Does a bank take the amount written in the box or the word written on the line?

Answer 1

As a former teller, we were required to use the written words, so part of the job was to check to make sure they amounts matched.

Answer 2

The written amount is the legal amount of the check. The numerals can be used to interpret the written amount if it is unclear. That said, if the bank teller does not catch any discrepancy, the check processing office probably will only see the numeric amount. Encoders process checks at a rate faster than one per second. No one can read the written amount that fast.

Answer 3

Whats written on the line.

Answer 4

The numbers and words should match, if there is a discrepancy they are supposed to go by the words written on the line.

Answer 5

The words and figures are supposed to be the same.

If a discrepancy is identified the cheque should be returned unpaid with the answer "words and figures differ".

Due to very large numbers of cheques being processed on a daily basis it is common practice for only cheques exceeding £1000.00 or £5000.00 to be checked.

Answer 6

the written line is the "legal line" but being a former clerk I know most people just look at the number in the box.

Answer 7

The official value of the check is what is written in words.

Answer 8

I'm not sure which takes precedence, but one time I had a check where the two didn't match up, and my bank just rejected it. They actually initially deposited it, then took it away. It caused me to bounce a few checks, as I assumed the money was there. Fortunately, they waved the overdraft fees.

Answer 9

Depends on the clerk who is processing the check. Written word is supposed to be what it is cashed for.