In the dollar field, add a decimal point next to the "$" symbol. Following the decimal point, write your numerical amount, followed by the word "cents." For instance, ".89 cents." Checks are instruments used by businesses to request payment from customers. A check is like an IOU that can be written against funds in the customer's account or credit card. When someone writes a check, they're saying, "I owe you money." Then you sign the check to show that you received it. The easiest way to remember how to write a check is to think about what it's used for: money owed. If you have any questions regarding checks, their fees, or how they work, call your bank.