Writing a check is straightforward once you know where each piece of information goes

A check is a written order telling Chase to move money from your account to whoever you name on it. You fill in six pieces of information: the date, the payee's name, the dollar amount (twice — once in numbers, once in words), a memo line if you want one, and your signature. The bank won't process the check without your signature, and it won't process it if the dollar amounts don't match.

Chase provides checks when you open a checking account, or you can order more through your Chase account online, by phone, or at a branch. Blank checks look the same whether you're writing one to a person, a business, or a government agency — the process doesn't change.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner; the bank will reject a check dated more than six months in the past or any date in the future.
  • Write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will cash or deposit the check.
  • Write the dollar amount in two places: numerals in the box on the right, and words on the line below the payee name.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Chase when you opened the account.
  • Keep a record of every check you write so you can track what leaves your account and spot errors or fraud.

Where to write the date

The date field is in the top right corner of the check. Write it in the format your bank accepts — most commonly MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 01/15/2024). Chase will reject a check dated more than six months before the day it arrives at the bank, and it will also reject any check dated in the future.

If you're writing a check today but want it to be cashed later, do not post-date it. Post-dating doesn't prevent the payee from depositing it immediately — it's a courtesy that isn't legally binding. If you need the money to stay in your account until a specific date, tell the payee when you're giving them the check, or wait to write it until that date arrives.

How to fill in the payee line

The line that says "Pay to the Order of" is where you write who gets the money. Write the full legal name of the person or business — for example, "Sarah Martinez" or "Acme Plumbing LLC". If you're not sure of the exact legal name, ask the payee or look at an invoice or receipt they gave you.

Do not leave this line blank. A blank check can be cashed by anyone who has it, and the amount can be filled in by someone other than you. If you make a mistake on the payee line, void the check (write "VOID" across it in large letters) and start over on a fresh check.

Writing the dollar amount in numbers and words

The dollar amount appears in two places on every check, and they must match exactly or the bank will reject it. On the right side of the check, you'll see a box with a dollar sign — write the amount there in numerals (for example, $47.50). Write it close to the dollar sign so no one can add digits in front of it.

Below the payee line, write out the same amount in words. For $47.50, you would write "Forty-seven dollars and 50/100". The fraction represents cents — always write it as a fraction over 100, even if the amount is a whole dollar (for example, "Fifty dollars and 00/100"). If you write more words than fit on the line, that's fine; the line is just a guide. If the written amount and the numerical amount don't match, the bank will contact the payee or return the check unpaid.

The memo line and your signature

The memo line is optional and appears in the bottom left corner. Write what the check is for — "Rent," "Car repair," "Invoice #2847" — so you and the payee both have a record of why the money changed hands. This line is for your reference and doesn't affect whether the check clears.

Your signature goes in the bottom right corner and is required. Sign it the same way you signed the signature card when you opened your Chase account — the bank compares signatures to prevent fraud. If your signature on the check looks very different from the one on file, the bank or the payee's bank may reject it or call to confirm it's legitimate.

Keeping track of the checks you write

Chase provides a check register — a small booklet that comes with your checks — where you can write down each check number, the date, the payee, and the amount. Many people skip this step and rely on their online banking to show them what cleared, but a register catches errors faster because you record the check when you write it, not days later when it clears.

If you use online banking, you can also note the check in your phone or a spreadsheet. The point is to have a record so you know what money you've committed to spending. This is especially important if you write checks regularly or if you're managing a tight budget — a check you forgot about can cause an overdraft if it arrives at the bank after you've already spent the money elsewhere.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

If you write something wrong, do not cross it out or use white-out. Write "VOID" in large letters across the entire check and set it aside. Start over on a fresh check from your checkbook. Banks and payees are trained to reject checks with alterations because altered checks are a common fraud tactic.

If you realize you made a mistake after you've already handed the check to someone, contact the payee immediately and ask them not to deposit it. If they've already deposited it and the bank catches the error, the check will be returned unpaid and the payee will have to ask you for a corrected check. It's faster to prevent the problem than to fix it after the fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check for more money than I have in my account?

Technically yes — the check will be written — but Chase will reject it when it arrives for payment. The payee will be notified that the check bounced, and you'll face an overdraft fee from Chase and possibly a fee from the payee's bank. Write checks only for money you actually have.

How long does a check take to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days of the payee depositing them, though it can take longer depending on the payee's bank and the amount. Don't assume a check has cleared just because you wrote it — keep the money in your account until you see it leave through your online banking.

What if I lose a check before I give it to someone?

Contact Chase right away and tell them the check number. They can put a stop payment on it, which prevents the check from clearing if someone finds it and tries to cash it. There's usually a fee for a stop payment, but it's worth it if the check is for a large amount.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line, sign it, and deposit it into another account or cash it at a Chase branch. This is sometimes used to move money between accounts or to get cash, though a transfer through online banking is usually faster and free.

Do I need to write anything on the back of the check?

Only if you're depositing a check that someone wrote to you. Write "For deposit only" and your account number on the back, then sign it. If you're writing a check to give to someone else, the back is blank and stays blank.