The basic steps to write a Bank of America check
Writing a check at Bank of America is straightforward: fill in the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in two places, a memo if you want, and your signature. Your checks come pre-printed with your account number and routing number at the bottom, so you only need to add the information that changes with each transaction. The bank does not require you to use a specific pen or paper type, but blue or black ink is standard and easiest for recipients to read.
Bank of America provides checks in several formats depending on your account type. If you have a personal checking account, your checks arrive in a checkbook with 25 or 50 checks per pad. Business accounts may have different check designs and quantities. If you ordered checks through Bank of America, they should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your order. If you need checks faster, you can order expedited checks, which typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days, though this usually costs extra.
Key Takeaways
- Fill in the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, memo line, and your signature before giving the check to anyone.
- Your routing number (011000015 for most Bank of America personal accounts) and account number are already printed on the check; do not write them in.
- The dollar amount in words must match the number amount, or the bank may refuse to process the check or process it for the smaller amount.
- Bank of America checks clear within 1 to 3 business days for local recipients and up to 5 business days for out-of-state checks, depending on the recipient's bank.
- You can order replacement checks through your Bank of America online account, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or at a branch.
Where to find your routing and account numbers on a Bank of America check
At the bottom of every Bank of America check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group is your routing number, the second is your account number, and the third is the check number. For most Bank of America personal checking accounts, the routing number is 011000015. This number tells the receiving bank which Bank of America branch or processing center to send the check to for payment.
You do not need to write these numbers yourself—they are already printed on your checks. If you are writing a check and need to provide your routing number separately (for example, to set up automatic payments), you can find it on any of your printed checks or by logging into your Bank of America online account under account details. Some recipients may ask for your account number as well; provide only the last four digits unless you are certain the recipient is legitimate and needs the full number.
How to fill in each part of the check correctly
Date line: Write the date in the top right corner. Use the current date or a future date if you want the check to be held and deposited later (called a post-dated check). Write the date as MM/DD/YYYY or spell out the month—both formats are accepted. Do not use a date in the past, as the recipient's bank may refuse to process it.
Pay to the order of: Write the recipient's name clearly on the line that says "Pay to the order of." Use the full legal name of the person or business. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient. A check written to "John Smith" will not clear if the account is under "John Michael Smith," though some banks are lenient with minor variations.
Dollar amount in numbers: Write the amount in the box on the right side of the check, using a dollar sign and decimal point (for example, $150.50). Write the numbers close to the left edge of the box so someone cannot add digits in front of your amount. If the amount is a whole dollar amount with no cents, you can write $150.00 or simply $150.
Dollar amount in words: On the line below the payee name, write out the dollar amount in words. Write "One hundred fifty and 50/100" for $150.50, or "One hundred fifty and 00/100" for $150.00. The word "and" separates dollars from cents. If the amount in words does not match the number amount, the bank will typically process the check for the smaller amount or return it unpaid. Write clearly and leave no blank space after your words so no one can add text.
Memo line: The memo line is optional and appears in the bottom left corner. Use it to note what the check is for—for example, "Rent for March" or "Invoice #2024-001." The memo is for your records and the recipient's reference; it does not affect how the check is processed.
Signature: Sign the check in the bottom right corner using the same signature you provided to Bank of America when you opened your account. The bank will compare your signature to the one on file. If they do not match, the check may be rejected. Do not sign the check until you are ready to give it to the recipient.
How long it takes for a Bank of America check to clear
Check clearing time depends on where the recipient banks and when they deposit the check. For checks deposited at another Bank of America branch or ATM, the funds typically appear in the recipient's account within 1 business day. For checks deposited at other banks, clearing usually takes 2 to 3 business days within the United States. Out-of-state checks may take up to 5 business days.
The Federal Reserve's Check 21 Act allows banks to process checks electronically by converting them to digital images, which speeds up clearing. However, some smaller banks and credit unions still process checks manually, which can add time. Once a check clears, the funds are deducted from your Bank of America account. You can track the status of a check you wrote by logging into your online account and reviewing your transaction history.
What to do if you make a mistake on a check
If you make a small error—such as a crossed-out word or a slight misspelling—you can draw a single line through the mistake, write the correction above it, and initial and date the change. Most banks will still process the check. However, if the error is significant or affects the dollar amount or payee name, it is safer to void the check and write a new one.
To void a check, write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check and do not sign it. Keep the voided check in your records for your own accounting. If you have already given the check to someone and realize there is an error, contact the recipient immediately and ask them to return it. If they have already deposited it, contact Bank of America right away to report the problem. Depending on the error, the bank may be able to stop payment or reverse the transaction, though this is not always possible once the check has cleared.
Ordering new checks and managing your checkbook
When you are running low on checks, you can order more through your Bank of America online account, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a local branch. Standard checks typically cost between $10 and $20 per box of 25 or 50, depending on the design and your account type. Expedited delivery costs extra but gets checks to you faster. You can also order checks from third-party vendors, though Bank of America recommends using their official checks to ensure compatibility with their processing systems.
Keep your checkbook in a safe place and do not leave blank checks lying around. If your checkbook is lost or stolen, contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-432-1000 to report it. The bank can flag your account and watch for fraudulent checks. If someone uses one of your checks without permission, report it as soon as you notice it, and the bank will investigate and reverse the charge if fraud is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check for more than my account balance?
Technically yes, but Bank of America will likely reject it and charge you an overdraft fee. If you do not have enough funds when the check is presented for payment, the bank will return it unpaid and mark it as a non-sufficient funds (NSF) check. The recipient may also charge you a returned check fee. It is best to confirm your balance before writing a check.
What is the routing number for Bank of America?
The routing number for most Bank of America personal checking accounts is 011000015. However, routing numbers can vary by state and account type. Check the bottom left of any of your printed checks to confirm your specific routing number, or log into your online account to find it under account details.
Can I stop payment on a check I already wrote?
Yes, you can place a stop payment order with Bank of America, but you must act quickly—ideally before the check is deposited. Call 1-800-432-1000 or use your online account to request a stop payment. Bank of America typically charges a fee for this service, usually between $25 and $35. The stop payment order is valid for six months.
What if the recipient says they never received my check?
Checks can be lost or delayed in the mail. Ask the recipient to wait 5 to 7 business days before assuming it is lost. If it does not arrive, you can place a stop payment order and write a new check, or ask the recipient if they accept other payment methods. Once you place a stop payment, you can issue a replacement check.
Can I write a check to myself?
Yes, you can write a check to yourself to transfer money between your own accounts or to withdraw cash. Write your name on the payee line, sign it, and deposit it into another account or cash it at a Bank of America branch or ATM. This is useful if you need to move money quickly or withdraw a large amount of cash.