How to Write a Bank of America Check the Right Way

The basic steps to write a check

Writing a check is straightforward once you know where each piece of information goes. A Bank of America check has printed fields for the date, payee name, amount, and your signature. You fill in the blanks by hand, and the bank processes it when the recipient deposits or cashes it.

The process takes about two minutes. You need a pen (blue or black ink), the check itself, and the routing and account numbers already printed on your checks. If you are writing a check to someone you do not know well, have their correct name and mailing address ready so there is no confusion about who receives the money.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date in the top right corner, the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and the dollar amount in both numbers and words.
• The numeric amount goes in the small box on the right; the written amount goes on the longer line below the payee name.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you registered with Bank of America.
• Do not use pencil, leave blank fields, or cross out mistakes — void the check and write a new one instead.
• Keep a record of each check you write, including the date, payee, and amount, so your account balance stays accurate.

Where to write the date

The date field is in the top right corner of the check. Write the date in the format your bank accepts — typically month, day, and year (for example, 01/15/2025 or January 15, 2025). Do not postdate a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason and have told the recipient. Banks may cash or deposit postdated checks early, which can cause overdraft fees.

If you make a mistake on the date, void that check and start over. Crossing out the date or writing over it can cause the bank to reject the check or delay processing.

How to fill in the payee line

The line that says "Pay to the Order of" is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Write the name exactly as the recipient has told you — if they say "John Smith," write "John Smith," not "J. Smith" or "Johnny Smith." For businesses, use the legal name on their invoice or receipt.

Leave no blank space after the name. If you write "John Smith" and leave room, someone could add another name. Write the name starting close to the left edge of the line, and if there is extra space, draw a line through it to the end of the field. This prevents anyone from altering the check after you write it.

Writing the dollar amount in two places

Every check requires the amount in two formats: numbers and words. This redundancy is a security measure — if the two amounts do not match, the bank may hold the check or contact you.

In the small box on the right side of the check (labeled with a dollar sign), write the amount in numerals: $150.50. On the longer line below the payee name, write out the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." Write the whole dollar amount in words, then use a fraction for the cents (the numerator is the cents, the denominator is always 100). If the check is for a whole dollar amount with no cents, write "One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars" or "One hundred fifty dollars and no cents."

If the written and numeric amounts do not match, the bank will typically honor the written amount, since that is considered the legal version. However, the mismatch may delay processing or cause the recipient to ask you to rewrite the check.

Signing the check correctly

Sign the check in the bottom right corner, in the space labeled "Signature." Use the same signature you provided to Bank of America when you opened the account. The bank compares your signature on the check to the one on file to verify the check is legitimate.

Sign in blue or black ink — never pencil. Do not sign a blank check or a check with missing information. If you sign a check and then realize you made an error, do not cross anything out. Void the check (write "VOID" across the front in large letters) and write a new one.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is writing different amounts in numbers and words. The second is leaving blank spaces that someone could fill in later. A third is using pencil instead of pen, which allows the check to be altered after you write it.

Do not post-date checks unless absolutely necessary, and tell the recipient if you do. Do not write a check for more than your account balance unless you have overdraft protection and understand the fees. Do not sign a check before filling in all the required fields. If you make any error, void the check and start fresh — it takes less time than trying to fix it.

Keeping a record of your checks

Bank of America checks come with a register or ledger — a small booklet where you record each check you write. Write down the check number, date, payee name, and amount in the register before you hand over the check. This creates a running record of your balance and helps you spot errors or unauthorized checks.

If you do not have a physical register, you can track checks in a spreadsheet or in your Bank of America online banking account. Many people use their bank's mobile app or online portal to monitor transactions in real time. Keeping records prevents overdrafts and makes it easier to dispute a check if there is a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write the wrong amount or name?

Void the check by writing "VOID" across the front in large letters and set it aside. Write a new check with the correct information. Do not cross out mistakes or try to erase — the bank may reject it or it could be altered by someone else.

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

You can, but the check may bounce (be rejected by the bank), and you will owe overdraft fees — typically $25 to $35 per overdraft. The recipient may also charge you a fee for a returned check. Check your account balance before writing a check, or set up overdraft protection if your bank offers it.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits or cashes them. The exact time depends on the recipient's bank and when they deposit the check. You can see pending transactions in your Bank of America account online or in the mobile app.

Do I need to use a specific type of pen?

Use blue or black ink only. Avoid pencil, which can be erased, and avoid other colors, which may not scan properly when the bank processes the check. Ballpoint pens work best — they dry quickly and do not smudge.

What if the recipient loses the check?

Contact Bank of America and ask them to put a stop payment on that check number. You will pay a fee (usually $25 to $35) to stop payment. Once the stop is in place, the check cannot be cashed. You can then write a new check or use another payment method.