How to Write a Check at Bank of America

Writing a check is the same whether you bank at Bank of America or anywhere else

A check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to whoever you give the check to. Bank of America provides the blank checks, but the steps for filling one out are standard across all banks. You write the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in two places, a memo if you want, and your signature — then hand it over or mail it.

Your Bank of America checks come with your account. If you ordered them when you opened your account, they should have arrived in the mail. If you need more, you can order them through your Bank of America online banking portal, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or at a branch. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date in the top right corner, the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and your signature at the bottom right.
• 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.
• The memo line is optional and is for your own record — write what the check is for so you remember later.
• Once you sign and hand over the check, the recipient can deposit it at their bank, and the money will leave your account within a few business days.

The six parts of a check and where to fill them in

Every Bank of America check has the same layout. At the top left is your name and address, already printed. In the top right corner is a blank space for the date — write it in the format 01/15/2024 or January 15, 2024. Below that is a box with a number; that is your check number, printed automatically, and you do not fill it in.

The main line says "Pay to the Order of" — write the name of the person or business you are paying on that line. Below it is a line for the amount in words (for example, "One hundred fifty dollars"). To the right of the recipient's name is a box labeled with a dollar sign — write the amount in numbers here, like $150.00. At the bottom left is a memo line where you can write what the check is for, like "rent" or "car payment." At the bottom right, you sign your name.

The long numbers at the bottom of the check are your routing number (on the left), your account number (in the middle), and the check number again (on the right). You do not write these — they are printed by Bank of America.

How to write the dollar amount correctly

The dollar amount must match in both places, or the check may be rejected or cause confusion. In the box on the right, write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign and two decimal places: $150.00, not $150 or 150.00. If the amount is less than a dollar, write $0.50 or $0.99.

On the line below the recipient's name, write out the amount in words. For $150, write "One hundred fifty dollars." For $150.50, write "One hundred fifty dollars and 50/100." The word "and" separates the dollar amount from the cents. If the amounts do not match, the bank may contact the recipient or reject the check, so take a moment to double-check before you sign.

What to do with the check once you have filled it out

Once you have signed the check, you can hand it to the recipient in person, mail it, or give it to them however you agreed. The recipient will take it to their bank and deposit it. Their bank will send it through the clearing system, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days. During that time, the money is still in your Bank of America account. Once the check clears, the money leaves your account.

You should record the check in your own records or checkbook register so you know how much money you have left. Bank of America will also show the check as a deduction on your online statement once it clears, so you can track it there too.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a check

Do not post-date a check (write a future date) and expect the recipient not to cash it right away — they can deposit it when ready, and if there is not enough money in your account, it will bounce. Do not write the amount in words and numbers differently — if you write $100 in the box but "Fifty dollars" on the line, the bank may reject it or the recipient may dispute it.

Do not forget to sign the check. An unsigned check cannot be cashed. Do not use pen that can be erased or altered — use regular ballpoint pen so the check cannot be changed after you hand it over. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out and write over it; instead, write "VOID" across the check and start over with a new one from your checkbook.

When to use a check instead of other payment methods

Checks are slower than digital payments like bank transfers or credit cards, so most people use them less often now. However, checks are still useful when you do not have the recipient's bank account number (for paying a contractor or service provider), when you need a paper record for your records, or when the recipient does not accept digital payments.

Some landlords, utility companies, and government agencies still prefer checks. If you are paying a bill online through your Bank of America bill pay service, that is usually faster and safer than mailing a check. But if you need to write a physical check, the process is straightforward once you know where each piece of information goes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write the wrong amount on a check?

If the dollar amount in numbers and the amount in words do not match, the bank may reject the check or contact the recipient to ask which amount is correct. If you catch the mistake before you hand over the check, write "VOID" on it and write a new one. If the recipient has already deposited it, contact your bank and the recipient right away to sort it out.

Can I stop payment on a check after I have written it?

Yes. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or use your online banking portal to place a stop payment request. There is usually a fee (typically $30 to $35), and you must do this before the check clears. The bank will block the payment, but the recipient may still try to deposit it, so contact them directly if possible.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within 1 to 3 business days after the recipient deposits them. Some take longer depending on the recipient's bank and the amount. Bank of America will show the check on your statement once it clears, and the money will no longer be available in your account.

Do I need to keep a record of checks I write?

It is a good idea to keep a record so you know how much money you have spent and how much is left in your account. You can use your checkbook register (the small booklet that came with your checks) or track them in a spreadsheet. Bank of America also shows cleared checks on your online statement, so you can review them there.

What if someone else writes a check on my Bank of America account?

Only you should write checks on your account. If someone else has written a check without your permission, contact Bank of America when ready at 1-800-432-1000 to report it. The bank can place a stop payment on the check and investigate the unauthorized use.