How to Write a Check at Bank of America

The basic steps to write a Bank of America check

Writing a check at Bank of America follows the same process as any other bank. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, your signature, and a memo line if you want to note what the payment is for. The check itself comes from your checkbook, which Bank of America provides when you open a checking account or can order through your online banking portal.

Each check has a series of numbers printed at the bottom: your routing number (which identifies Bank of America), your account number, and the check number. These numbers are read by machines when the check is deposited, so they must remain legible. The routing number for Bank of America varies by state and account type, but you can find yours on any check you already have or by logging into your Bank of America account online.

You do not need to do anything special to set up a check or register it with the bank. Once you write it and hand it to someone, the check is valid. The recipient deposits or cashes it, and the amount is deducted from your account once the check clears — usually within one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on the recipient's bank.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, and your signature on each check in the spaces provided.
• Your Bank of America routing number appears at the bottom left of every check and identifies your bank and state.
• The check clears when the recipient deposits it, not when you write it, so keep track of outstanding checks to avoid overdrafts.
• You can order new checks through your Bank of America online banking account or by calling customer service if you run out.

Where to write each part of the check

The date goes in the top right corner of the check. Write it in the format your bank accepts — typically month/day/year or the full month name followed by the day and year. Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason to do so; many recipients will deposit it when ready regardless of the date you wrote.

The payee line reads "Pay to the order of" and is where you write the recipient's name. Use the full legal name of the person or business you are paying. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient or check an invoice or bill. Writing the wrong name can cause the check to be rejected or delayed.

The amount box is on the right side of the check and shows a dollar sign. Write the amount in numbers here — for example, $150.00. Next to it is a line that reads "Dollars" where you write out the amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 00/100". If the written amount and the number amount do not match, the bank may reject the check or use the written amount instead.

Your signature goes on the line at the bottom right. Sign your name the same way you signed it when you opened your Bank of America account. A check without a signature is not valid. The memo line, usually at the bottom left, is optional and lets you note what the payment is for — for example, "rent" or "invoice #12345" — but it does not affect whether the check clears.

How to order checks from Bank of America

You can order checks through your Bank of America online banking account. Log in, go to the Accounts section, find your checking account, and look for an option to order checks or manage checks. Bank of America typically offers standard checks at no charge, though expedited delivery or specialty designs may cost extra.

If you prefer to order by phone, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can process your order and tell you when the checks will arrive. Standard delivery usually takes five to seven business days.

You can also order checks from a third-party vendor. Many banks allow customers to order from companies like Deluxe or Costco, which may offer lower prices or faster delivery. If you go this route, make sure the vendor has your correct routing number and account number so the checks print correctly.

What to do if you make a mistake on a check

If you write something incorrectly on a check, do not cross it out or use correction fluid. The check will likely be rejected because it looks altered. Instead, write "VOID" across the front of the check in large letters and keep it with your records. Then write a new check with the correct information.

If you have already given the check to someone and realize there is an error, contact the recipient right away and ask them not to deposit it. Explain the mistake and offer to write a replacement check. If the recipient has already deposited the check, contact your Bank of America branch or call customer service to report it. Depending on the error, the bank may be able to stop payment or reverse the transaction.

How to stop payment on a check

If you need to cancel a check you have already written, you can place a stop payment order with Bank of America. This tells the bank to reject the check if it is presented for deposit or cashing. You can request a stop payment through your online banking account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.

Bank of America typically charges a fee for stop payment orders, usually between $25 and $35 per check. The fee is deducted from your account. You will need to provide the check number, the amount, the date you wrote it, and the payee name. The stop payment order usually takes effect within one business day but may not cover checks that have already been processed.

Stop payment orders are temporary. If the check is not presented within a set period — usually six months — the order expires and you may need to request it again. Keep records of any stop payment orders you place in case you need to reference them later.

Understanding check clearing and timing

When you write a check, the money does not leave your account when ready. It leaves when the recipient deposits or cashes the check and the bank processes it. This is called clearing. During this time, the check is considered outstanding, and you should subtract it from your available balance to avoid overdrawing your account.

Clearing time varies. A check deposited at the same bank that issued it may clear within one business day. A check deposited at a different bank typically takes two to three business days. Checks deposited at ATMs or through mobile deposit may take longer. Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature, available through the Bank of America app, lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch, but clearing times are the same.

If you write multiple checks before they clear, keep a running total of what you have spent. Your online banking account shows pending transactions, but not all checks may appear there when ready. Relying only on your available balance can lead to overdraft fees if a check clears before you expect it.

Special situations: business checks and cashier's checks

If you have a Bank of America business checking account, the process for writing a check is the same, but the checks may have your business name and address printed on them. Some businesses require two signatures on checks above a certain amount. If your account has this requirement, both authorized signers must sign the check or it will be rejected.

A cashier's check is different from a personal check. It is issued by the bank itself, not from your checkbook, and is may provide by Bank of America. Cashier's checks are used for large transactions where the recipient wants assurance the money is available. You can request a cashier's check at any Bank of America branch by providing the payee name, amount, and your account information. There is usually a fee of $10 to $15 per cashier's check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check for more than the balance in my account?

Technically yes, but it will result in an overdraft fee. If you write a check for more than you have, the check may still clear, but Bank of America will charge you an overdraft fee, usually $35 per transaction. The check will clear and the recipient will receive the money, but you will owe the bank the overdraft fee on top of the amount you spent.

What if someone loses a check I wrote them?

If the recipient loses the check and cannot deposit it, you can write them a replacement check. To prevent the original check from clearing if it is found later, you can place a stop payment order on it through your Bank of America account. Remember that stop payment orders have a fee and expire after six months.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line and sign the check as usual. You can then deposit it into another account you own at Bank of America or another bank, or cash it at a Bank of America branch. This is sometimes done to transfer money between accounts or to convert funds to cash.

Do I need to report the checks I write to Bank of America?

No. Bank of America does not need you to report individual checks. The bank tracks all checks through the routing and account numbers printed on them. Your online banking account shows pending and cleared checks, and you receive a statement each month listing all transactions.

What happens if I write a check with the wrong routing number?

If the routing number is wrong, the check may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. Your Bank of America routing number is printed on every check you order from the bank, so if you order checks through Bank of America, the routing number will be correct. If you order from a third-party vendor, double-check that you provided the correct routing number for your state and account type.