The basic steps to write a check

Writing a check from Bank of America works the same way it does at any bank. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in two places, and your signature. The check itself comes from the checkbook Bank of America issued to you when you opened your account, or that you ordered later. You do not need to go to a branch or call anyone — you write it at home or wherever you are, and the recipient deposits or cashes it.

The check has your account number and routing number printed on it already. When the recipient deposits the check, their bank sends it through the clearing system, which deducts the money from your Bank of America account and adds it to theirs. This process usually takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved and when the check is deposited.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, and your signature before handing over the check.
  • Your Bank of America checkbook has your account and routing numbers printed on it; do not write them in by hand.
  • The money does not leave your account immediately — it clears in three to five business days after the recipient deposits it.
  • If you make a mistake, write "VOID" across the check and use a new one; do not cross out and initial.
  • You can order new checks through your Bank of America online banking, by phone, or at a branch if your supply runs low.

Where to find the fields on your check

The top right corner has a blank line for the date. Write it in the format your bank accepts — typically MM/DD/YYYY, though some people write it out as "January 15, 2024". Use the date you are writing the check, not a future date, unless you are intentionally post-dating it (which is legal but not recommended, since the recipient can deposit it early).

Below the date line, on the left side, is a line that says "Pay to the order of." Write the recipient's name here — a person's full name, a business name, or an organization name. Be as specific as the recipient tells you. If they say "make it out to John Smith," write exactly that. If they say "make it out to Smith Plumbing LLC," write that instead.

To the right of the payee line is a box with a dollar sign. Write the amount in numbers here: $150.00, $1,200.50, whatever the payment is. Use two decimal places even if it is a whole dollar amount. Below that box is a line that says "Dollars" — write out the amount in words here. For $150, write "One hundred fifty and 00/100." For $1,200.50, write "One thousand two hundred and 50/100." The word "and" separates dollars from cents; the cents go as a fraction over 100.

At the bottom left is a line for your signature. Sign it the same way you signed the signature card when you opened your account at Bank of America. Do not print your name — sign it. The check is not valid without your signature.

What happens if you make a mistake

If you write something wrong — misspell the payee's name, write the wrong amount, or make any other error — write the word "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check. Do not try to cross out and initial the mistake. Tear up the voided check or keep it with your records, and write a new one.

If you have already given the check to someone and then realize the mistake, contact them immediately and ask them not to deposit it. If they have already deposited it, contact Bank of America right away. You may be able to stop payment on the check, though the bank will charge a fee (typically $30 to $35) and the stop payment is only good for six months. After that, if the check has not cleared, it expires and the recipient cannot cash it.

Tracking when the check clears

After you write and mail the check, you can track when it clears through your Bank of America account. Log into your online banking or mobile app and look at your checking account activity. When the check is deposited at the recipient's bank, it will show up in your transaction history as a pending debit. Once it fully clears — usually within three to five business days — it will change from pending to posted, and the money will be gone from your available balance.

If you need to know whether a specific check has cleared, you can search your transaction history by check number. Bank of America shows the check number, the payee, the amount, and the date it cleared. Keep your checkbook register (the small book that came with your checks) updated with each check you write, so you have a backup record if you need it.

Ordering new checks from Bank of America

When you run low on checks, you can order more through Bank of America without visiting a branch. Log into your online banking account, go to the "Accounts" or "Services" section, and look for "Order Checks" or "Reorder Checks." You can usually choose from standard designs or add a logo or custom design for an extra fee. Standard checks take seven to ten business days to arrive; expedited options are available for a higher cost.

You can also call Bank of America's customer service line (the number is on the back of your debit card) and order checks over the phone. A representative will confirm your account details and mailing address, and the checks will be sent to you. If you need checks urgently, some Bank of America branches can print temporary checks on the spot, though this is not available at all locations — call ahead to confirm.

When not to use a check

Checks are slower than other payment methods. If the recipient needs the money urgently, a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or debit card payment will be faster. Checks also require the recipient to physically deposit them, which takes time and effort. For bills, many companies offer online bill pay through Bank of America, which is faster and leaves a digital record. For payments to individuals, peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle are often more convenient.

Checks are still useful for large payments, security deposits, and situations where the recipient does not have a bank account or prefers a paper record. They are also useful when you need to document a payment for tax or legal purposes, since the cancelled check serves as proof. But if speed or convenience matters, explore other options first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I post-date a check?

Yes, you can write a future date on a check. However, the recipient can deposit it before that date, and Bank of America will process it immediately. Post-dating does not legally prevent early deposit. If you need to delay a payment, use a different method or ask the recipient to wait before depositing.

What if the check gets lost in the mail?

If you suspect a check was lost, contact the recipient and ask if they received it. If they have not, you can stop payment on it through Bank of America (there is a fee) and write a new check. Keep the check number and amount on record. After six months, a stopped check expires and cannot be cashed.

Do I need to include my account number on the check?

No. Your account number and routing number are already printed on the check by Bank of America. Do not write them in by hand or add them anywhere else on the check. The printed numbers are all the recipient's bank needs to process it.

What if I write the amount in words wrong?

If the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, the bank may reject the check or process it for the amount written in words (since that is considered the legal amount). To avoid this, make sure both match exactly. If they do not, void the check and write a new one.

How long is a check good for?

A check is technically good for six months from the date written. After that, most banks will not cash it, though some may still process it if the account has sufficient funds. If a check is more than six months old, ask the recipient to contact you for a new one rather than trying to deposit the old one.