The basic steps to write a check

Writing a check at Chase is the same as writing one at any bank—the process hasn't changed much in decades. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in two places, and your signature. Chase provides the blank checks in your account, and the bank processes them through the clearing system once they're deposited elsewhere.

The physical order of what you write matters less than accuracy. A check with the wrong date or amount will either be rejected or cause a dispute. A check with a missing signature won't clear at all. The bank's routing number and your account number are already printed on the check, so you don't write those yourself.

If you're writing your first check or haven't done it in years, the process is straightforward enough that you can complete one in under a minute once you know where each piece goes.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner, the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and the dollar amount in both numbers (in the box) and words (on the line below).
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Chase when you opened the account.
  • Use blue or black ink only—never pencil or other colors, as some banks and businesses won't accept them.
  • If you make a mistake, void the check by writing "VOID" across the front and start over on a new check rather than trying to erase or cross out.
  • Keep a record of checks you write by noting the check number, date, recipient, and amount in your check register or banking app.

Where to write each part of the check

The top right corner holds the date. Write it in the format your region uses—in the United States, that's typically MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 01/15/2025). The date tells the recipient and the bank when you wrote the check. A check dated in the future is called a post-dated check; most banks will still process it on the date you write, not the date you specify, so don't rely on future dating to delay payment.

The line that says "Pay to the Order of" is where you write the recipient's name. Use the full legal name of the person or business if you know it—for example, "Sarah Mitchell" or "Acme Plumbing LLC." If you're unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient. A check made out to a slightly wrong name can still be cashed if the recipient endorses it, but it creates friction and delays.

The box on the right side of the check is for the amount in numbers. Write it as clearly as possible: $1,250.50 or $85.00. Use the dollar sign and include cents, even if the amount is a whole number. This is the amount the bank will process.

The line below "Pay to the Order of" is for the amount in words. Write out the dollar amount: "One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars" or "Eighty-five and 00/100 dollars." The fraction after "and" represents cents out of 100. If the amount in words doesn't match the amount in numbers, the bank may reject the check or process it for the amount written in words—which is why accuracy matters.

The bottom right corner is for your signature. Sign it the same way you signed the signature card when you opened your Chase account. The bank compares signatures to prevent fraud, so consistency helps. A check without a signature won't be processed.

What ink and materials to use

Use blue or black ink only. Most banks and businesses have systems that scan checks, and these scanners read blue and black reliably. Other colors—red, green, pencil—may not scan properly and can cause the check to be rejected or returned.

Write firmly enough that your pen leaves a clear mark, but don't press so hard that you tear the check. The check itself is designed to be durable; ordinary ballpoint pens work fine.

If you don't have blank checks yet, you can order them through your Chase online banking account or by calling Chase customer service. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks faster, some third-party vendors print checks that work with Chase accounts, though you'll pay a premium for expedited delivery.

How to handle mistakes

If you write something incorrectly—wrong date, wrong amount, wrong recipient name—do not try to erase, cross out, or write over it. Write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check and set it aside. Then write a new check with the correct information.

Voided checks are still numbered and tracked in your account. If you void a check, note it in your check register so you don't wonder later whether the check cleared. You don't need to do anything else with a voided check; you can throw it away or keep it for your records.

If you've already given a check to someone and then realize it has an error, contact the recipient when ready and ask them not to deposit it. If they've already deposited it, the check will likely be rejected by the bank, and you'll need to issue a new one. The recipient's bank will return the rejected check within a few business days.

Keeping track of the checks you write

Your Chase account shows deposits and withdrawals, but checks take time to clear—sometimes several days. To avoid overdrawing your account, keep a record of checks you've written before they appear in your account balance.

Chase provides a check register (a small booklet that comes with your checks) where you can write the check number, date, recipient, and amount. Many people skip this step and rely on their banking app instead, which works as long as you update it when ready after writing each check.

In your Chase mobile app or online banking, you can also take a photo of the front and back of a check to deposit it remotely, which is faster than going to a branch. But for checks you're writing to others, the app will show them only after they've been deposited and processed by the recipient's bank.

When checks clear and what happens next

Once you give a check to someone, they deposit it at their bank. Their bank sends it through the clearing system, which routes it to Chase. Chase then deducts the amount from your account. This process typically takes 2 to 5 business days, depending on the banks involved and whether the deposit happens in person or remotely.

Until a check clears, the money is still in your account, even though you've promised it to someone else. This is why it's important to track what you've written—if you write a check for $500 and your balance is $600, you have only $100 left to spend without overdrawing.

If a check bounces (the recipient's bank tries to process it but you don't have enough money), Chase will charge you an overdraft fee, typically $35. The recipient's bank may also charge them a fee. The check will be returned to the recipient marked "insufficient funds," and you'll need to provide a new check or payment method.

Special situations: post-dated checks, third-party checks, and stale checks

A post-dated check is one you write with a future date, hoping the recipient won't deposit it until that date. In practice, most banks process post-dated checks when ready regardless of the date you write. Don't rely on post-dating to delay payment. If you need to delay payment, discuss it with the recipient and ask them to wait before depositing.

A third-party check is one made out to you that you then try to sign over to someone else. Chase and most banks no longer accept third-party checks due to fraud risk. If someone gives you a check made out to your name and you want to give the money to someone else, deposit it into your Chase account first, then write a new check or transfer the funds electronically.

A stale check is one that's more than six months old. Banks are not required to process checks older than that, and many will refuse them. If you've written a check that hasn't been deposited after six months, contact the recipient and ask whether they still plan to cash it. If not, you can note it as void in your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but it will bounce. When the check is deposited, Chase will see you don't have enough funds and will reject it. You'll be charged an overdraft fee (typically $35), and the recipient's bank will charge them a fee too. The check will be returned marked "insufficient funds," and you'll need to provide another payment method.

What if I lose a check before I give it to someone?

If a blank check goes missing, contact Chase and report it. Provide the check number if you know it. Chase can flag that check number in the system so it won't be processed if someone finds it and tries to cash it. You should do this as soon as you realize it's missing, not weeks later.

Do I need to use checks from Chase, or can I use checks from another company?

You can use checks printed by third-party vendors as long as they include your Chase routing number and account number. Many people order checks from companies like Deluxe or Costco because they're cheaper than Chase's checks. The process of writing them is identical.

What should I do if someone cashes a check I didn't write?

Contact Chase when ready and report it as fraud or unauthorized. Chase will investigate and may reverse the charge if they determine it was fraudulent. Provide any documentation you have—the check itself if you still have it, or a description of when and where it was cashed. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, sign it, and deposit it at a Chase branch or through mobile deposit. This is sometimes done when transferring money between accounts or when you need a check for a specific purpose. It works the same way as any other check.