Writing a check step by step

A check is a written order to your bank to pay money from your account to whoever you give it to. To write one, you fill in six pieces of information on the check form itself: the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in numbers, the dollar amount in words, a memo line (optional), and your signature. Bank of America checks come in a checkbook — a bound pad of blank checks with your account number and routing number already printed on them.

Start in the top right corner with today's date. Write it in any standard format: 01/15/2025, January 15, 2025, or 15 Jan 2025 all work. The bank reads the date you write, so if you post-date a check (write a future date), the bank will not cash it until that date arrives — though the recipient can hold it and deposit it whenever they want.

On the line that says "Pay to the Order of," write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the exact name they give you. If you are paying a company, write the company name. If you are paying a person, their full name or last name alone both work. Do not abbreviate unless the name itself is abbreviated.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount (numbers and words), memo, and signature — all six fields must be completed for the check to clear.
  • Write the dollar amount in numbers in the box on the right side, and write the same amount in words on the line below the payee name.
  • Your signature must match the signature Bank of America has on file; a check without your signature will be rejected.
  • Once you hand over a check, you cannot stop payment unless you contact Bank of America within one business day and request a stop payment order.
  • Checks typically take three to five business days to clear, though the recipient's bank may hold it longer.

The dollar amount: numbers and words

On the right side of the check, in the box labeled with a dollar sign, write the amount in numbers: $150.00, $1,200.50, or $45.99. Use two decimal places for cents. If you are writing a check for a whole dollar amount with no cents, write $500.00, not $500.

On the line below the payee name, write out the same amount in words. Write "One hundred fifty dollars" or "One thousand two hundred dollars and fifty cents." Start at the left side of the line and write as far across as you can — this makes it harder for someone to alter the amount. If the words and numbers do not match, the bank will reject the check or contact you to confirm which amount is correct.

For amounts under one dollar, write "Ninety-nine cents" or "Fifty cents." For amounts over one thousand, write "One thousand two hundred dollars" or "Five thousand dollars and seventy-five cents." The words do not have to be perfect — the bank is looking for the amount to be clear and for it to match the numbers you wrote.

The memo line and your signature

The memo line is optional and sits in the lower left corner of the check. Write what the check is for: "Rent," "Car payment," "Invoice 2847," or "January utilities." This is for your records and the recipient's records — it does not affect whether the check clears. If you leave it blank, the check still works.

Your signature goes in the bottom right corner on the line marked "Signature." Sign your name the same way you signed it when you opened your Bank of America account. The bank compares your signature on the check to the signature they have on file. If they do not match, the check may be rejected. Do not print your name or use initials — a signature means a handwritten mark that is uniquely yours.

Common mistakes that delay or reject checks

Leaving any of the six required fields blank — date, payee, amount in numbers, amount in words, or signature — will cause the bank to reject the check. The memo line is the only field you can skip. If you forget to sign, the check cannot be cashed.

Writing the dollar amount in numbers and words differently (for example, $100 in numbers but "Fifty dollars" in words) creates a mismatch. The bank will contact you or the recipient to clarify which amount is correct, which delays the payment by several days. Write both amounts to match exactly.

Writing a check on an account that does not have enough money to cover it results in a bounced check. Bank of America will reject it and may charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, usually $35. The recipient will also be notified that the check bounced, and they may charge you a fee as well.

Tearing or writing over mistakes on the check can cause it to be rejected. If you make an error, void that check by writing "VOID" across the front in large letters and start over with a fresh check from your checkbook.

How long a check takes to clear

After you hand over a check, it typically takes three to five business days for the money to leave your Bank of America account. The timeline depends on when the recipient deposits it, which bank they use, and how their bank processes checks. A check deposited on a Friday may not clear until the following Wednesday or Thursday.

During those days, the money is still in your account, but it is committed — you should not spend it. If you write multiple checks before the first one clears, you risk overdrawing your account if you do not have enough to cover all of them at once.

Some recipients deposit checks using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check with their phone), which can speed up the process. Others mail the check to a processing center, which adds time. You have no control over this once you hand over the check.

Stopping payment on a check you already wrote

If you need to cancel a check after you have written and handed it over, you can request a stop payment order from Bank of America. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or log into your online banking account. You must request the stop within one business day of writing the check — after that, it may be too late if the check has already been deposited.

When you request a stop payment, have the check number, the amount, the payee name, and the date ready. Bank of America will charge you a fee for this service, usually $30 to $35. The stop payment order lasts six months; if the check has not been cashed by then, it expires and the check becomes void.

A stop payment order does not may provide the check will not be cashed — if the recipient deposits it before the order reaches the processing center, it may still go through. But it is your best option if you need to prevent payment after the check has left your hands.

Checks versus other payment methods

Checks are slower than digital payments like ACH transfers, wire transfers, or debit card payments, which can move money in hours or one business day. Checks are useful when you need a paper record, when the recipient does not accept digital payments, or when you want to control exactly when the money leaves your account (by controlling when you hand over the check).

If you are paying a bill to a company, check their website or bill to see if they accept online payment, automatic bank transfer, or credit card payment — these are usually faster and safer than mailing a check. If you are paying a person, consider Venmo, PayPal, or a direct bank transfer if both of you have accounts set up for it.

Checks are also useful for large payments or payments to people you do not know well, because a check provides a paper trail and can be disputed if something goes wrong. A digital payment is harder to reverse once it has been sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write the payee name wrong?

If the name is slightly off but recognizable — for example, "Jon Smith" instead of "John Smith" — the check will usually still clear. If the name is very wrong or does not match the recipient's account name at all, their bank may reject it. Ask the recipient for the exact name to use before you write the check.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, sign the check, and deposit it into your own account or another account you own. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from your account.

What happens if someone else cashes a check I wrote to them?

Once you sign and hand over a check, it belongs to the recipient. They can cash it, deposit it, or give it to someone else. If someone cashes a check that was not written to them, that is check fraud, and you should report it to Bank of America and your local police department.

Do I need to keep a record of checks I write?

Yes. Bank of America provides a check register (a small booklet in your checkbook) where you can write down the check number, date, payee, and amount. This helps you track your spending and know which checks have cleared. You can also see all cleared checks in your online banking account under transaction history.

Can I write a check for more money than I have in my account?

Technically yes, but Bank of America will reject it and charge you a non-sufficient funds fee. The recipient will also be notified that the check bounced. Only write a check if you know you have enough money in your account to cover it.