Yes, you can write checks from a checking account — that's one of its main purposes
A checking account is designed to let you write checks as a way to pay bills, send money to people, or make purchases. When you open a checking account, the bank gives you a checkbook (or you can order one) with blank checks printed with your account number and routing number. Writing a check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to whoever you name on the check.
Not every checking account comes with checks automatically. Some banks charge a fee to print checks, while others include them free. You can also order checks online from your bank or from third-party check printers, which is often cheaper than ordering through the bank itself.
Key Takeaways
- Checks are a standard feature of checking accounts, and you write them by filling in the payee name, amount, date, and your signature.
- Your bank prints your account and routing numbers on each check so the recipient's bank can pull money from your account.
- Checks take three to five business days to clear after the recipient deposits them, so the money is not removed immediately.
- You can order checks from your bank or from cheaper third-party printers, and some banks charge a fee while others include them free.
- If you lose a checkbook or suspect fraud, contact your bank right away to stop payment on specific checks or close the account.
How to fill out a check correctly
A check has several fields you must fill in for it to work. Start with the date in the top right corner — use today's date or a future date if you want the check held until then. Write the name of the person or business you are paying in the "Pay to the order of" line. This is the payee, and the check will only be cashed by that person or deposited into their account.
Write the dollar amount in two places: in numbers in the box on the right (for example, $150.00) and in words on the line below the payee name (for example, "One hundred fifty dollars"). The written amount is the legal amount if the two do not match. Sign the check in the bottom right corner with your regular signature — a check is not valid without your signature.
On the memo line at the bottom left, you can write what the check is for (for example, "rent" or "invoice 2024-001"), but this is optional. Never leave a check blank or partially filled out, and never sign a blank check.
How long checks take to clear
When you write a check, the money does not leave your account right away. The recipient has to deposit or cash the check at their bank, and then the two banks have to communicate and transfer the funds. This process typically takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved and whether the deposit happens on a weekend or holiday.
This delay is important: if you write a check on Monday but do not have enough money in your account until Wednesday, the check may bounce if the recipient deposits it before Wednesday. To avoid overdraft fees, keep track of checks you have written and make sure your balance covers them even if they have not cleared yet.
Some banks let you see pending checks in your online account, which helps you track what is still outstanding. If you need money to move faster, ask the recipient if they accept bank transfers, which move money in one to two business days, or if they accept payment apps like Venmo or PayPal.
Stopping payment on a check
If you write a check and then change your mind, lose the check, or suspect fraud, you can ask your bank to stop payment on that specific check. Call your bank right away — the sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping it before it clears. You will need to give the bank the check number, the payee name, the amount, and the date you wrote it.
Most banks charge a fee to stop payment, usually between $25 and $35 per check. The stop payment order is temporary and typically lasts six months, so if the check has not been cashed by then, you may need to renew it. If the check was already deposited and cleared before you called, the bank cannot stop it — you would need to contact the recipient or pursue the matter through your bank's dispute process.
When checks are not the best option
Checks are reliable but slow. If you need to send money across the country or pay a bill on time, a bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) or wire transfer is faster and more certain. Bank transfers take one to three business days and cost nothing or very little. Wire transfers move money the same day but cost $15 to $50 and are harder to reverse if you make a mistake.
For everyday purchases, a debit card linked to your checking account is faster and safer than writing checks. You do not have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail, and the money clears within a day. For bills you pay regularly, many companies let you set up automatic payments directly from your checking account, which means you never have to write a check at all.
Ordering checks and managing your checkbook
When you open a checking account, ask your bank whether checks are included or if there is a fee. If you need to order more, you have two options: order through your bank or order from a third-party printer. Third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers are usually much cheaper — sometimes half the price of ordering through the bank.
Keep your checkbook in a safe place and do not leave blank checks lying around. If your checkbook is lost or stolen, call your bank immediately and ask them to watch for fraudulent checks. Write down the check numbers you use so you know which ones are outstanding. If you close your account, stop using checks from that account right away — checks from a closed account will bounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I write a check for more money than I have in my account?
The check will bounce, meaning the bank will refuse to cash it. The recipient will be notified, and you will likely face an overdraft fee from your bank (usually $25 to $35) plus a returned check fee from the recipient's bank. Repeated bounced checks can damage your banking history and make it harder to open accounts in the future.
Can someone else cash a check I wrote to them?
No, not legally. A check is made out to a specific person or business, and only that payee can deposit or cash it. If someone else tries to cash it, the bank should refuse. However, the payee can sign the back of the check and give it to someone else (called an endorsement), which allows that person to deposit it.
Do I need to keep a record of every check I write?
You should keep a record of checks you write so you know how much money is still outstanding. Many people use the check register that comes with their checkbook, or they track it in a spreadsheet or banking app. This helps you avoid overdrafts and catch fraud if a check appears that you did not write.
What if a check I wrote gets lost in the mail?
Ask the recipient to wait a reasonable amount of time (usually 10 to 14 days) and then contact you if they have not received it. If it does not show up, you can write a replacement check or use a faster payment method. You can also call your bank to stop payment on the original check, though there is usually a fee.
Can I write a check to myself?
Yes, you can write a check to yourself and deposit it into another account you own at the same bank or a different bank. This is a way to move money between accounts, though a bank transfer is faster and free. Make sure to sign the back of the check when you deposit it.