Check vs. Cheque
For the bank-payment noun, Cambridge labels “check” US and “cheque” UK. “Check” also has many other meanings that are not regional variants of “cheque.”
For the bank-payment noun, use “check” in US English and “cheque” in UK English; other meanings of “check” stay “check.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| bank-payment noun in US English | check | use the US spelling |
| bank-payment noun in UK English | cheque | use the UK spelling |
| inspect, verify, restraint, mark, restaurant bill, and many other non-bank senses | check | do not substitute “cheque” merely because the document is British |
Quick tests
Bank-payment test
Are you naming the written bank-payment instrument?
If yes: Choose “check” for US English or “cheque” for UK English.
If no: For the other common meanings of “check,” keep “check.”
Caveat: “Cheque” is not the UK spelling for every meaning of “check.”
Examples
She paid by check.
US spelling for the bank-payment noun.
She paid by cheque.
UK spelling for the bank-payment noun.
Please cheque the figures before publication.
Better: Please check the figures before publication.
The verb meaning verify is “check,” even in UK English.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “check” in US English and “cheque” in UK English when you mean the bank-payment form.
Fast Test
Match the form to the intended meaning, regional convention, or required house style, then keep that choice consistent.
Variant Boundary
Do not replace every British “check” with “cheque”: examination, verification, check marks, restraints, and related senses remain “check.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Check — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · US check spelling for the bank-payment noun plus separate non-payment senses
- Cheque — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK cheque spelling for the bank-payment noun