Writing a check at Chase is straightforward: fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount in both numbers and words, your signature, and a memo line if needed, then tear it from your checkbook and send it.
A check is a written order to your bank to move money from your account to someone else's. Chase provides checks when you open a checking account, and the process of filling one out is the same whether you bank at Chase or anywhere else. The bank's name and your account number are already printed on the check—you only need to complete the blanks.
Checks take longer to clear than digital payments (usually three to five business days), so use them when the payee prefers them or when you need a paper record. If you run out of checks, you can order more through your Chase online banking portal or by calling Chase customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Write the date in the top right corner, the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and the dollar amount in both the box and written-out form.
- Sign the check in the bottom right corner—an unsigned check cannot be cashed.
- The memo line is optional and is for your own record-keeping; the payee will not see it.
- Checks typically clear within three to five business days, so plan ahead if you need the money to arrive by a specific date.
- If you suspect a check was lost, stolen, or forged, contact Chase immediately to place a stop payment or dispute the transaction.
The six parts of a check and where to fill them in
Every check has the same layout. The date goes in the top right corner. Write it in month/day/year format (for example, 01/15/2025) or spell out the month if you prefer—either way is acceptable to Chase and the receiving bank.
The "Pay to the Order of" line is where you write the payee's name. Use the exact name on their account if you know it (for example, "John Smith" rather than "J. Smith"), because the receiving bank will verify it. If the name does not match their account, the check may be rejected or delayed.
The dollar amount appears twice on every check. Write the number in the small box on the right side of the check (for example, $150.00). Then write out the same amount in words on the long line below the payee name (for example, "One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars"). If the two amounts do not match, the bank will typically honor the written-out version, so make sure both are correct.
The memo line is at the bottom left of the check. This line is for your own notes—write what the check is for (for example, "January rent" or "Invoice #2024-456"). The payee will see this, but it does not affect whether the check clears. You can leave it blank if you prefer.
Your signature goes in the bottom right corner. A check cannot be cashed without a signature. Sign it the same way you signed the signature card when you opened your Chase account—the bank will compare them if there is a dispute.
The routing number and account number are already printed on the check. The routing number (usually nine digits on the left) tells the receiving bank which bank to pull the money from. Your account number (on the right) tells Chase which of your accounts to draw from. Do not write over these numbers.
Step-by-step: filling out a check correctly
| Step | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Date | Write today's date or the date you want the check to be cashed in the top right corner. | Dating a check in the future (post-dating) does not prevent it from being cashed early at most banks, including Chase. |
| 2. Payee name | Write the full name of the person or business on the "Pay to the Order of" line. | Writing a nickname or partial name can cause the check to be rejected if it does not match the recipient's account. |
| 3. Dollar amount (numbers) | Write the amount in the box on the right side, including cents (for example, $250.50). | Forgetting to include cents or writing an amount that does not match the written-out version. |
| 4. Dollar amount (words) | Write out the amount on the long line below the payee name (for example, "Two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars"). | Writing the amount in numbers instead of words, or leaving this line blank. |
| 5. Memo (optional) | Write a note about the payment on the memo line for your records. | Writing something that could be confused with payment instructions—keep it brief and clear. |
| 6. Signature | Sign your name in the bottom right corner in the same way you signed your signature card. | Printing your name instead of signing, or signing differently than your signature card. |
How long a check takes to clear and what happens next
Once you mail or hand over a check, the recipient deposits it into their bank. That bank then sends it to a clearing house, which routes it to Chase. Chase verifies that your account has enough money to cover it, deducts the amount, and sends confirmation back through the clearing house. This entire process usually takes three to five business days.
During this time, the money is still in your account—do not spend it. If you write a check for more than your balance and it clears before you deposit more money, Chase will either reject the check (and charge you a fee) or pay it and charge you an overdraft fee. Either way, you will owe the money.
You can track whether a check has cleared by logging into your Chase online banking account or mobile app. Cleared checks will show as deducted from your balance. Some banks also allow you to view an image of the front and back of the check once it has cleared, which is useful for your records.
Ordering replacement checks and managing your checkbook
Chase provides your first set of checks when you open a checking account. When you run low, you can order more through your Chase online banking portal by going to the "Checks" or "Account Services" section, or by calling Chase customer service. Standard checks usually arrive within seven to ten business days and are free or low-cost.
Keep your checkbook in a safe place and do not leave blank checks lying around. If a check is lost or stolen, contact Chase right away. You can place a stop payment on a specific check, which tells Chase not to cash it if it shows up. Stop payments cost money (usually $25 to $35) and are temporary—they expire after six months at most banks.
Write down the check number and amount in your checkbook register (the small booklet that comes with your checks) so you have a record of what you spent. This helps you track your balance and catch errors. If you do not have a register, you can keep a simple spreadsheet or note in your phone.
What to do if a check is lost, stolen, or forged
If you wrote a check and the recipient says they never got it, ask them to wait a few more days—it may still be in transit. If more than a week has passed, contact Chase and ask to place a stop payment on that check number. You will need to provide the check number, date, payee name, and amount.
If someone cashed a check you did not write, or if a check was altered after you signed it (for example, the amount was changed), contact Chase immediately. This is considered fraud or forgery. Chase will investigate, and if they confirm the check was not authorized by you, they will reverse the charge and return the money to your account. This process can take several weeks.
Do not sign blank checks, and do not give your checkbook to someone else to fill in. If you need to pay someone but do not want to write a check yourself, use a digital payment method instead, or ask Chase about other options like a cashier's check (which Chase writes on your behalf and guarantees).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check for more than my account balance?
Technically yes, but Chase will either reject it or pay it and charge you an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35). If you have overdraft protection linked to another account or a credit line, Chase may cover it automatically. Check your account settings to see what happens if you overdraw.
What if I make a mistake on a check?
Do not cross out or white-out the mistake. Tear up the check and write a new one. Banks will not accept checks with visible corrections, and the receiving bank may reject it.
Do I need to tell Chase when I write a check?
No. Chase does not need advance notice. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover it when the check clears, which is usually within three to five business days.
Can I cancel a check after I have mailed it?
Yes, by placing a stop payment with Chase. You will pay a fee (usually $25 to $35), and the stop payment lasts six months. After that, if the check has not been cashed, it expires and you can stop worrying about it.
What is the difference between a personal check and a cashier's check?
A personal check is drawn on your own account and can bounce if you do not have enough money. A cashier's check is written by the bank itself and may provide by Chase, so the recipient knows the money is there. Cashier's checks cost a small fee (usually $5 to $15) but are safer for large payments.