Here's why:
* Banking systems may not recognize foreign language amounts. Banks rely on automated systems to process checks, and these systems are typically programmed to recognize numbers and standard English words.
* Confusion and potential errors: Using a foreign language could lead to confusion and misinterpretations, potentially resulting in incorrect payment amounts.
* International transactions: Even if you're dealing with a foreign bank, writing the amount in a foreign language might not be accepted, as banks typically require amounts to be written in the currency of the check.
Best Practice:
Always write the amount on a check in the currency of the check and in English. If you need to specify the equivalent amount in another currency, do so in a separate area of the check or in a note accompanying the check.
Example:
Instead of writing "Cinq cents dollars" (Five hundred dollars in French), write "Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars." If you want to indicate the equivalent amount in Euros, you can write a note like: "Equivalent to 450 Euros."