Fill out a check in this order: date, payee name, amount in numbers, amount in words, memo, and signature

A check is a written order to your bank to move money from your account to someone else's. Chase checks come with numbered blanks for each piece of information your bank needs to process it. The order matters because your bank reads them in a specific sequence, and missing or incorrect information can delay the payment or cause it to bounce.

You do not need to fill every line — some are optional — but the six core fields must be correct for the check to clear. This guide walks through each one in the order they appear on the check, what information goes where, and what happens if you make a mistake.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner; if you post-date a check (write a future date), the recipient can still cash it early in most cases, and Chase will honor it if funds are available.
  • The payee line must show the exact name the recipient uses for their bank account, or the bank may reject the deposit.
  • Write the dollar amount twice: once in the small box on the right in numerals, and once on the long line in words; if they do not match, the bank uses the written-out version.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you registered with Chase; an unsigned check will not clear.
  • The memo line is optional and does not affect whether the check clears, but it helps you track what the payment was for.

The date line: top right corner

Write the date in the format your bank accepts. Chase checks typically show a blank line in the top right corner labeled "Date." You can write it as MM/DD/YYYY (01/15/2024), as a spelled-out month (January 15, 2024), or in another standard format — Chase will accept any of these.

The date you write does not have to be today. If you write a future date, the check is called a post-dated check. However, post-dating does not prevent early cashing: if the recipient deposits it before that date, Chase will honor it as long as your account has funds. If you need to delay a payment, contact the recipient directly or use Chase's bill pay feature instead.

The payee line: "Pay to the order of"

Write the full name of the person or business receiving the money on the line that says "Pay to the order of." This is the most common reason checks bounce or get rejected: the name must match the name on the recipient's bank account exactly. If you are paying a business, use the legal business name, not a nickname or abbreviation.

If you do not know the exact name, ask the recipient before you write the check. A check made out to "John Smith" will not clear if the account is registered under "John Michael Smith" or "J. Smith." If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — void the check, set it aside, and write a new one.

The amount box: numerals on the right

In the small box on the right side of the check, write the dollar amount in numerals: $150.00, $1,250.50, or $50.00. Include the dollar sign and use a decimal point for cents. If the amount is a whole dollar, write .00 after the decimal.

If you make a mistake in this box, do not erase or cross it out. Void the check and write a new one. Banks reject checks with alterations in the amount field because they cannot verify the original amount.

The amount line: words on the left

On the long line below the payee name, write out the dollar amount in words: "One hundred fifty dollars," "One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars," or "Fifty dollars." Write the whole dollar amount in words, then use a fraction for cents: 50/100 means 50 cents.

If the amount in words and the amount in numerals do not match, the bank uses the written-out version. For example, if you write $100 in the box but "Fifty dollars" on the line, the bank will process it as $50. This is a common source of disputes, so double-check both amounts before you sign.

The memo line: optional note at the bottom left

The memo line is optional and appears at the bottom left of the check. Write a short note about what the payment is for: "Rent," "Invoice #2024-001," "Car payment," or "Medical bill." This information does not affect whether the check clears — it is for your records and the recipient's records only.

If you do not write anything on the memo line, the check will still process normally. Use it only if you want to track the purpose of the payment or if the recipient requests a reference number or invoice number.

The signature line: bottom right corner

Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you registered with Chase when you opened your account. Your signature must be legible enough that Chase can compare it to the one on file. If your signature does not match, the bank may reject the check or contact you to verify.

An unsigned check will not clear under any circumstances. If you forget to sign, the recipient can ask you to sign it, or you can void it and write a new one. Never sign a blank check or give a signed blank check to someone else.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you write something incorrectly — wrong payee name, wrong amount, wrong date — do not try to fix it by crossing it out, erasing, or writing over it. Banks reject altered checks because they cannot verify what the original information was. Instead, write "VOID" across the front of the check in large letters and set it aside.

Then write a new check with the correct information. Keep the voided check in your records so you know why that check number is missing from your sequence. If you have already given the check to the recipient, contact them and ask them to destroy it, then provide a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write the wrong amount and the recipient already cashed it?

Contact Chase immediately and explain the error. If the check has already cleared, you cannot stop the payment, but you can dispute it with your bank. Chase will investigate, though they may side with the recipient if the check was properly signed and deposited. The faster you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Can I use pen or pencil to write a check?

Use pen only — preferably blue or black ink. Pencil can be erased, and banks will reject checks written in pencil because they cannot verify the original information. Some banks also reject checks written in other colors, so stick with blue or black.

What happens if I post-date a check and the recipient cashes it early?

Chase will honor it if your account has sufficient funds at the time of deposit, even if the date on the check is in the future. Post-dating does not legally prevent early cashing. If you need to delay a payment, use Chase bill pay or contact the recipient to arrange a different payment method.

Do I need to fill out the memo line?

No, the memo line is optional. It is for your reference and the recipient's reference only. Leaving it blank does not affect whether the check clears. Use it only if you want to track the purpose of the payment or if the recipient requests a reference number.

What if the payee name does not match the recipient's bank account?

The bank may reject the check or delay it while they verify the account. To avoid this, ask the recipient what name is registered on their account and use that exact name on the check. If you have already written it incorrectly, void it and write a new one with the correct name.