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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
1. How do you write point amount in words?
If the amount includes a decimal, write the whole number part in words, followed by “and” and the decimal value as a fraction of 100.
✅ Example: $1,234.75 → One thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and 75/100
2. How do you write amounts in words on a check?
Write the amount in words on the designated line of the cheque, ensuring it matches the numerical value. Use proper spacing and add “only” at the end to prevent alterations.
✅ Example: $500 → Five hundred dollars only
3. How to write decimals in checks?
Write the decimal portion as a fraction over 100. Avoid using words for cents.
✅ Example: $2,450.99 → Two thousand four hundred fifty dollars and 99/100
4. How to write cheque amount in words in India?
In India, the amount should be written in full without any symbols. For rupees and paise, use the fraction format for paise.
✅ Example: ₹1,250.50 → One thousand two hundred fifty rupees and 50/100 only
5. How to write cheque amount in words SBI?
For State Bank of India (SBI) cheques, the format follows standard Indian cheque-writing rules. The rupee amount is written in words, and paise (if any) in fraction format.
✅ Example: ₹5,678.25 → Five thousand six hundred seventy-eight rupees and 25/100 only
6. How to write cheque amount in words in English?
Write the amount in full, ensuring clarity and correct spelling. Use hyphens for numbers between 21 and 99.
✅ Example: $3,456.80 → Three thousand four hundred fifty-six dollars and 80/100 only
7. How to write cheque amount in words with cents?
If your cheque includes cents, write the whole number in words, followed by “and” and the cent value as a fraction of 100.
✅ Example: $789.45 → Seven hundred eighty-nine dollars and 45/100 only
8. How to write cheque amount in words online?
You can use cheque amount-to-words converters available online, such as bank websites or financial tools, to generate the correct format. However, always verify before writing on an actual cheque.
9. How to write amount in cheque?
- Step 1: Write the amount in numbers in the designated box.
- Step 2: Write the amount in words on the line provided.
- Step 3: Add “only” at the end.
- Step 4: Ensure the words and numbers match.
- Step 5: Sign the cheque properly.
10. 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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