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 you name on it. To write one, you fill in six pieces of information: the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in numbers and words, a memo line (optional), your signature, and your account number. Bank of America provides checks in a checkbook when you open a checking account, or you can order more through your online banking portal, by phone, or at a branch.

The process is straightforward and the same whether you bank online or in person. The bank prints your account number and routing number on every check so the recipient's bank knows where to pull the money from. Once you sign and hand over the check, you cannot stop payment unless you contact the bank and place a stop-payment order—and that costs money and takes time.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, memo (optional), and your signature in the correct boxes on the check.
  • Your Bank of America account and routing numbers are already printed on the check; do not write them yourself.
  • Write the dollar amount in words on the long line and in numerals in the small box; if they do not match, the bank may reject the check or pay the lower amount.
  • Keep a record of every check you write so you can track what money has left your account and reconcile your balance.
  • If you need to cancel a check after writing it, contact Bank of America to place a stop-payment order, which typically costs $30 to $35.

The six fields you must fill in

Date: Write the date in the top right corner. Use the format month/day/year (for example, 01/15/2025). Do not postdate a check—write today's date or an earlier date. A postdated check (one dated in the future) can still be cashed or deposited before that date, and the recipient may do so without warning.

Pay to the order of: Write the recipient's name clearly on the line that starts with "Pay to the order of." Use the exact name they expect—a business name, a person's full name, or both if the check is going to a business account under a person's name. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out; tear up the check and write a new one.

Dollar amount in numbers: Write the amount in the small box on the right side of the check, using numerals (for example, $150.50). Include the dollar sign and cents. This is the amount the bank will process if there is a mismatch with the written amount.

Dollar amount in words: Write the same amount in words on the long line below the payee name (for example, "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars"). Write the whole dollar amount in words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100. If the written amount and the numerical amount do not match, the bank will typically pay the amount written in words, not the numerals.

Memo line: This line is optional and appears in the bottom left corner. Write a brief note about what the check is for—for example, "January rent" or "Invoice #5432." This helps you and the recipient remember what the payment was for, but it does not affect how the check is processed.

Your signature: Sign your name in the bottom right corner, in the same way you signed your signature card when you opened your account. The bank compares your signature on the check to the one on file. If they do not match, the bank may reject the check or contact you to confirm.

Where to find your account and routing numbers

Bank of America prints your routing number and account number on every check you order. The routing number appears at the bottom left, followed by your account number. You do not need to write these numbers yourself—they are already there. The routing number tells the recipient's bank which Bank of America branch to pull the money from, and the account number identifies your specific account.

If you need these numbers for another reason (setting up automatic payments, for example), you can find them in your Bank of America online banking account under Account Details, or call customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Never share your full account number with anyone you do not trust completely.

Keeping track of checks you write

Every checkbook comes with a check register—a small booklet where you write down each check you write. Before you hand over a check, record the check number, date, payee name, and amount in the register. Subtract that amount from your running balance so you always know how much money is left in your account.

This matters because a check does not clear immediately. The recipient may wait days or weeks to deposit it, and until they do, the money is still in your account even though you have promised it to them. If you do not track your checks, you may spend the money twice and overdraw your account. Bank of America charges an overdraft fee (typically $35) each time this happens.

You can also track checks through your online banking account. Log in, go to your checking account, and look for recent transactions. Checks you have written will show up as pending until they clear, then as posted.

What happens after you hand over the check

Once the recipient has the check, they can deposit it at their bank or cash it at a check-cashing service. Their bank sends the check through the clearing system, which routes it to Bank of America. Bank of America verifies that your signature matches the one on file, that your account has enough money, and that the account number is correct. This process typically takes one to three business days.

If everything checks out, Bank of America deducts the amount from your account and sends the money to the recipient's bank. If there is a problem—your signature does not match, your account is closed, or you do not have enough money—the check bounces and is returned to the recipient unpaid. Bank of America will charge you a returned-check fee (typically $35), and the recipient may also charge you a fee for the bounced check.

Stopping payment on a check you have written

If you need to cancel a check after you have written it, you can place a stop-payment order with Bank of America. Call 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online banking account and request a stop payment. You will need the check number, the amount, the date, and the payee name. Bank of America will charge you a fee, typically $30 to $35 per check.

A stop-payment order is not instant. You must place it before the check clears. If the check has already been deposited and processed, the stop-payment order will not work and you cannot get the money back through the bank. In that case, you would need to contact the recipient directly or pursue other legal remedies. Stop-payment orders are temporary and usually expire after six months, so if the check has not cleared by then, you may need to renew the order.

When checks get lost, stolen, or damaged

If you write a check and it never reaches the recipient, ask them to contact you before they deposit it. If the check is lost in the mail, you can place a stop-payment order and write a new check. If the check is stolen and someone else tries to cash it, the thief's bank will compare the signature on the back to the one on the front and on file at their bank. If the signatures do not match, the bank should reject it. However, if the thief forges your signature well enough, the check may clear. Contact Bank of America immediately if this happens, and the bank will investigate and may reverse the transaction.

If your checkbook is damaged or you run out of checks, order more through your Bank of America online account, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a branch. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request expedited delivery for an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write the dollar amount wrong?

If the written amount and the numerical amount do not match, the bank will pay the amount written in words, not the numerals. If you catch the mistake before handing over the check, tear it up and write a new one. If the recipient has already deposited it, contact Bank of America and the recipient to explain the error.

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 at an ATM or branch. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from your checking account.

How long does a check take to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits them. Weekends and holidays add time. You can check the status of a check in your Bank of America online account under recent transactions.

What if the recipient loses the check I gave them?

Ask them to contact you and let you know. You can place a stop-payment order to cancel the original check and write a new one. The stop-payment fee is typically $30 to $35.

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

Technically yes, but Bank of America will charge you an overdraft fee (typically $35) when the check clears and your account goes negative. The check will still process and clear, but you will owe the bank money plus the fee. It is better to wait until you have the funds or use a different payment method.