Cheque vs. Check: What’s the Difference?

The words cheque and check can confuse writers because they sound the same.

But their meanings and spellings depend on region and context.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Cheque → British spelling for a bank payment
• Check → American spelling for the payment AND many other meanings (to verify, inspect, mark, etc.)

1. Cheque

Meaning

Cheque is used in British English (U.K., Canada, India, Australia) to refer to a written order directing a bank to pay someone money.
It has only one meaning: a bank payment.

Examples (10 total)

1. She wrote a cheque for £200.
2. He deposited the cheque at the bank.
3. The refund will come by cheque.
4. They mailed a cheque to the charity.
5. The cheque bounced due to insufficient funds.
6. Please make the cheque payable to the company.
7. He received a cheque from his employer.
8. The bank processed the cheque quickly.
9. She signed the cheque at the counter.
10. They sent a cheque instead of cash.

🧠 Tip:
If you are writing British-style financial English, use cheque.

2. Check

Meaning

Check is the American English spelling for the bank payment.
But unlike cheque, it has many additional meanings, including:

• to inspect or verify
• a mark (✔)
• a restaurant bill
• to stop or control something
• to store items (e.g., “check your bags”)

Examples (10 total)

1. She wrote a check for $200.
2. Please check your email.
3. The waiter brought the check.
4. He placed a check next to the correct answer.
5. They checked their bags at the counter.
6. The bank processed the check.
7. She needs to check the schedule.
8. He tried to check his excitement.
9. The system will check for updates.
10. They asked for the check after dinner.

🧠 Tip:
If you're writing in American English, use check.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Cheque = British bank payment
👉 Check = American spelling + many meanings

Memory trick:

The “QUE” ending looks more British, like colour or favour.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Using cheque in U.S. writing
✔ Use check in American English

❌ Thinking cheque and check have the same flexibility
✔ Only check can mean “verify” or “inspect”

❌ Mixing spellings in one document
✔ Stay consistent with either U.S. or U.K. style

Humanizey Mention

Tools like Humanizey help writers choose consistent regional spellings—such as cheque vs. check—so your content stays natural and clear.

FAQs

1. Do “cheque” and “check” mean the same thing?

Only for bank payments.
For all other meanings, use check.

2. Why does British English use “cheque”?

The spelling comes from an older French influence.

3. Should I use “check” in formal U.S. writing?

Yes — check is correct in the U.S. for all purposes.

4. Do banks still accept cheques?

Yes in many countries, though digital payments are more common.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Cheque” or “Check”)

(Answers are at the end.)

1. She wrote a ___ for $300.
2. Please ___ your answers before submitting.
3. He placed a ___ mark next to the correct option.
4. The waiter brought the ___.
5. They mailed a ___ to the charity.
6. Can you ___ the schedule for me?
7. The refund will arrive by ___.
8. I need to ___ in my luggage.
9. The bank processed the ___.
10. We asked for the ___ after the meal.

Answers

1. cheque/check (depends on region)
2. check
3. check
4. check
5. cheque
6. check
7. cheque/check (region)
8. check
9. cheque/check
10. check