Paper checks are old, but some landlords, offices and small businesses still ask for one.
Ask your bank for a checkbook, or order checks in the bank app. Some banks charge for them. For one payment, a bank branch can print a counter check.
Example: you pay $1,250.50 rent to "Maple Apartments".
Date (top right): write today's date, for example 11/02/2026. In the US the month comes first.
Pay to the order of: write the name exactly: Maple Apartments.
Amount box (the small box with the $ sign): write 1,250.50. Start close to the $ sign so no one can add numbers.
Amount line (below the name): write the amount in words: One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100. Draw a line through the empty space to the end.
Memo (bottom left): write what it is for, such as "Rent Nov, Apt 4B".
Signature (bottom right): sign as you signed at the bank.
The numbers at the bottom are the routing number (9 digits, your bank), your account number, and the check number. Employers ask for the first two for direct deposit.
Sign the back on the line ("endorse" it).
Deposit it in the bank app by taking a photo, or at an ATM or branch.
Keep the paper check until the money is fully available, then destroy it.
Money orders and cashier's checks
Some landlords do not accept personal checks or cash. They ask for one of these, because the money is already paid.
Money order: you pay cash or debit at a post office, a supermarket or a big store such as Walmart. You pay a small fee. A US Postal Service money order is limited to $1,000 each. Fill in the name right away and keep the receipt stub; it is your proof and lets you track it.
Cashier's check: your bank prints it from your account. Use it for larger amounts, like a deposit for an apartment or a car. Banks charge a fee; some waive it for customers.
Someone sends you a check, often for more than they owe you, and asks you to send back the difference by gift card, wire or Zelle. The check looks real and your bank may let you use the money in a few days. Weeks later the check bounces, and you owe the bank the full amount.
Never send money back to someone who overpaid you with a check.
A "job" that sends you a check to buy equipment is a scam.
Leaving the "Pay to" line empty.
Writing the date the European way (02/11 for 2 November).
Losing track of a check you wrote. Write each one down so you do not overspend.