The correct spelling is "checking account" — two words, both lowercase
Checking account is spelled with a "c" at the start of both words. It is not "cheque" (that is British English for the paper slip), not "checking" with two c's, and not one word run together. When you write it in a sentence, use lowercase unless it starts the sentence or appears in a formal document title.
The word "checking" comes from the paper checks you write from the account — the verb "to check" meaning to verify or draw money. In American English, we spell it "checking." In British English, the account itself is often called a "current account," and the paper slip is spelled "cheque," but the concept is the same.
If you are filling out a form, a loan application, or any official document, "checking account" is the standard term used by banks, the IRS, and government agencies in the United States. You will see it written this way on bank websites, in account agreements, and on deposit slips.
Key Takeaways
- The correct American English spelling is "checking account" — two words, both lowercase, with a "c" at the start of each word.
- Do not confuse it with "cheque," which is the British spelling for the paper check itself, not the account.
- Banks, the IRS, and government forms all use "checking account" as the standard term.
- When you see "check" (American) versus "cheque" (British), remember that "checking account" is always spelled with a "ck" in American banking.
Common misspellings and why they are wrong
The most common mistake is spelling it as one word: "checkingaccount." This is incorrect. The account is a type of account, so the two words stay separate, just like "savings account" or "money market account."
Another frequent error is adding an extra "c": "checcking account." This happens because people sometimes double the final consonant when adding "-ing" to a verb, but "check" does not follow that rule. You double the consonant only if the word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant and the stress falls on that syllable — "check" ends in "ck," so you do not double.
Some people write "cheque account," mixing British and American spelling. In the United States, banks do not use this term. "Cheque" is correct in Canada, the UK, and Australia, but in American banking, it is always "checking account."
How banks and government agencies spell it
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) uses "checking account" in all official materials. The IRS uses it on tax forms and instructions. Your bank's website, your account statements, and your deposit slips all say "checking account."
When you open an account at a bank, the paperwork will ask you to choose between a "checking account" and a "savings account." These are the two main account types, and both are spelled as two words. If you are applying for a loan or a credit card, lenders will ask for your "checking account" number to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.
Government benefit programs — Social Security, unemployment insurance, tax refunds — all refer to direct deposit into your "checking account." Using the correct spelling matters when you are filling out forms, because the system is looking for that exact term.
Related terms spelled correctly
A few related words often come up when you are learning about checking accounts. Debit card is two words and is spelled with an "e" at the end of "debit." Overdraft is one word. Direct deposit is two words. Routing number is two words, and account number is also two words.
When you write a check (or cheque in other countries), the account type is still "checking account." The piece of paper is a "check" in American English. The act of writing one is "writing a check" or "writing checks." None of these change the spelling of the account itself.
Why spelling matters on official forms
Banks and government agencies use databases that search for specific terms. If you are filling out a form online and you need to select your account type, the dropdown menu will say "checking account" — not "check account" or "cheque account." Spelling it correctly ensures you are selecting the right option.
When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, tax refund, or government payment, the form will ask you to confirm that you are depositing into a "checking account." This is not just a label — it tells the system what type of account will receive the money. Using the correct spelling helps prevent delays or routing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it "check" or "cheque" in American banking?
In the United States, it is "check" — the paper slip you write to withdraw money. "Cheque" is the British, Canadian, and Australian spelling. The account is always a "checking account" in American English, regardless of which spelling you use for the paper check itself.
Can I write "checking acct" on forms?
Abbreviations like "acct" or "chk acct" are sometimes used in informal notes, but on official forms, bank documents, and government paperwork, write out "checking account" in full. Forms often have specific fields that expect the complete term, and abbreviations can cause confusion or processing delays.
What if a form asks for "account type" — what do I write?
Write "checking" or "checking account," depending on what the form asks for. If it is a dropdown menu, select "checking account." If it is a blank line, write "checking account" or simply "checking." Banks understand both, but the full term is always safest on official documents.
Is there a difference between "check account" and "checking account"?
Yes. "Checking account" is correct. "Check account" is not standard banking terminology. The account is called a "checking account" because you can write checks from it — the "-ing" form of the verb is part of the official name. Always use "checking account" on forms and official documents.