The basic order: date, payee, amount, signature

A Chase check has six fields you need to fill in, and they must be completed in a specific order or the bank may reject it. Start with the date in the top right corner, then write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, the dollar amount in the box on the right, the amount in words on the line below the payee, a memo if you want one, and your signature at the bottom right. The routing number, account number, and check number are already printed and you do not touch them.

The order matters because banks process checks in a standard way. If critical fields are blank or illegible, Chase's processing system may flag the check as incomplete and return it unpaid. Handwriting that is too small, crossed-out amounts, or missing signatures are the most common reasons a personal check gets rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner in month/day/year format, and use the current date or a future date — never a past date.
  • The payee name goes on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and it must match the name on the recipient's account or they may not be able to deposit it.
  • Write the dollar amount twice: once in numbers in the box on the right, and once in words on the line below the payee name.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you used when you opened your Chase account.
  • Use black or blue ink, write clearly, and do not use pencil or cross out amounts — if you make a mistake, void the check and write a new one.

Date field: top right corner

Write the date in the top right corner of the check. You can use the format month/day/year (01/15/2025), month-day-year (01-15-2025), or spell out the month (January 15, 2025). Chase accepts any of these formats as long as the date is clear and complete.

Use today's date or a date in the future. If you post-date a check (write a future date), the recipient cannot deposit it until that date arrives, though some banks may process it early. Never write a date in the past — banks treat this as a red flag and may refuse to process the check.

Payee name: "Pay to the Order of" line

Write the full name of the person or business you are paying on the line that says "Pay to the Order of." Use the exact name as it appears on their bank account. If you are paying a person named Sarah Johnson, write "Sarah Johnson," not "S. Johnson" or "Sarah J." If you are paying a business, write the legal business name, not a shortened version.

If the name does not match the account holder's name exactly, the bank may reject the deposit or hold it for verification. If you are unsure of the correct name, ask the recipient before you write the check. Do not leave this line blank — a blank payee line means anyone can cash the check.

Dollar amount: numbers and words

Write the amount in two places. In the box on the right side of the check (next to the payee line), write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign: $150.00. On the line below the payee name, write out the same amount in words: "One Hundred Fifty Dollars." If the amount is less than one dollar, write "Fifty Cents" or the equivalent.

The two amounts must match exactly. If they do not, Chase will process the check for the amount written in words, not the numbers. For example, if you write $200.00 in numbers but "One Hundred Dollars" in words, the check will be processed for $100. Write clearly and use a pen — do not use pencil, and do not cross out or erase an amount. If you make a mistake, void the check and start over.

Memo line: optional but useful

The memo line is a small field on the lower left of the check, below the payee name. You can leave it blank, or you can write a brief note about what the check is for: "Rent," "Invoice 2024-156," "Car payment," or "Birthday gift." This is for your records and the recipient's records — it does not affect whether the check clears.

The memo line is especially useful if you write many checks to the same person or business. When you review your Chase statement later, the memo will help you remember what each check was for. Keep the memo short — the space is limited and banks do not require it.

Signature: bottom right corner

Sign the check in the bottom right corner with your full signature — the same signature you provided when you opened your Chase account. Your signature is the authorization that tells the bank to move money from your account. A check without a signature will not clear, and a signature that looks very different from the one on file may cause the bank to hold or reject it.

Use black or blue ink only. Do not use pencil, marker, or any other color. Sign in your normal handwriting — do not print your name in capital letters. If you are signing a check for a business account, sign with your personal signature unless your Chase account agreement specifies a different procedure.

Ink, handwriting, and common mistakes

Always use black or blue pen. Pencil can be erased, and banks will not accept it. Marker or other inks may not scan properly during processing. Write clearly and large enough to read — if the bank's scanning system cannot read a field, the check may be rejected or delayed.

Do not cross out, white out, or erase any field on the check. If you make a mistake, write "VOID" across the front of the check in large letters and set it aside. Then write a new check with the correct information. Do not use correction tape or fluid — banks treat altered checks as suspicious and will reject them. Avoid writing in the margins or outside the designated fields, as this can confuse the scanning equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write the wrong amount in words or numbers?

Chase will process the check for the amount written in words, not the numbers. If you write $500 in the number box but "Two Hundred Dollars" in words, the check will clear for $200. If you catch the error before sending the check, void it and write a new one. If the recipient has already deposited it, you will need to contact Chase and the recipient's bank to correct it.

Can I use a check with a future date?

Yes, you can post-date a check by writing a future date. The recipient cannot deposit it until that date arrives, though some banks process post-dated checks early. If you need to ensure the check is not cashed before a certain date, contact the recipient and ask them to wait, or use a different payment method.

What if I make a small mistake but the check is still readable?

If the mistake is minor and the check is still clear and readable, it may still process. However, banks are not required to accept checks with errors, and Chase may reject it. To be safe, void the check and write a new one. The cost of a replacement check is much less than the cost of a returned check fee.

Do I need to fill in the memo line?

No, the memo line is optional. You can leave it blank and the check will still clear. The memo is only for your reference and the recipient's reference — it does not affect processing. Use it if it helps you keep track of what the check is for.

Can someone else sign my check?

No. Only the account holder whose name is printed on the check should sign it. If someone else signs your check, Chase may reject it or flag it as fraud. If you need someone else to write checks on your account, you must add them as an authorized signer through your Chase account settings.