Writing a check at Chase is straightforward: fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount in both numbers and words, sign it, and record it in your register
A check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to someone else's. Chase provides checks with your account number, routing number, and bank details pre-printed on them. You fill in the rest by hand. The bank processes the check through the clearing system, which typically takes one to three business days, though some checks clear faster depending on the amount and the receiving bank.
You do not need to visit a branch to write a check—you can do it anywhere, anytime. The key is getting the details right so the check clears without delay and so you do not overdraw your account.
Key Takeaways
- Write the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, and your signature on every check, or it will not clear.
- The dollar amount in words must match the number amount, or the bank may reject the check or process it for the smaller amount.
- Record every check you write in your check register or banking app so you know your true balance and do not overdraft.
- Chase checks are ordered through the mail or through your online banking portal, and new orders usually arrive within seven to ten business days.
The six fields you must fill in on every check
Date: Write the date in the top right corner. You can post-date a check (write a future date), but the recipient can deposit it before that date, and Chase will honor it if funds are available. Use the current date or earlier to avoid confusion.
Pay to the order of: Write the recipient's name clearly on the line that says "Pay to the order of." Use the exact name they expect—a person's full name, a business name, or an organization name. If you misspell it, the recipient may have trouble depositing it, though many banks will still process it if the account number or other details match.
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 it close to the left edge of the box so someone cannot add digits in front of it.
Dollar amount in words: Write out the amount in words on the line below the payee name. For $150.50, write "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." If the words and numbers do not match, the bank may process it for the amount written in words, reject it, or contact you. Getting this right prevents delays.
Memo line (optional): Write a brief note about what the check is for—"rent," "invoice 2024-001," or "car payment." This helps both you and the recipient track the payment. It is not required for the check to clear.
Your signature: Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the signature on file with Chase. Do not print your name—sign it. An unsigned check will not clear. If your signature changes significantly, notify Chase so they can update their records.
Ordering checks from Chase
Chase provides your first order of checks when you open a checking account. After that, you order more through your online banking portal, by phone, or by mail. Log into Chase.com or your Chase mobile app, go to the Accounts section, and look for "Order Checks" or "Manage Checks." You can usually choose from standard designs or add a logo or custom image for an extra fee.
Standard checks cost between $10 and $20 per box of 25 checks, depending on your account type and the design. Expedited shipping is available but costs more. Most orders arrive within seven to ten business days; expedited orders may arrive in three to five business days. If you need checks urgently, some Chase branches can print temporary checks on the spot, though this service varies by location.
Keeping track of your balance so you do not overdraft
Every time you write a check, record it immediately in your check register—a small booklet that comes with your checks, or a digital record in your banking app. Write the check number, date, payee, and amount. Subtract it from your running balance. This way, you always know how much money is actually available, not just what your last deposit was.
Chase will reject a check if you do not have enough funds to cover it, and you will be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, usually $35 per check. The recipient may also charge you a fee for the returned check. Keeping a register prevents this. You can also set up low-balance alerts in your Chase app so you know when your account drops below a certain amount.
What happens after you write and mail a check
Once the recipient deposits or cashes your check, it enters the clearing system. Chase receives it, verifies your signature and account number, and deducts the amount from your account. This typically takes one to three business days, though some checks clear the same day or next day if both banks are in the same network.
You can track a check's status in your Chase app or online banking portal. Go to your account history and look for the check by number or amount. Once it shows as "cleared," the money has left your account and the recipient has received it. If a check does not clear within a week, contact Chase to investigate.
Stopping payment on a check if you need to
If you wrote a check and need to cancel it before it clears, you can place a stop payment order with Chase. Call Chase customer service or log into your online banking portal and request a stop payment. You will need the check number, amount, and payee name. Chase charges a fee for this service, usually $25 to $35 per check.
A stop payment is not may provide to work if the check has already cleared, so act quickly—ideally within 24 hours of writing the check. If the stop payment succeeds, the check will be rejected when the recipient tries to deposit it, and the money will remain in your account. If the check has already cleared, the stop payment will not reverse it, and you will need to contact the recipient to arrange a refund.
Common mistakes that delay or block checks
Mismatched amounts (numbers and words do not agree) cause banks to hold checks for review or reject them outright. An illegible signature may also trigger a hold. Writing the check in pen that is too light or using pencil makes it hard for the bank's scanning equipment to read it—use blue or black pen.
Postdating a check (writing a future date) does not prevent the recipient from depositing it early; Chase will honor it if funds are available. If you need to delay payment, ask the recipient to wait, or use a different payment method like a scheduled transfer or bill pay through your Chase account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check for more than my current balance?
No. If you write a check for more than you have, Chase will reject it and charge you an NSF fee. The recipient will also be notified that the check bounced. You can only write checks up to your available balance, which you can see in your Chase app or online banking portal.
What if I make a mistake while writing a check?
Do not cross out or use correction fluid. Tear up the check and write a new one. Banks may refuse to process a check with visible corrections because it raises fraud concerns. Use a new check from your book and record the voided check in your register so you do not lose track of the check number sequence.
How long does a check stay valid?
Most checks are valid for six months from the date written. After six months, the bank may refuse to cash it, though some banks will honor older checks if the account is still open and has funds. If a check is not cashed within six months, you can write a new one or use a different payment method.
Can someone else deposit my check if I write it to them?
Yes. Once you sign a check and hand it to someone, they own it and can deposit it into their own account. If you want to restrict who can deposit it, write "For deposit only to [account holder name]" on the back before you hand it over, though this is not legally binding at all banks.
What if my check gets lost in the mail?
Contact the recipient and ask them to let you know if it does not arrive within two weeks. If it does not show up, place a stop payment order with Chase and write a new check or use a different payment method. Keep records of all checks you send so you can track them if needed.