The basic steps for writing a check

Writing a check is straightforward once you know where each piece of information goes. You fill in six pieces of information: the date, the payee's name, the dollar amount in numbers, the dollar amount in words, a memo line (optional), and your signature. The order matters because banks process checks in a specific sequence, and missing or incorrect information can delay payment or cause the check to bounce.

Your Wells Fargo checkbook comes pre-printed with your account number, routing number, and bank information in the bottom left corner. You only need to add the variable information each time you write a check. Take your time and use pen, not pencil — banks will not process checks written in pencil.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner; Wells Fargo will not process 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 and the amount in both numbers (in the box on the right) and words (on the line below the payee).
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Wells Fargo when you opened your account.
  • Keep a record of each check you write by noting the check number, payee, amount, and date in your check register or banking app.
  • Do not post-date checks (write a future date) unless you have confirmed the recipient will not deposit it early.

Where to write the date

The date goes in the top right corner of the check. Write it in the format that matches your region — typically MM/DD/YYYY in the United States. Wells Fargo will not process a check dated more than six months before the day it is presented for payment, and they will reject any check with a future date unless the payee has agreed to wait.

If you write a check today but the recipient does not deposit it for several weeks, use today's date, not the date you expect them to cash it. Post-dating a check (writing a future date) does not prevent the recipient from depositing it immediately, and doing so can cause overdraft fees if the money is not in your account yet.

Writing the payee name and amounts

On the line that says "Pay to the Order of," write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the exact legal name if you know it — for example, write "John Smith" rather than "J. Smith," or "Acme Electric Inc." rather than "Acme." If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the payee before you write the check.

Write the dollar amount in two places. In the small box on the right side of the check, write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign and cents — for example, $150.50. On the line below the payee name, write out the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." If the word amount and the number amount do not match, the bank will typically honor the word amount, which can cause confusion or rejection.

The memo line and your signature

The memo line (marked "Memo" in the bottom left) is optional and is for your own record-keeping. Write a brief note about what the check is for — for example, "Rent for March" or "Car repair." This note appears on your bank statement and helps you remember why you wrote the check, but it does not affect how the check is processed.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner using the same signature you registered with Wells Fargo when you opened your account. The bank compares your signature to the one on file, and a significantly different signature can cause the check to be rejected or flagged. Do not sign a blank check or a check made out to "Cash" unless you intend to hand it directly to the recipient.

Tracking your checks in Wells Fargo

Keep a record of each check you write to avoid overdrafts and to track your spending. Write down the check number (printed in the top right and bottom left of each check), the date, the payee name, and the amount in your check register — the booklet that comes with your checkbook. Subtract the amount from your running balance so you always know how much money is available.

If you use Wells Fargo's online banking or mobile app, you can also photograph checks as you write them or view cleared checks in your transaction history. This digital record helps you spot errors and reconcile your account each month. Wells Fargo typically shows a check as "pending" once it is deposited and "cleared" once the money has left your account, which usually takes one to three business days.

Common mistakes that delay or reject checks

The most common error is writing different amounts in numbers versus words — for example, writing $100 in the box but "Fifty dollars" on the line. Banks will reject the check or process it for the word amount, which may not be what you intended. Always double-check that both amounts match before you hand over the check.

Another frequent mistake is writing a check to "Cash" and then losing it or having it stolen. Anyone who finds a check made out to Cash can deposit it without your permission. If you need cash, withdraw it from an ATM or ask a teller instead. Also avoid writing checks with smudges, cross-outs, or corrections — if you make a mistake, void the check (write "VOID" across it), set it aside, and write a new one.

What to do if you need to stop a check

If you write a check and then realize you made an error or want to cancel it, you can place a stop payment order with Wells Fargo. Contact your local branch, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or use online banking to submit the request. Wells Fargo charges a fee (typically $30 to $35) for each stop payment order, and you must provide the check number, payee name, amount, and date.

A stop payment order is not instant — you should submit it as soon as possible, ideally before the check is presented for payment. If the check has already been deposited and cleared, a stop payment order will not work, and you will need to contact the payee directly or pursue other options. Keep the confirmation number from your stop payment order in case you need to reference it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Technically yes, but Wells Fargo will charge you an overdraft fee (typically $35 per transaction) if the check causes your balance to go negative. If you do not have overdraft protection linked to another account or credit line, the check may be rejected at the bank where it is deposited. It is safer to confirm your balance before writing a check.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits them. Wells Fargo shows the check as "pending" immediately and "cleared" once the funds have left your account. Checks deposited on weekends or holidays may take longer because banks do not process them until the next business day.

What if I lose a check or it gets stolen?

Contact Wells Fargo right away and place a stop payment order. Provide the check number, amount, payee name, and date. If someone deposits the check before you stop it, contact your bank and the payee's bank to report the fraud. Wells Fargo can investigate and may reverse the transaction, but acting quickly increases your chances of recovery.

Do I need to use checks from Wells Fargo, or can I use any checks?

You can use checks from any bank as long as they are printed with your Wells Fargo account number and routing number. Many people order checks from third-party printers because they are cheaper or offer custom designs. Make sure the account and routing numbers are correct before you order, and verify the first check by depositing a small amount to confirm it works.

What happens if I write a check to the wrong person?

If you catch the error before the recipient deposits it, ask them to return the check and write a new one. If the check has already been deposited, contact Wells Fargo and the recipient's bank immediately. You may be able to place a stop payment order, but once the check clears, recovery is difficult. Always verify the payee name before you sign and hand over the check.