How to Write a Cheque at Bank of America

Writing a cheque step by step

A cheque is a written instruction to your bank to pay money from your account to a person or business. Bank of America cheques follow the same format as cheques from other banks, but the steps are identical whether you bank with Bank of America or another institution. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, and your signature — then the recipient deposits or cashes it.

The physical layout of a Bank of America cheque has blank spaces for each piece of information. The cheque number, routing number, and your account number are pre-printed. You only need to fill in what is blank.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date in the top right corner; cheques are valid for six months from that date in most U.S. states.
• Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line — this is the person or business that will receive the money.
• 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.
• Sign the cheque in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Bank of America when you opened your account.
• Write a memo in the bottom left corner if you want a record of what the cheque is for — this is optional but useful for your records.

Where each piece of information goes on the cheque

The top right corner has a blank space for the date. Write it in the format you prefer — for example, "January 15, 2024" or "01/15/2024". The date tells the recipient and your bank when the cheque was written. A cheque is generally valid for six months from the date written, though some states allow banks to refuse cheques older than that.

The line that reads "Pay to the Order of" is where you write the recipient's name. Use the full legal name of the person or the official business name. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient before you write the cheque. A cheque written to the wrong name may not be deposited or cashed.

The box on the right side of the cheque is for the dollar amount in numbers — for example, "$150.00". Write it clearly so there is no confusion about the amount. On the line below "Pay to the Order of," write out the same amount in words — for example, "One Hundred Fifty Dollars." If the numbers and words do not match, the bank may refuse to process the cheque or may process it for the amount written in words.

The bottom right corner has a blank line for your signature. Sign your name the same way you signed when you opened your Bank of America account. The bank compares your signature on the cheque to the signature on file. A signature that looks very different may cause the cheque to be rejected.

The memo line and keeping a record

The bottom left corner of the cheque has a line labeled "Memo." This space is for you to write a note about what the cheque is for — for example, "Rent for January" or "Invoice #2024-456." The memo is optional and does not affect whether the cheque is processed. It is purely for your own records and the recipient's reference.

Write down each cheque you write in your cheque register or in a banking app. Record the cheque number, the date, the recipient's name, and the amount. This helps you track your spending and reconcile your account when your bank statement arrives. Bank of America provides a cheque register in the back of most cheque books, or you can track cheques in your online banking account.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not post-date a cheque — that is, do not write a date in the future hoping the recipient will not cash it until that date. Banks are not required to honor post-dated cheques, and many will process them when ready. If you need to delay payment, ask the recipient to wait or use a different payment method.

Do not write a cheque for more money than you have in your account. If a cheque bounces — meaning your account does not have enough funds — your bank will charge you a fee, and the recipient may also charge you a fee. The cheque will be returned unpaid.

Do not leave blank spaces on the cheque. If you write the amount as "$50" but leave space after it, someone could alter the cheque to read "$500." Write the amount close to the left edge of the box or line so there is no room to add digits.

Do not use pencil. Write in pen so the cheque cannot be erased or altered. Black or blue ink is standard and easiest for banks to read.

What happens after you write the cheque

Once you hand the cheque to the recipient, they will deposit it into their own bank account or cash it at a bank or cheque-cashing service. The recipient's bank sends the cheque to a clearing house, which routes it to Bank of America. Bank of America verifies that your signature matches the one on file, that your account has enough money, and that the cheque number has not been used before.

If everything is correct, Bank of America deducts the amount from your account. This process usually takes one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on the banks involved. Until the cheque clears, the money is still technically in your account, but you should not spend it.

If the cheque bounces, Bank of America will return it to the recipient's bank with a reason code — usually "Insufficient Funds" or "Account Closed." The recipient will be notified, and you will be charged a fee by Bank of America. You will also owe the recipient the amount of the cheque.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a cheque to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, sign the cheque, and deposit it into your Bank of America account using mobile deposit or at a branch. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from a business account.

What if I make a mistake while writing the cheque?

Do not cross out the mistake and write over it. Write "VOID" across the front of the cheque in large letters and set it aside. Use a new cheque and start over. A cheque with visible corrections may be rejected by the recipient's bank.

How long is a cheque valid?

A cheque is generally valid for six months from the date written. After six months, the recipient's bank may refuse to deposit it, though some banks will still process it. If a cheque is not deposited within six months, you can write a new one.

Do I need to tell Bank of America when I write a cheque?

No. You do not need to notify your bank before writing a cheque. However, if you write a cheque and then realize you do not have enough money in your account, you can contact Bank of America to ask if they can stop payment on the cheque — though there is usually a fee for this service.

What if the recipient loses the cheque?

Ask the recipient to contact you so you can write a replacement cheque. You can also contact Bank of America to place a stop payment on the original cheque, though this usually costs between $25 and $35. Once stop payment is in place, the original cheque will be rejected if the recipient finds it and tries to cash it later.