How to Write a Check from Your Bank of America Account

The basic steps to write a Bank of America check

Writing a check from your Bank of America account takes about two minutes. You fill in six pieces of information in a specific order, sign it, and hand it over. The bank prints your account number and routing number at the bottom of every check you order, so you only need to add the date, who the money goes to, the amount in two places, and your signature.

Your checks arrive in a book or pad with 25 to 50 blank checks, depending on what you ordered. Each check has your name and address pre-printed in the top left corner. The rest you fill in by hand or with a pen. Once you write and sign the check, the person or business you give it to deposits it into their own bank account, and the money moves from your Bank of America account to theirs.

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 and words.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you used when you opened your Bank of America account.
• The routing number (9 digits) and account number (10 to 12 digits) are already printed at the bottom left of every check.
• Never post-date a check (writing a future date) unless you have spoken to the recipient first, because they can deposit it when ready regardless of the date.
• Keep a record of every check you write in your check register or by reviewing your Bank of America online banking history.

Where to write each piece of information

The check has labeled spaces for most of what you need to write. Start in the top right corner with the date — write it as you normally would (for example, January 15, 2025). Bank of America checks accept dates written as numbers or words.

On the line that says "Pay to the Order of," write the full name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the name exactly as they have told you — if it is a company, use the company name; if it is a person, use their full name. This line is where the bank looks to know who should receive the money.

To the right of "Pay to the Order of" is a box with a dollar sign already printed. Write the amount in numbers only — for example, $250.50. Do not use commas or extra zeros. If the amount is a whole dollar amount with no cents, you can write $250.00 or $250; both are correct.

On the line below "Pay to the Order of," write out the same amount in words. For $250.50, write "Two hundred fifty and 50/100 dollars." The word "and" separates the dollar amount from the cents. If there are no cents, write "Two hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars" or straightforward "Two hundred fifty dollars." This line protects against mistakes — if the numbers and words do not match, the bank will ask before cashing the check.

Signing the check and what happens next

Sign the check in the bottom right corner, in the space labeled "Signature." Use the same signature you signed with when you opened your Bank of America account. The bank compares your signature on the check to the signature they have on file. If they do not match, the bank may refuse to cash the check or may contact you to confirm it is real.

Do not sign the check until you are ready to hand it over. A signed blank check can be filled in by anyone who has it, so keep unsigned checks in a safe place. Once you sign and give the check to someone, you cannot get it back — they own it and can deposit it whenever they choose.

After you hand over the check, the recipient deposits it into their bank account. Their bank sends it through the clearing system, which routes it to Bank of America. Bank of America then removes the amount from your account and sends it to the recipient's bank. This process usually takes one to three business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved.

Recording your check in your register or online

Bank of America checks come with a small register — a booklet where you write down each check you write. On each line, write the check number (printed in the top right corner of the check), the date, who you paid, and the amount. Subtract that amount from your running balance so you always know how much money you have left.

If you do not use the paper register, you can track your checks in Bank of America's online banking system. Log in to your account, go to your checking account, and look at the transaction history. Every check you write shows up there with the date, recipient, and amount. This method is often easier because the balance updates automatically.

Keeping a record matters because it helps you catch mistakes and know whether a check has cleared. If you write a check for $500 but forget to record it, you might think you have more money than you actually do and accidentally overdraw your account.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing checks

The most common mistake is writing different amounts in numbers and words. If you write $100 in the box but write "Fifty dollars" on the line below, the bank will contact the recipient to ask which amount is correct. This delays the payment and can cause confusion.

Another mistake is post-dating the check — writing a future date because you do not have the money yet. Many people think a post-dated check cannot be cashed until that date arrives, but that is not true. The recipient can deposit it when ready, and if the money is not in your account, your check will bounce and you will owe overdraft fees. Only post-date a check if you have spoken to the recipient first and they have agreed to wait.

Writing illegibly is also a problem. If the bank cannot read the recipient's name or the amount, they may refuse to process the check. Write clearly in pen, not pencil. Pencil can fade or be erased, which raises fraud concerns.

Do not write a check for more than the balance in your account unless you have overdraft protection set up with Bank of America. If you do, the check will bounce, the recipient will not receive the money, and you will be charged a fee.

When you need a new checkbook or replacement checks

Bank of America checks come in books of 25 or 50. When you run out, you can order more through your online banking account, by calling Bank of America customer service, or by visiting a branch in person. Ordering online is usually fastest — you can place the order in minutes and checks arrive in five to seven business days.

If you lose a check or it is damaged, you can order a replacement. Tell Bank of America the check number and amount, and they will note it in your account. If someone tries to cash a lost check, the bank will know to refuse it.

If you close your Bank of America checking account, do not use any remaining checks. Once the account is closed, the bank will refuse to cash them. If you have checks left over, you can destroy them or contact the bank to have them marked as void.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I make a mistake while writing the check?

Do not cross out or erase the mistake. Write "VOID" across the front of the check in large letters, set it aside, and write a new check. Banks will not cash a check with corrections or cross-outs because it raises fraud concerns. Keep the voided check in your records so you know what happened to that check number.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, sign it, and deposit it into another account you own at Bank of America or another bank. This is useful if you want to move money between accounts or withdraw cash without using an ATM.

How long is a check good for?

Most checks are good for six months from the date written. After six months, the bank may refuse to cash it, though some banks will still process it if you ask. If a check is older than six months, ask the person who wrote it to write you a new one.

What if the recipient says they never received the check?

Contact Bank of America and ask them to trace the check. Provide the check number, date, amount, and recipient name. The bank can tell you whether the check cleared and which bank deposited it. If it cleared, the money reached the recipient's bank — they may have deposited it to the wrong account or lost track of it. If it did not clear, you can stop payment and write a new check.

Do I need to use checks, or can I pay another way?

Checks are optional. Bank of America also offers bill pay through online banking, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and debit cards. Many people use checks only for rent, security deposits, or situations where the recipient specifically requests a check. Ask the recipient what payment methods they accept before you write a check.