Personal checks might not be the first payment method that comes to mind, but they’re still an important tool in certain situations. Landlords, schools, or small businesses often rely on checks because they’re simple, traceable, and don’t require extra technology.
If you’ve never written one before, the process can feel old-fashioned—but it’s straightforward once you know the basics. Learning how personal checks work, when to use them, and what alternatives exist can save you stress when a payment can’t be made by card or app.
This guide will break down what personal checks are, how to fill them out correctly, common mistakes to avoid, and how they compare to other payment options like cashier’s checks or money transfers.
What Is a Personal Check?
A personal check is a paper slip issued by your bank or credit union that’s linked to your personal checking account. When you write and sign one, you’re instructing your financial institution to transfer money from your account to the person or business you’ve named on the check.
Each check includes your name, account details, the recipient’s name, the payment amount, and your signature. Once it’s deposited, the bank processes the payment and moves the money.
A personal check is legally considered a promise to pay. Writing a check you know will bounce is illegal, and if your account doesn’t have enough funds, your bank will charge you fees.
Pros & Cons of Personal Checks
Personal checks have their advantages, but they also come with some downsides. Knowing both sides will help you decide when it makes sense to use them and when another payment method might be better.
Pros
- Convenient: You can issue a payment on the spot without needing special apps or technology.
- Mail payments: A personal check can be sent through the mail, which is useful for rent, school fees, or gifts.
- Recordkeeping: Checks leave a paper trail, making it easier to track and prove payments.
- Low cost: Ordering personal checks is generally cheaper than using money orders or wire transfers.
Cons
- Security risks: Checks can be lost, stolen, or altered, and they contain sensitive information like your account number.
- Not always accepted: Many retailers and service providers no longer take personal checks.
- Processing time: Funds aren’t available instantly—weekends and holidays can delay when the money clears.
- Bank fees: If you bounce a check, you’ll face penalties from your bank and possibly from the recipient as well.
How to Write a Personal Check
Writing a personal check isn’t complicated, but it’s important to do it correctly so your payment goes through without issues. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Date the check: Write the current date on the line in the upper right corner.
- Add the recipient: Write the name of the person or business you’re paying on the “Pay to the Order of” line.
- Fill in the amount (numbers): Write the payment amount in the small box with the dollar sign (for example, 150.99).
- Fill in the amount (words): Spell out the payment amount on the line below (for example, “One hundred fifty dollars and 99/100”).
- Write a memo (optional): Use the “Memo” line to note what the payment is for, such as “Rent” or “Gift.”
- Sign the check: Sign your name on the signature line in the bottom right corner. Without a signature, the check is invalid.
Tip: Always use blue or black ink and never pencil or colored pens. Checks already contain your account and routing numbers, so you don’t need to add them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Personal Checks
A few small errors can cause your personal check to be rejected or even misused. Keep these mistakes in mind:
- Leaving blank spaces: Always complete every field so no one can alter the check later.
- Postdating checks: Some banks may process a check before the future date you wrote.
- Using pencil or colored ink: Only blue or black ink is accepted for security and readability.
- Handing out a blank check: Never sign a check without filling in the recipient and amount.
- Letting someone else fill out your check: Unless you trust them with your entire bank account, never allow this.
Alternatives to Personal Checks You Can Use
Personal checks aren’t always the fastest or safest way to pay. If you’d rather avoid writing a check, here are some common alternatives:
- Cashier’s checks: Issued directly from your bank’s funds, cashier’s checks are guaranteed and harder to counterfeit. They’re often required for large transactions, such as buying a car or a house. Downside: you usually need to visit a branch and pay a small fee.
- Money orders: Available at post offices, retail stores, and banks, money orders are prepaid and secure. They’re a good choice if you don’t have a checking account. Downside: they typically have limits (often $1,000 per money order) and small fees.
- ACH transfers: Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are common for direct deposits, bill payments, and moving money between accounts. They’re usually free but may take two to three business days to complete.
- Wire transfers: Faster than ACH transfers, wire transfers can send money domestically within hours or internationally within a few days. Downside: they often cost $15–$50 per transfer.
- Payment apps: Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo allow instant transfers with just a phone number or email. They’re convenient, but some services charge fees, especially for credit card payments or currency conversions.
- Bill Pay: Many banks offer online Bill Pay tools where you can set up one-time or recurring payments. This option helps with organization and makes it easier to track payment history.
Personal Checks vs. Business, Cashier’s, and Certified Checks
Not all checks work the same way. Here’s how personal checks compare to other common types:
- Business checks: These are tied to a business checking account instead of a personal one. They help keep company and personal finances separate.
- Cashier’s checks: Drawn from the bank’s own funds and signed by a teller, cashier’s checks provide a guarantee of payment and are often required for major purchases.
- Certified checks: Similar to cashier’s checks, with a certified check the money comes directly from the account holder’s checking account. Both the bank and the account holder sign the check, verifying the funds are available.
Each type serves a different purpose: personal checks are best for everyday payments, business checks for professional expenses, and cashier’s or certified checks when a secure, guaranteed payment is needed.
Final Thoughts
Personal checks may not be the most common payment method anymore, but they still serve an important role in certain situations. From paying rent to handling transactions where electronic options aren’t available, having a checkbook can save you time and stress.
That said, checks aren’t always the safest or fastest way to move money. Knowing when to use a personal check—and when alternatives like money orders, cashier’s checks, or payment apps make more sense—will help you handle payments with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you use a personal check?
Personal checks are still useful when other payment options aren’t accepted. Landlords, schools, and some small businesses often prefer them, and they’re also handy for mailing payments, keeping a paper record, and transferring money between accounts offline.
Can I write a personal check from my savings account?
No. Savings accounts cannot be used for writing checks. To pay with a check, you’ll need a personal checking account.
Where can I cash a personal check?
You can cash a personal check at a bank, credit union, or retailers such as grocery and department stores that provide check-cashing services. Some check-cashing stores also accept them, though they often charge fees.
How long does it take a personal check to clear?
Most personal checks clear within one to two business days. However, banks may place longer holds on large deposits, out-of-state checks, or deposits into new accounts.
Do personal checks expire?
Yes. Personal checks are typically valid for six months. After that, a bank may refuse to honor the payment even if the account has enough funds.
