The basic steps to write a Bank of America check

Writing a check is straightforward: you fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in both numbers and words, sign it, and optionally add a memo. Bank of America provides the checks with your account number and routing number already printed on them. The check itself does the work — when you hand it to someone, they deposit it into their bank, and the money moves from your account to theirs over one to three business days.

You do not need to do anything online or through the app to write a check. The physical check is the instruction. You write it, sign it, and give it to the person or business you are paying. That is the entire process on your end.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount (numbers and words), and your signature — these four things are required for the check to work.
  • The routing number and account number are already printed on your Bank of America checks, so you do not need to write them.
  • The recipient deposits the check at their bank, and the funds typically arrive in their account within one to three business days.
  • You can order replacement checks from Bank of America online, by phone, or through your branch if you run out.
  • Checks clear in the order the bank receives them, not the order you wrote them, so do not write checks you cannot cover.

Where to find the date, payee, and amount lines on your check

Bank of America checks follow the standard layout. In the top right corner is a blank line for the date. Below that, on the left side, is a line that starts with "Pay to the Order of" — this is where you write the recipient's name. To the right of that line is a box where you write the dollar amount in numbers (for example, $150.00).

Below the payee line is a longer line where you write out the amount in words — for example, "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100". This line is a safeguard: if the numbers and words do not match, the bank may reject the check or ask for clarification. Below that is a line for your signature, and at the bottom right is a small box for a memo (optional — you can note what the payment is for, like "rent" or "invoice 2024-001").

Your account number and the bank's routing number (021000021 for Bank of America) are printed at the bottom left in small numbers. You do not write these — they are already there.

How to fill in the date correctly

Write the date in the top right corner. You can use any format: 01/15/2024, January 15, 2024, or 1/15/24 all work. Use today's date or the date you want the check to be valid from. Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason — the recipient can deposit it whenever they want, regardless of the date you wrote, so post-dating does not delay payment.

If you make a mistake on the date, cross it out, write the correct date next to it, and initial the change. The check will still work.

Writing the payee name and amount

On the "Pay to the Order of" line, write the name of the person or business receiving the money. If you are paying a company, use the legal name (for example, "Acme Plumbing Inc." rather than just "Acme"). If you are paying a person, their first and last name is enough.

In the box to the right, write the amount in numbers: $150.00. Include the dollar sign and two decimal places for cents, even if the amount is a whole number. On the line below, write the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100". If the check is for $150.50, write "One hundred fifty dollars and 50/100". The fraction after "and" always represents cents out of 100.

If you make a mistake on the amount, do not cross it out — write a new check instead. Banks may refuse to process a check with altered numbers or words.

Signing the check and adding a memo

Sign the check on the line at the bottom left, using the same signature you registered with Bank of America. Your signature is what authorizes the bank to move the money. If your signature does not match the one on file, the bank may reject the check or contact you to confirm.

The memo line (usually at the bottom, marked "Memo" or "For") is optional. You can write a note here for your own records — "rent," "car payment," "invoice #2024-156" — but it does not affect how the check works. The recipient will see it, but it is not required.

What happens after you give the check to someone

Once you hand the check to the recipient, they take it to their bank and deposit it. Their bank sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to Bank of America. Bank of America verifies your signature, checks that you have enough money in your account, and deducts the amount. The funds then move to the recipient's bank and appear in their account.

This process typically takes one to three business days. The exact timing depends on when the recipient deposits the check and how quickly the banks process it. Weekends and holidays add time — a check deposited on Friday may not clear until Tuesday.

You can track the check through your Bank of America account online or in the app. Once it clears, it will show as a debit with the check number and amount. Keep your own record of checks you write — a check register or a note in your phone — so you know what money you have left to spend.

Ordering new checks from Bank of America

If you run out of checks, you can order more through your Bank of America account online, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a branch in person. Online ordering is the fastest — log in, go to the Accounts section, find your checking account, and look for an option to order checks. You can usually choose the style and quantity. Bank of America will mail them to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also order checks from a third-party printer — many are cheaper than Bank of America's checks and arrive faster. You will need your account number and routing number (both printed on your current checks) to order from an outside printer. The checks work the same way regardless of where they come from, as long as they have your account and routing numbers printed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write a check but do not have enough money in my account?

The check will bounce. Bank of America will reject it, charge you a non-sufficient funds fee (typically $35), and notify the recipient's bank. The recipient will also be charged a fee by their bank. Write checks only when you know you have the money to cover them.

Can I cancel a check after I give it to someone?

You can ask Bank of America to put a stop payment on the check, which costs around $30 to $35. You will need the check number, amount, and payee name. However, if the check has already been deposited and cleared, the stop payment will not work — the money is already gone. Stop payments are useful only if you catch the mistake before the recipient deposits it.

Do I need to tell Bank of America when I write a check?

No. Checks are not reported to the bank in advance. You write it, sign it, and give it to the recipient. The bank only learns about it when the recipient deposits it and it comes through the clearing system.

What if the recipient loses the check?

Ask them to contact their bank — the bank may be able to trace it or issue a replacement deposit. If the check was never deposited, you can write a new one. If you are worried about a lost check, you can put a stop payment on it after a few weeks to prevent it from being deposited later.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line, sign it, and deposit it at an ATM or branch. This is useful if you want to move money between your own accounts or withdraw cash without using a debit card.