bank question: do they go by the number or whats written on deposits? (banks, checks)

[BarqCider]

say im writing a check and I put $250.00 but I write it " three hundred fifty and 00/100" which one do they actually deposit?

I said the latter, but my friend said the $250.

[hoffdano]

Some banks would reject that deposit. They should, since it is ambiguous. The reason there are two fields on checks and deposits is to be sure the bank understands what you want to do and doesn't misinterpret your handwriting.

[Lowexpectations]

What's written out is what is called the legal line and what should be processed. If you wrote the check for three hundred and 00/100 and wrote 250.00 in the box 300.00 is what the check is good for and can clear for 300.00 it doesn't mean the bank can't reject it or might clear at 250.00 by accident but 300.00 is the legal line and what should clear

[BarqCider]

Originally Posted by Lowexpectations

What's written out is what is called the legal line and what should be processed. If you wrote the check for three hundred and 00/100 and wrote 250.00 in the box 300.00 is what the check is good for and can clear for 300.00 it doesn't mean the bank can't reject it or might clear at 250.00 by accident but 300.00 is the legal line and what should clear

so whats the point of writing the numbers then? im curious

[Lowexpectations]

Originally Posted by BarqCider

so whats the point of writing the numbers then? im curious

Having it twice does allow for clarification but the written portion is the legal line