The basic format for a Canadian check

A Canadian check follows the same left-to-right layout as a U.S. check, but with one critical difference: the routing and account information appears at the bottom in a different order. The check itself has spaces for the date (top right), the payee name (Pay to the order of), the dollar amount in both numbers and words, and your signature at the bottom right.

The bottom of the check contains three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. From left to right, you'll see: the branch transit number (four digits), the institution number (three digits), and your account number (up to twelve digits). This order is different from U.S. checks and matters for electronic processing.

Most Canadian banks print checks with these numbers already in place, so you won't write them yourself. Your job is to fill in the date, payee, amount, and signature—the same four pieces of information that make a check valid in any country.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the payee name on the "Pay to the order of" line, the date in the top right corner, and the dollar amount in both numbers (in the box) and words (on the long line).
  • Canadian checks show the branch transit number, institution number, and account number at the bottom in that order, but these are pre-printed and you do not write them.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to your bank when you opened the account.
  • The payee name and dollar amount must match exactly between the numbers box and the written-out words, or the check may be rejected.
  • Post-dating a check (writing a future date) is legal in Canada, but the recipient can cash it early, so use it only with prior agreement.

Where to write the payee name

The line that reads "Pay to the order of" is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Write clearly and in ink—not pencil. The name should match the legal name on the recipient's account if the check will be deposited into a bank account, though many banks are now lenient about minor spelling variations.

If you're paying a business, use the business name as it appears on their invoices or receipts. If you're paying a person, their full name is safest, though first and last name will work. Do not leave this line blank; a blank payee line makes the check a bearer check, which anyone can cash.

If you make a mistake on the payee line, do not cross it out and rewrite it. Tear up the check and start over. Alterations to the payee name can cause the bank to refuse the check or delay processing.

Writing the dollar amount correctly

Canadian checks require the amount in two places: as numerals in the small box on the right side of the check, and written out in words on the long line below the payee. Both must match exactly, or the bank will reject the check or contact you for clarification.

In the numbers box, write the amount in dollars and cents using a decimal point: $1,234.56. Use commas for thousands if the amount is large, but the decimal point is required. In the words line, write out the full amount: "One thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and 56/100". The fraction at the end represents cents as a fraction of a dollar.

If the amount in words and the amount in numbers do not match, the bank will honor the written-out version, not the numerals. This is a legal rule in Canada, so if you accidentally write $500 in numbers but "Five hundred and fifty dollars" in words, the check is for $550. Double-check both before signing.

The date and signature

Write the date in the top right corner of the check. Canadian banks accept dates in the format DD/MM/YYYY (for example, 15/03/2024) or MM/DD/YYYY (03/15/2024)—both are standard. Use the format your bank prefers, which you can find on your check stock or by asking your bank.

The date must be the date you write the check or a future date if you are post-dating it. A check dated in the past may be rejected as stale-dated if it is more than six months old, though banks sometimes honor older checks at their discretion. If you post-date a check, be aware that the recipient can cash it before that date; post-dating is not legally binding in Canada the way it is in some other countries.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to your bank when you opened the account. The signature must match your bank's records reasonably well, or the check may be flagged during processing. Use pen, not pencil, and do not sign until all other information is filled in.

The pre-printed numbers at the bottom

The three sets of numbers at the bottom of your check are printed by the bank and identify your account for electronic processing. You will never write these yourself. From left to right, they are: the branch transit number (the four-digit code for the specific branch where you opened your account), the institution number (the three-digit code for your bank), and your account number.

These numbers are read by check-processing machines and tell the receiving bank where to debit the funds. If your checks are damaged or the numbers are unclear, contact your bank to order a new set. Do not attempt to write in missing or illegible numbers; the check will not process correctly.

Some older Canadian checks may show the numbers in a slightly different layout, but the order remains the same. If you are unsure which number is which on your checks, your bank can provide a guide, or you can find the information on your bank statement or online banking portal.

Common mistakes that delay or reject checks

Crossing out or altering the payee name is the most common reason a check is rejected. Banks will not process a check with a scratched-out or rewritten payee line. If you make a mistake, void the check and write a new one. Most check stock comes in pads of 25 or 50, so you have room to spare.

Mismatched amounts—where the numbers and words do not agree—will cause the bank to contact you or the payee for clarification. This can delay the check by several days. A missing signature or a signature that does not match your bank's records will also cause a delay or rejection.

Writing in pencil instead of pen is another issue. Banks may refuse to process pencil-written checks because the information can be erased. Always use black or blue ink. Finally, post-dating a check and then forgetting to tell the recipient can create confusion if they try to cash it early and it bounces.

Ordering checks and what to expect

You order checks from your bank, usually through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks charge a fee per pad (typically $10 to $20 for 25 or 50 checks), though some accounts include free checks. Delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.

When you receive your checks, verify that your name, address, and account number are printed correctly. If there is an error, contact your bank immediately to request a replacement set. Do not use checks with incorrect information, as they may not process or may be rejected by the recipient.

If you run out of checks before a new set arrives, you can ask your bank for a temporary check or use electronic payment methods instead. Many Canadians now use online bill pay, e-transfers, or debit cards for most payments, so checks are less common than they once were.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write a check to "Cash" instead of a person's name?

A check written to "Cash" is a bearer check, and anyone who has it can cash it. This is legal but risky—if the check is lost or stolen, the finder can cash it. Most banks discourage this practice. If you need to give someone cash, use an e-transfer or withdraw cash from an ATM instead.

Can I use a check that is more than six months old?

Checks older than six months are considered stale-dated, and banks are not required to honor them. Some banks will still cash them, but others will refuse. If you have an old check, contact the issuer and ask them to write a new one rather than trying to cash the original.

What if the recipient says they never received my check?

Contact your bank and ask them to put a stop payment on the check. Provide the check number, date, payee, and amount. The bank will charge a fee (usually $15 to $25) to stop payment. Once the stop is in place, the check cannot be cashed. You can then issue a new check or use a different payment method.

Do I need to write anything on the back of the check?

If you are depositing a check into your own account, you may need to sign the back (endorse it) depending on your bank's policy. If you are giving a check to someone else, do not write on the back unless the bank specifically asks you to. Writing on the back can cause processing delays.

Can I write a check for a partial amount, like $50.50, or does it have to be a whole dollar?

You can write a check for any amount, including cents. Write the cents in both the numbers box ($50.50) and in the words line (Fifty dollars and 50/100). Banks process partial-dollar amounts without issue.