The basic steps to write a Bank of America check

Writing a check for Bank of America is the same as writing a check from any bank. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, sign it, and optionally add a memo. The check itself comes from your checkbook — Bank of America prints your account number and routing number on every check, so the bank knows where the money comes from when the check is deposited.

The order matters because the check moves through sorting machines that read the numbers at the bottom. If information is missing or illegible, the check can bounce or be delayed. Bank of America's checks follow the standard format used across all U.S. banks, so the process is identical whether you bank with them or another institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right, the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and the amount in both numbers and words — they must match or the check will be rejected.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner; an unsigned check cannot be cashed, and a signature that does not match your account records may be flagged.
  • Bank of America prints your routing number (011000015 for most accounts) and account number on the bottom left of every check — do not write these yourself.
  • Keep a record of each check you write in your register or banking app so you know what money has left your account but not yet cleared.
  • A check typically takes three to five business days to clear after the recipient deposits it, so do not spend the money until it shows as withdrawn in your account.

Where to write each piece of information on the check

The check has labeled spaces for most of what you need to write. The date goes in the top right corner — write it as the month, day, and year (for example, 01/15/2025 or January 15, 2025). Bank of America accepts either format.

The "Pay to the Order of" line is where you write the recipient's name — a person's full name, a business name, or both if you are paying a person at a business. Write clearly and use the exact name the recipient expects; if the name on the check does not match the name on their account, the bank may reject it or delay it while they confirm.

The amount box is the small rectangle to the right of "Pay to the Order of". Write the dollar amount in numbers only (for example, $150.00). The amount line below it is where you write the same amount in words — "One Hundred Fifty Dollars" or "One Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents". If these two amounts do not match, the bank will reject the check or contact the recipient to ask which amount is correct.

The memo line at the bottom left is optional — use it to note what the check is for (for example, "Rent for January" or "Invoice #2847"). This helps both you and the recipient track what the payment was for, but it is not required for the check to clear.

The signature and what happens if it does not match

Sign the check in the bottom right corner, in the space marked "Signature". Use the same signature you provided to Bank of America when you opened your account — the bank has a record of it and will compare it when the check is deposited. If your signature looks significantly different, the receiving bank may flag it as a potential fraud risk and hold the check while they verify it with you.

An unsigned check cannot be cashed. If you forget to sign it, the recipient will either return it to you or ask you to sign it before they deposit it. Some recipients will not accept an unsigned check and will ask for a different payment method instead.

If you have changed your signature over time, you can update it with Bank of America by visiting a branch or calling their customer service line. This prevents delays on future checks.

The routing and account numbers Bank of America prints for you

The bottom left corner of your check shows two sets of numbers separated by a colon. The first number is your routing number — for most Bank of America checking accounts, this is 011000015. The second number is your account number. These numbers tell the receiving bank where to pull the money from when the check clears.

Do not write these numbers yourself. Bank of America prints them on every check in a special magnetic ink that sorting machines can read. If you write over them or the printing is unclear, the check may not process correctly. If you run out of checks or need to verify your routing number, you can find it on your Bank of America statements, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service.

Recording the check in your register so you do not overdraw

Write down every check you write in your checkbook register — the small booklet that comes with your checks — or in your Bank of America mobile app. Record the check number, the date, the recipient, and the amount. Subtract the amount from your running balance so you always know how much money is actually available to spend.

This matters because a check does not clear when ready. You write the check today, but the recipient may not deposit it for days or weeks. If you do not record it and spend the money before the check clears, you will overdraw your account when the check finally arrives at the bank. Bank of America charges an overdraft fee (typically $35 per transaction) if your account goes negative.

Bank of America's mobile app shows pending checks in your transaction history, which can help you track what has been deposited and what is still outstanding. Check your app regularly, especially if you write checks frequently.

How long a check takes to clear and what "clearing" means

When you write a check, the money does not leave your account when ready. The recipient must deposit or cash the check at their bank first. That bank then sends the check through the clearing system, which typically takes three to five business days. During this time, the check is "in transit" — it has been deposited but the money has not yet moved from your account to the recipient's.

You will see the check as "pending" in your Bank of America account during this period. Once the receiving bank has confirmed the funds and the check has passed all security checks, it "clears" and the money is deducted from your account. At that point, the transaction is final — the recipient has the money and you cannot reverse it.

If you need to stop a check before it clears, you can place a stop payment order with Bank of America. This costs money (typically $30 to $35) and must be done before the check clears. After it clears, you cannot stop it; your only option is to ask the recipient to return the money.

Common mistakes that cause checks to bounce or be rejected

A check bounces when the receiving bank tries to withdraw the money and your account does not have enough funds. Bank of America will charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, typically $35, and the recipient's bank will also charge them a fee. The recipient may then ask you to rewrite the check or pay them in a different way.

Checks are also rejected if the amount in numbers does not match the amount in words, if the signature is missing or does not match your account records, if the date is illegible, or if the recipient's name is spelled wrong or missing. If any of these happen, the receiving bank will return the check unpaid and contact the recipient to let them know.

Write clearly and double-check the amount before you sign. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or write over it — tear up the check and write a new one. Banks will not accept a check with visible corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 used to move money between accounts or to get cash. Bank of America will process it like any other check, and it typically clears within one business day.

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

Do not try to fix it. Tear up the check and write a new one. If the amounts do not match, the bank will reject the check or contact the recipient to ask which amount is correct, which delays payment. A new check is faster and avoids confusion.

How do I know if a check has cleared?

Log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app and look at your transaction history. The check will show as "pending" while it is in transit and will change to "posted" or "cleared" once the money has been deducted from your account. This usually takes three to five business days.

Can someone else cash a check I wrote to them?

Not without their permission. A check is payable only to the person or business named on the "Pay to the Order of" line. If that person wants someone else to cash it, they can sign the back and write "Pay to the Order of [other person's name]" — this is called a third-party check. Many banks, including Bank of America, have restrictions on third-party checks, so the recipient should ask their bank first.

What if I lose a check before I send it?

If you have not written it yet, just write a new one. If you have already written it and signed it, you can place a stop payment order with Bank of America to prevent it from being cashed if someone finds it. This costs money and must be done before the check clears. Keep your checkbook in a safe place and write down the check numbers you use so you know which ones are outstanding.