How To Write A Check

Writing a check is an easy and important skill every adult should know. To write a check, fill in the current date on the line in the upper right corner, the name of the recipient in the "Pay to" field, the numerical amount next to the dollar sign ($), and the written form of the same amount on the line beneath; sign the check on the bottom right line and consider adding a "memo" about the check's purpose on the lower left line. The more often you write checks, the more natural the process will become.

Writing A Check

1. Write the date on the line in the upper right hand corner. There will be a blank space next to or above the word "Date."

2. Write the name of the recipient. Write the name of the person or company you're sending the check to next to the line that says "Pay to the Order of." If it's a company and you're not sure exactly what it's called, make sure you get that information right before you write the check. You can also just pay the check to "Cash," but be careful, because that means that anyone can cash it.
If it's to an individual, include both their first and last names.
If the check is going to an organization, write out its full name. Do not use acronyms unless explicitly given permission.
3. Write the amount of the check to the right of the dollar sign. Write the exact amount, using dollars and cents. If the check is for twenty dollars, write "20.00."

4. Write the monetary amount of the check in word form below the "Pay to the Order of" line. Make sure you also express the amount of cents if there are cents, or write "even" at the end of the amount so that another person doesn't add more money to the amount. If you've written a check for $20.00, write either "Twenty dollars and 0/100 cents," "Twenty dollars even," or just "Twenty" with a line running all the way from the right of the word to the end of the line.


5. Sign the check on the line in the bottom right corner. Your check will be invalid if it is not personally signed.


6. Fill out the memo section on the bottom left of the check. Though this part of the check is optional, it can be helpful to write a note to yourself or the recipient to remember what the check is for. You can write "For May rent" if you're sending a rent check. Also, many companies or landlords require that you provide some other information in the memo section; some companies require you to write your ID number in the "Memo" section, and if you're writing a rent check for your apartment, you should write the apartment # right in the memo section.

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How To Address Clasp Envelopes

Clasp envelopes get their name from the metal clasp that can be used to keep the envelope shut. These are usually larger than regular letter envelopes, so they can hold standard sized documents with no folding required. The address rules are the same as a regular envelope, but you may need to work around the position of the clasp to avoid wiggles in your handwriting.

Method 1. Addressing The Envelope

Consider an adhesive label. If the clasp on your envelope makes it difficult to write legibly, think about purchasing a sticky address label from a post office or stationary store. You can write on the label on a flat surface, then peel it off and fix it onto the envelope. If you decide to write directly on the envelope, just continue to the next step.
The return address label should be smaller than the main address label.
Lay the envelope flat. Before placing anything in the envelope, lay it flat with the clasp facing down. Run your hand across the envelope so you can feel where the clasp is.
Arrange the envelope in a landscape orientation. Rotate the envelope so the flap is on the left side. If the top left corner is bumpy in this orientation, turn the envelope so the flap is on the right side instead.

Write the sender's address in the top-left corner. Write your address in fairly small print, so you have plenty of space in the center of the envelope. Use the same address format as you would on a normal letter. This is the standard in the US, and similar format are used for most other countries:
Name of Sender
Street Address
Apartment/Suite Number (if needed)
City
State and Postal Code (a.k.a. ZIP code)
Country (for international mail)
Write the recipient's address in the center. Write the address where you'd like to send the envelope, in the same format. Write this on the same side of the envelope, in large print.
If the clasp is located under the center, feel for it first to plan where to write. To avoid bumps, you might need to write this slightly off-center, or write so the clasp is in between two line of the address
Add optional instructions. If you have extra instructions such as "Do not bend," write them once at the base of the front, and again on the back of the envelope.
If you're not sure whether you need to write "Air Mail" or a similar instruction, ask someone at the post office or look up instructions on the post office website.

Method 2. Sealing The Envelope


Place you mail inside the envelope. Flip the envelope open and slide your mail into the opening. Place the top edge of the document nearest the opening if possible.


Lift the clasp arms. The most common type of clasp envelope has a butterfly clip with two metal arms. Unfold these so they stand straight up. You may need to pry them up using your fingernails.
If your envelope has two circles and a string instead, just close the flap and wrap the string tight around the other circle instead.
Wet or peel the flap if necessary. If your envelope has a strip of paper along the edge of the flap, peel this off to reveal the adhesive. If your flap has a lick-able strip, wet this slightly to make it sticky.

Push the metal clasps through the hole in the flap. Lower the flap and adjust the metal arms so that they are positioned right beneath the hole. Push the hole over both arms. Seal the flap against the body of the envelope by running over the edge with your thumb.


Flatten and secure the arms. Push the clasp arms outward again and flatten them against the flap. To prevent the clasp from catching on other mail, put a piece of tape over the arms.

Affix postage. Apply the appropriate postage in the upper right hand corner of the envelope, and your envelope is ready to mail. The exact postage required depends on the size and weight of the envelope, as instructed by your local post office. If you can't find instructions, just take the envelope to the post office and pay for postage over-the-counter.

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