Writing a check from your Bank of America account

A check is a written order to your bank to pay money from your account to the person or business whose name you write on it. Bank of America processes checks the same way any other bank does: you fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in words and numbers, sign it, and the recipient deposits or cashes it. Your bank deducts the amount from your account once the check clears, which usually takes three to five business days.

You get checks when you open a checking account, or you can order more from Bank of America online, by phone, or through your local branch. If you need checks immediately, some branches can print a few on the spot, though this is less common now. Most people order checks online through their Bank of America account or through a third-party printer.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, amount in both words and numbers, and your signature in the correct order on the check.
  • Use blue or black ink only—never pencil or other colors, as banks may reject the check.
  • Write the amount in words on the long line and in numbers in the box on the right; if they don't match, the bank may contact the payee or reject the check.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you gave Bank of America when you opened your account.
  • Keep a record of each check you write in your check register or banking app so you know how much money you have left.

The six blanks you need to fill in

Every check has the same layout. At the top left is a space for the date—write it as the month, day, and year (for example, 01/15/2025). The date tells the recipient and your bank when you wrote the check. You can post-date a check (write a future date), but the recipient can deposit it before that date, so avoid this unless you have a specific reason.

Next to the date, on the right side, is a box for the amount in numbers. Write the dollar amount here: $150.00, $1,200.50, or whatever you owe. Use a dollar sign and include cents, even if the amount is a whole number.

Below the date line is a long line that starts with "Pay to the order of." Write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the full legal name if you know it—for example, "John Smith" or "Acme Electric Company." If you're paying a business, use the name they give you on an invoice or bill.

Below that is another long line where you write out the amount in words. Write "One hundred fifty dollars" or "One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." The fraction at the end represents cents—write the cents as a fraction over 100. If the amount is a whole number, write "and 00/100" or just leave it blank. This line protects against fraud: if the written amount and the number amount don't match, the bank may reject the check or contact the payee to confirm.

At the bottom left is a line for a memo or note—this is optional. Write what the check is for: "Rent," "Electric bill," "Invoice #4521." This helps both you and the recipient keep track of what the payment was for.

At the bottom right is a line for your signature. Sign your name the same way you signed it when you opened your Bank of America account. Your signature must match the one on file, or the bank may not process the check.

What ink and pen to use

Use only blue or black ink. Banks have machines that scan checks, and these machines read blue and black best. Pencil, red ink, green ink, or other colors may cause the check to be rejected or delayed. Write firmly so the ink is dark and clear—don't press so hard that you tear the paper, but don't write so lightly that the scanner can't read it.

If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use correction fluid. Void the check (write "VOID" across the front in large letters) and start over with a fresh check. Banks will not process a check with visible corrections.

How Bank of America processes your check

Once you hand the check to the recipient or mail it, they deposit or cash it at their bank. Their bank sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to Bank of America. Bank of America scans the check, verifies your signature, and checks that you have enough money in your account. If everything matches, the bank deducts the amount from your balance.

This process usually takes three to five business days. During that time, the check is "pending"—the money is still in your account, but it's reserved for that check. Once the check clears, it's gone from your account and appears in your transaction history. Bank of America keeps a digital image of the check, which you can view in your online banking account if you need proof of payment.

If you write a check for more money than you have in your account, the check will bounce. Bank of America will return it to the recipient's bank unpaid, and you will be charged an overdraft fee (usually $35). The recipient may also charge you a fee for the bounced check. To avoid this, always make sure you have enough money before you write the check.

Ordering checks from Bank of America

When you open a checking account, Bank of America sends you an initial set of checks. When you run out, you can order more through your online banking account, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a local branch. Ordering online is fastest—you can usually place an order in a few minutes, and checks arrive in seven to ten business days.

Bank of America charges for checks. The cost varies depending on the style and quantity you order, but a box of 100 standard checks typically costs $10 to $20. Some checking account tiers include free checks, so review your account details or call the bank to confirm what you pay.

If you need checks urgently, some Bank of America branches can print a limited number of temporary checks on the spot at no charge. Call your local branch to ask if this service is available.

Keeping track of your checks in your register

Every time you write a check, record it in your check register—a small booklet that comes with your checks, or a digital record in your banking app. Write the check number, date, payee name, and amount. Subtract the amount from your running balance so you always know how much money you have left to spend.

This step is critical if you write checks regularly. If you don't track them, you might think you have more money than you actually do and accidentally overdraw your account. Bank of America's mobile app and online banking platform both let you see pending checks and your current balance in real time, which makes this easier.

When a check doesn't clear or goes missing

If you write a check and the recipient says they never received it, or if weeks pass and it hasn't cleared, contact Bank of America. The bank can put a stop payment on the check, which prevents it from being cashed if it shows up later. Stop payments cost money (usually $25 to $35) and take effect within one business day.

If the check was lost in the mail, ask the recipient for an alternative payment method—a bank transfer, credit card, or a new check. If the recipient insists on a check, you can write a new one and request that they destroy the old one if it arrives.

If someone cashes a check you didn't write or forges your signature, report it to Bank of America immediately. The bank will investigate and may reverse the charge if fraud is confirmed. Federal law protects you from unauthorized checks, but you must report the problem within 30 days of receiving your statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check for less than a dollar?

Yes. Write the amount in numbers ($0.50) and in words (Fifty cents). Banks process these checks the same way as any other check, though some recipients may not accept them because the processing cost is higher than the amount.

What happens if I write the wrong amount in words versus numbers?

If the two amounts don't match, the bank may contact the payee to confirm which amount is correct, or it may reject the check entirely. To be safe, void the check and write a new one with matching amounts.

Do I need to tell Bank of America before I write a check?

No. You don't need permission to write a check as long as you have enough money in your account. The bank processes it after the recipient deposits it.

How long does a check stay valid?

A check is generally valid for six months from the date you write it. After six months, the recipient's bank may refuse to cash it. If a check hasn't been cashed after six months, you can assume it won't be and stop worrying about it.

Can I cancel a check after I've written it?

Yes, by placing a stop payment with Bank of America. You must do this before the check clears. Once it clears, the money is gone and you cannot reverse it through a stop payment—you would have to ask the recipient to refund you.