Fill in the date, payee name, and amount in the right order

A Wells Fargo check has the same layout as any other bank check. Start in the top right corner with today's date. Write it in the format your bank accepts — either 01/15/2025 or January 15, 2025 both work. Then move to the line that says "Pay to the order of" and write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the legal name if you know it, but a commonly used name works too.

On the line to the right of "Pay to the order of," write the dollar amount in numbers — for example, $150.00. Then on the line below that (the long line with no label), write out the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty dollars." Write from left to right and leave no gaps that someone could fill in extra numbers. If you make a mistake, void the check and start over — do not cross out or use correction fluid.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right, the payee name on the "Pay to the order of" line, the dollar amount in numbers to the right, and the amount in words on the long line below.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner only after you have filled in all other information — an unsigned check cannot be cashed.
  • Keep the check register (or a record in your banking app) updated so you know how much money you have left in the account.
  • If you make a mistake, write "VOID" across the front of the check and keep it with your records, then write a new check.
  • The memo line is optional and is for your own record-keeping — write what the check is for so you remember later.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner

The signature line is in the bottom right of the check. Sign your name the same way you signed it when you opened the account at Wells Fargo — the bank has your signature on file and will compare it when the check is deposited. Do not sign until you have filled in the date, payee, and both amounts. A blank check with only a signature can be cashed by anyone who finds it.

If you are writing a check on a joint account, only one signature is needed unless your account agreement says otherwise. Check with Wells Fargo if you are unsure whether both account holders must sign.

Use the memo line to track what the check is for

The memo line is a small blank space in the lower left of the check, usually labeled "Memo" or "For." This line is optional and is for your own notes — write what the check pays for, such as "January rent" or "car repair." The memo does not affect whether the check can be cashed, and the recipient does not have to see it.

Writing a memo helps you remember what the check was for when you review your bank statement later. If you are paying a bill, some companies ask you to write an account number in the memo line so they can match the payment to your account in their system.

Record the check in your register or banking app

After you write the check, write down the check number, date, payee name, and amount in your check register (the small booklet that came with your checks) or in your Wells Fargo mobile app or online banking. Subtract the amount from your running balance so you know how much money is left in the account.

This step matters because a check does not clear immediately — the money stays in your account until the recipient deposits it, which can take several days. If you do not track the check, you might think you have more money than you actually do and overdraw the account. Wells Fargo charges an overdraft fee if you spend more than your balance, even if a check you wrote has not cleared yet.

Understand when the check clears and the money leaves your account

When you hand a check to someone or mail it, the money does not leave your Wells Fargo account right away. The recipient has to deposit or cash the check at their bank, and then the two banks have to process the transaction. This usually takes two to five business days, depending on whether both banks are large national banks or smaller regional ones.

You can see pending checks in your Wells Fargo online banking or app — they show as "pending" until they fully clear. Once cleared, the check appears in your transaction history and the money is gone from your available balance. If you need to stop a check before it clears, you can place a stop payment order through Wells Fargo, though they charge a fee for this service.

Know what information is printed on your checks

Your Wells Fargo checks come pre-printed with your name and address in the top left corner, your account number at the bottom, and the bank's routing number. Do not write over this information or change it. The routing number and account number are what the receiving bank uses to pull money from your account, so they must be correct and readable.

If your checks are damaged, misprinted, or you need to update your address, order new checks through Wells Fargo online banking, by phone, or at a branch. You can also order checks from third-party printers, but make sure they use your correct routing and account numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write a check for more money than I have in my account?

Wells Fargo will either reject the check or pay it and charge you an overdraft fee. The fee is typically $35 per overdraft. If the check bounces (is rejected), the recipient's bank will charge them a fee too, and you may damage your relationship with that person or business. It is better to wait until you have enough money or use a different payment method.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the order of" line, sign it, and deposit it at an ATM or branch. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash, though a transfer or withdrawal is usually faster and simpler.

Do I need to use a pen to write a check?

Yes. Use a pen with dark blue or black ink so the check is readable when it is scanned or photographed. Pencil can be erased, and light-colored ink may not scan clearly, which can cause the check to be rejected or delayed.

What if the recipient loses the check I sent them?

You can place a stop payment order with Wells Fargo to prevent the check from being cashed. There is a fee for this, usually around $30. After the stop payment period (typically six months), you can write a new check or use another payment method. Keep the cancelled check number and date in case you need to prove you stopped it.

Can I write a check for a partial amount, like $50.50?

Yes. Write the cents in the amount box as a fraction — $50.50 — and write it out in words as "Fifty dollars and fifty cents" on the long line. Be precise so there is no confusion about the exact amount.