, always verify that the written and numeric amounts are identical.

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Step 5: The Final Check—Prevent Errors and Fraud

Before submitting the cheque:

✔️ Use permanent ink (never pencil) to avoid alterations.
✔️ Ensure legibility—messy handwriting may cause rejection.
✔️ Double-check for missing or extra words that could alter the value.
✔️ Sign properly using the bank-registered signature.

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Cheque writing format

A standard cheque follows this format:

• Date – Write the current date (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY based on region).
• Payee Name – Write the recipient’s name clearly.
• Amount in Numbers – Fill in the numeric amount inside the box.
• Amount in Words – Write the amount in words.
• Signature – Sign as per your bank’s records.

✅ Example Format:
Date: 18/03/2025
Payee: John Doe
Amount (Numbers): ₹5,000.50
Amount (Words): Five thousand rupees and 50/100 only
Signature: (Your Signature)

This ensures your cheque is filled out correctly and prevents rejection or fraud.

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How to Write Complex Cheque Amounts in Words

Writing simple cheque amounts like ₹5,00,000 is fairly straightforward—just write “Five Lakh Only.”
But when the amount includes lakhs, thousands, hundreds, and even tens or units—like ₹5,04,032—it can become a bit tricky.

Here’s a clear guide to help you write such amounts correctly and confidently:

Correct Format for Writing Cheque Amounts in Words

Break down the amount into segments:

• Lakhs
• Thousands
• Hundreds
• Tens and Units

Always end with the word “Only” to prevent fraud or tampering.

Examples of Cheque Amounts in Words

Amount in Numbers	Amount in Words
₹5,00,000	Five Lakh Only
₹5,05,000	Five Lakh Five Thousand Only
₹5,04,032	Five Lakh Four Thousand Thirty-Two Only
₹3,00,050	Three Lakh Fifty Only
₹7,25,015	Seven Lakh Twenty-Five Thousand Fifteen Only
₹1,12,001	One Lakh Twelve Thousand One Only

See these examples:

How to write cheque amount in words with example?
Let’s say you’re issuing a cheque for ₹82,750. In words, write “Eighty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Only”. In numbers, write ₹82,750.00. Example on cheque:
Amount in Words: Eighty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Only
Amount in Numbers: ₹82,750.00

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How do you write ₹17,400 in words for a cheque?
You should write it as “Seventeen Thousand Four Hundred Only” in the words section, and ₹17,400.00 in the numbers section. Double-check both amounts match to avoid cheque rejection.

Writing Tips:

• Make sure the amount in words and numbers match exactly.
• Use capital letters if required by your bank (some prefer all caps).
• Avoid leaving blank spaces. If any space remains after the written amount, draw a straight line to prevent alterations.
• Always double-check before signing.

This method helps ensure your cheque is clear, legally valid, and professionally written.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Leaving out “only” – Always include it to prevent fraud.
🚫 Using informal wording – Stick to the correct number format (e.g., “One thousand two hundred” instead of “Twelve hundred”).
🚫 Adding unnecessary spaces – Prevents unauthorized additions to the amount.
🚫 Writing the numeric and word amounts differently – Banks rely on the written amount, so they must match.

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Final Thoughts

Writing the cheque amount in words correctly is a small but essential step in ensuring smooth financial transactions. A well-written cheque is clear, secure, and free from errors, reducing the chances of rejection or fraud.

Always take a moment to double-check before signing—one extra second can save a lot of trouble later.

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