Here's how to read a cheque:
The date shows when the cheque was issued, or for post-dated cheques, when it can be cashed.
The name written on the line titled "Pay to the order of" is the recipient, which is the person of organization to whom funds are being sent.
The box to the right of the recipient's name shows the amount (in dollars/cents) being deposited into the recipient's account.
Beneath the recipient's name is the amount written out in words.
The line on the bottom right side of the cheque shows the sender's signature.
The "memo" line on the bottom left of the cheque is for notes, which can be anything including a personal message or directions on how funds are to be used. This field is optional.
The numbers at the bottom of the cheque show which of the sender's cheques were used as well as the transit (bank branch) number, institution (bank) number and account number for the sender's account.
Before you can cash a cheque, you'll need to sign the back of it. This is also known as "endorsing" the cheque.