Writing a check is straightforward once you know where each piece of information goes
A check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to someone else. When you write a check, you are telling Chase to take that amount from your account and pay it to the person or business whose name you write on it. The process takes just a few minutes, and the steps are always the same.
You will need a blank check from your Chase checkbook, a pen, and to know three things: the date, who you are paying, and how much. The check itself has printed spaces for each piece of information — you just fill them in.
Key Takeaways
- Write the date in the top right corner, using the month, day, and year in any standard format (01/15/2024 or January 15, 2024 both work).
- Write the recipient's 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 twice: once in numbers in the box on the right, and once in words on the line below the recipient's name.
- Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you used when you opened your Chase account.
- Write a memo in the bottom left if you want a record of what the check was for, though this is optional.
The date goes in the top right corner
Write the date in the upper right area of the check. You can use any standard date format: 01/15/2024, 1/15/2024, January 15, 2024, or 15 January 2024 all work. Chase and the recipient's bank will accept any of these.
Use today's date or the date you want the check to be valid. Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason — the recipient may deposit it before that date anyway, and your account needs to have enough money in it when they do.
The recipient's name goes on the "Pay to the Order of" line
Look for the line that says "Pay to the Order of" — it is usually in the middle-left area of the check. Write the name of the person or business you are paying. Use the name exactly as they have given it to you: if it is a business, write the business name; if it is a person, write their full name or the name they use.
Write clearly and in pen so the name cannot be erased or altered. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — throw away that check and start with a new one from your checkbook. Banks will not process a check with crossed-out or altered information.
The dollar amount goes in two places
On the right side of the check, you will see a box with a dollar sign. Write the amount in numbers here: $150.00, $1,200.50, or whatever you are paying. Include cents, even if it is .00.
On the line below the recipient's name, write out the same amount in words. Write "One hundred fifty dollars" or "One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." The bank uses the written amount if there is any disagreement between the numbers and the words, so make sure they match. If you are paying an amount with cents, write the whole dollar amount in words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100 — for example, "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars" for $150.50.
Your signature makes the check valid
Sign the check in the bottom right corner, in the space marked "Signature." Use the same signature you signed when you opened your Chase account — the bank has that signature on file and will compare it when the check is deposited.
Sign in pen, not pencil. Do not sign a blank check and leave it for someone else to fill in the amount and recipient — that is unsafe and can lead to fraud. Only sign a check after you have filled in all the other information.
The memo line is optional but useful
In the bottom left corner, there is a line marked "Memo" or "For." You can write a short note here about what the check is for — "Rent," "Invoice 2024-156," "Birthday gift" — whatever helps you remember later. This is optional and does not affect how the check works.
The memo is for your records and the recipient's records. It does not change the amount or the payment, and the bank does not require it. If you are paying a bill, writing the account number or invoice number in the memo can help the recipient match the payment to your account.
What to do after you have written the check
Once you have filled in all the information and signed, the check is ready to give to the recipient. They will either cash it at a bank or deposit it into their own account. Either way, the check will eventually come back to Chase, and the money will be taken from your account.
Keep a record of the check in your checkbook register — the small notebook that came with your checks — or in your Chase mobile app or online banking. Write down the date, recipient, amount, and what it was for. This helps you track your spending and know when the money will leave your account. Checks can take several days to clear, so do not assume the money is gone the moment you hand over the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I make a mistake while writing the check?
Throw away the check and start over with a new one from your checkbook. Do not cross out or try to correct mistakes — banks will not process altered checks. If you have already given the check to someone, contact them and ask them to destroy it, then write a new one.
Can I write a check for more money than I have in my account?
You can write it, but Chase will not pay it. When the check is deposited, if your account does not have enough money, the check will bounce — Chase will refuse to pay it and will charge you a fee. The recipient will also be notified that the check failed. Only write a check if you know you have the money in your account.
How long does it take for a check to clear?
It usually takes two to five business days from the time the recipient deposits it. During that time, the money is still in your account, even though you have written the check. Do not spend that money twice. Once the check clears, Chase will remove it from your account.
Do I need to tell Chase before I write a check?
No. Checks are a standard way to move money from your account, and Chase expects you to use them. You do not need permission or advance notice. Just make sure you have enough money in your account when the check is deposited.
What if I lose a check I have already written?
Contact Chase right away and tell them the check number and amount. Ask them to put a stop payment on it — this tells the bank not to pay it if someone tries to cash it. Chase will charge a fee for this service, usually around $30. If the check shows up and is deposited before you stop it, you cannot undo the payment.