The basic steps to fill out a check correctly
Writing a check takes about two minutes if you follow the order: date in the top right, payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, dollar amount in the box on the right, dollar amount written out on the long line below, memo line for your reference, and your signature at the bottom right. The bank processes the numerical amount in the box, not the written version, so if they differ the bank uses the number. Make sure your account has enough money to cover the check before you write it—Chase will charge you an overdraft fee if it does not.
Use a pen, not pencil. Pencil can be erased and altered, and banks will not accept it. Write clearly and stay within the lines. If you make a mistake, void that check (write "VOID" across it in large letters) and start over on a fresh check—do not cross out or white out errors.
Key Takeaways
- The date goes in the top right corner, the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and your signature at the bottom right—all three are required for the bank to process the check.
- The dollar amount in the box on the right is what the bank uses to deduct from your account, so write it clearly even if the written-out amount differs.
- Write in pen only; pencil is not accepted and makes the check vulnerable to alteration.
- If you make a mistake, void the check by writing "VOID" across it and use a new check instead of crossing out or using correction fluid.
- Keep a record of every check you write—your check register or banking app—so you know what money is pending and avoid overdrafts.
Where to write each piece of information
Date line (top right): Write the date in the format your bank accepts. Most Chase checks print "Month/Day/Year" or "MM/DD/YYYY" as a guide. You can post-date a check (write a future date) if you want the recipient to wait before depositing it, but the recipient can deposit it early and the bank will process it—post-dating does not legally prevent early deposit.
Pay to the Order of line: Write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the exact legal name if you know it (for example, "John Smith" not "J. Smith", or "Acme Corporation" not "Acme"). If the name is longer than the line, continue on the next line or abbreviate if the recipient will understand. Never leave this line blank.
Dollar amount box (right side): Write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign: $1,234.56. Start close to the left edge of the box so there is no room for someone to add digits in front. If the amount is a whole dollar amount with no cents, you can write $500.00 or $500—both are correct. This is the amount the bank will deduct from your account.
Written-out amount line: Write the same amount in words: "One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100 dollars." Use "and" before the cents, and write cents as a fraction over 100. If the amount is a whole dollar, write "Five hundred and 00/100 dollars" or "Five hundred dollars." This line is a backup; if it differs from the box amount, the bank uses the number in the box.
The memo line and your signature
The memo line (usually labeled "Memo" or "For") is optional and for your own record-keeping. Write what the check is for: "Rent," "Car payment," "Invoice #2847." This helps you remember the purpose when you review your bank statement later. The recipient will see it too, so keep it professional and brief.
Sign the check in the signature line at the bottom right using the same signature you registered with Chase when you opened the account. The bank compares your signature to the one on file; if they do not match, the bank may refuse to process the check or flag it for review. Do not print your name—sign it. If you are signing on behalf of a business or someone else, ask Chase first about the correct way to sign; some accounts require specific authorization.
Common mistakes that delay or stop payment
Leaving the payee line blank is the most common error. The bank will not process a check without a name. If you write a check to "Cash," anyone who has the check can deposit it, so avoid this unless you are withdrawing cash in person at a Chase branch.
Mismatched amounts—for example, $500 in the box but "Four hundred dollars" written out—create confusion. The bank uses the number in the box, but the recipient or the bank may contact you to confirm. To avoid this, always write both amounts the same way.
Stale-dated checks (older than six months) may be rejected by the recipient's bank, though the recipient can ask their bank to process it anyway. If you write a check and the recipient does not deposit it for several months, contact them to confirm they still want it or write a new one.
Insufficient funds cause the check to bounce. Chase will charge you an overdraft fee (usually $35 per occurrence) and may charge the recipient's bank a fee as well. The recipient may also pursue collection or small claims court. Always verify your balance before writing a check, especially for large amounts.
How to track checks in your Chase account
Chase's mobile app and online banking show pending checks and cleared checks under your transaction history. When you write a check, it does not show as pending immediately—it appears only after the recipient deposits or cashes it and the check clears the banking system, which usually takes three to five business days. Until then, the money is still in your account but is earmarked for that check.
Keep a check register (a small booklet that comes with your checks, or a spreadsheet) and record every check you write: the date, payee, amount, and running balance. This prevents you from accidentally spending money that is already committed to a check. Many people skip this step and overdraft because they forget about a check they wrote a week ago.
Stopping payment on a check you wrote
If you need to cancel a check after you have written it, contact Chase and request a stop payment order. You will need the check number, payee name, amount, and the date you wrote it. Chase charges a fee (typically $30 to $35) and the stop payment lasts a set period—usually six months. After that, if the check has not been cashed, it expires and you can stop paying the fee.
A stop payment does not may provide the check will not clear. If the recipient already deposited it before you issued the stop payment, the bank may process it anyway. Contact the recipient directly if possible and ask them not to deposit the check, or offer to write a new one. Stop payment is a backup, not a primary solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I write a check for more money than I have in my account?
The check will bounce (be returned unpaid) and Chase will charge you an overdraft fee, usually $35. The recipient's bank will also charge them a fee. The recipient can try to deposit the check again, and if your balance is sufficient by then, it may clear. Otherwise, you owe the recipient the money directly.
Can I write a check to myself?
Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line and sign the check. Deposit it into your Chase account or another bank account. This is sometimes used to move money between accounts or to get cash from a teller, though a transfer or withdrawal is usually faster.
Do I have to write out the cents as a fraction?
Yes, on the written-out line. Write "and 50/100 dollars" for fifty cents. The fraction format is standard and helps prevent alteration. On the numerical amount box, write $X.XX in decimal form.
What if the recipient's name is very long?
Write as much of the name as the line allows. If it does not fit, abbreviate or use a shortened version the recipient will recognize. The key is that the recipient can identify themselves as the payee. For businesses, the legal name is best, but a commonly used name works too.
How long does a check take to clear after I write it?
It depends on when the recipient deposits it. Once deposited, most checks clear within three to five business days. Some clear the same day or next day if deposited early at a Chase branch or via mobile deposit. Until the check clears, the money is in your account but committed to that check.