{"id":827,"date":"2026-06-23T19:18:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.springfinancial.ca\/?p=827"},"modified":"2026-06-23T19:18:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:18:52","slug":"how-to-write-cheque-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/springfinancial.ca\/fr\/blog\/lifestyle\/how-to-write-cheque-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Cheque in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Correct Way to Write a Cheque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the details of writing cheques<\/a>, it is important to note what a cheque is and how it works. Essentially, a cheque is a way for the payer to authorize the payee to withdraw funds from their bank account, usually a chequing account. While it is more common these days to use an E-transfer,<\/a> cheques are still around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to filling out a cheque, there are a few key things to remember. The first being that it won\u2019t be valid unless it is filled out correctly. Let\u2019s go over what is required to make the cheque valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. For a cheque to be valid, it must be dated. The space for this is usually located in the top right corner. There will be a line next to the word date. This is where you will write the date you wrote the cheque.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The next thing you want to write is to whom you are making the cheque payable. This is the person who will be cashing the cheque. Usually located under the cheque issuer’s information in the left-hand corner, there will be a line that says \u201cPay to the order of\u201d. This is where you put the recipient\u2019s information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. After that, you are going to want to enter the dollar amount in numbers that you want taken out of your account. You will see a dollar sign ($). It is important that, when entering this number, you include the cents to 2 decimal places. An example of this would be $100.00. $100 or $100.0 would be seen as incorrect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Once you have entered the amount in numbers, write it as well. Under the recipient\u2019s name, there will be a place to write the amount. For example, if the amount is $100.20, you would write \u201cOne hundred dollars and twenty cents\u201d or \u201cOne hundred dollars and 20\/100\u201d. You can use whichever option you prefer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Now that you have done all that, the next step is to sign the cheque. This is the final step to validating it. There will be a line at the bottom right corner where you sign the cheque. Be sure to use a legible signature you would normally use for your bank documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Lastly, there is the option to add a memo. This is optional, but you can add what the cheque is for if you choose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Once you have written and given the cheque, the recipient has a limited time before the cheque becomes invalid. How long is a cheque valid for? Well, it only stays valid for 6 months. After that, a new one will have to be issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Writing on the Back of the Cheque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you flip the cheque over, you will notice a line for a signature. This line is meant for the payee, also known as the recipient. The recipient of the cheque is to sign the back, known as the endorsement signature. This notifies the institution that the payee has received the cheque and is authorizing it to be cashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What to Do About a Mistake on the Cheque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you make a mistake when writing the cheque details, the easiest thing to do is rip it up and write a new one. That, however, isn\u2019t your only option. Another thing you can do is cross out the mistake, then write the correct thing above or beside it. Whichever space has more room. It is important to remember that you must initial the change on the cheque, or it may not be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Filling Out Cheques from Different Financial Institutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While many people think that cheques vary across institutions, the reality is that most of them look the same. There will be identifying features that indicate where the cheque is from, as well as the layout of where the information is to be written and what information is to be put on the cheque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The main difference you will find on your cheque, whether it is from TD, RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank, BMO or any other financial institution, is the numbers on the bottom.<\/strong> These numbers contain your bank account information, such as the branch number, transit number and account number. They tell the bank where to take the money from when the cheque gets cashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Voiding a Cheque to Set Up Direct Deposit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Another reason someone may use a cheque is to use it as a void cheque. Basically, a void cheque works just like a direct deposit form. It even works for getting a loan, purchasing a vehicle, or making any other large purchase, including monthly insurance payments. It allows the lender to take the money from your account as automatic monthly payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This will show as a debit transaction on your account statement and is considered an electronic payment. It is treated differently from an online payment because it is processed automatically and isn\u2019t processed as one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To fill out a void cheque, all you need to do is take a blank cheque and write VOID on it. If you do not have any cheques, you can print off a direct deposit slip from your online banking. Some places only require you to provide the transit number, branch number, and account number, which you can also find in your online banking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are There Limits on Cheque Amounts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The great thing about cheques, unlike E-transfer, is that there is no amount limit. This is why cheques are still used for things like rent, especially in this economy. Since the limit on E-transfers is $3000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is also why large companies tend to use cheques. Often, the cheques they write, whether for business expenses or not, are for large amounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unlike E-transfers, though, many people can\u2019t access the funds immediately because transfers between institutions take a few days. In some cases, you may have no holds on your account, so you can use the funds immediately. This can be risky, though, in case the cheque bounces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Process for When a Cheque Bounces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Because it takes a few days for a cheque to be processed, you may have enough money in your account when you write the cheque, but not once it is cashed. That can be an issue with cheques. You don\u2019t really have much control when the other person cashes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If they cash it and you do not have enough money in your account, then that will result in an NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fee. The amount of this fee ultimately depends on your financial institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n