How to Fill Out a Check at Chase Bank

The basic steps for writing a check

A check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from your account to someone else. Chase processes checks the same way any bank does. You write the check by hand, fill in six pieces of information in a specific order, and sign it. The person or business you're paying deposits or cashes it, and Chase pulls the money from your account.

You don't need to do anything special at Chase to write a check — the bank doesn't approve checks before you write them. You straightforward fill out the blank check from your checkbook, hand it to the person you're paying, and Chase honors it when they deposit it (as long as you have enough money in your account).

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.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner — an unsigned check will be rejected by the bank.
• The memo line is optional and is only for your own record-keeping; the bank does not use it.
• Keep a record of each check you write so you can track what money left your account and when.
• If you make a mistake, write "VOID" across the check and start over on a new one.

Where to write each piece of information on the check

A Chase check has printed lines and boxes that show you exactly where to write. The top right corner has a blank space for the date — write it in the format your bank accepts, usually MM/DD/YYYY. Just below that is a box for the check number, which is already printed there.

The line that says "Pay to the order of" is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Write clearly and use the exact name they give you. Below that line is a box on the right side where you write the dollar amount in numbers only — for example, $150.00. On the line below "Pay to the order of," you write out that same amount in words — "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100" — and the cents as a fraction over 100.

At the bottom left of the check is a line for a memo. This is optional and is only for you — write what the check is for so you remember later. The bottom right has a signature line. You must sign your name here in the same way your signature appears on file with Chase, or the bank may reject the check.

How to write the dollar amount correctly

The dollar amount appears twice on a check, and both must match or the bank will reject it. On the right side in the box, write the amount in numbers: $150.00, $1,200.50, or whatever the payment is. Use a dollar sign and include cents, even if it's .00.

On the line below "Pay to the order of," write the same amount in words. Start at the left side of the line and write out the dollars: "One hundred fifty" or "One thousand two hundred." Then write the cents as a fraction: "and 50/100" or "and 00/100." Fill the rest of the line with a line or dashes so no one can add digits later. If the written amount and the number amount don't match, the bank will use the written amount, which can cause problems if you made a mistake.

What to do if you make a mistake

Do not cross out or use correction fluid on a check. If you make an error, write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check and set it aside. Then write a new check on the next blank check in your book. The voided check stays in your checkbook so you have a record that you didn't use that check number.

If you've already given a check to someone and realize you made a mistake, contact that person and ask them not to deposit it. Then write a new check. If the check has already been deposited and cleared, contact Chase to report the error — they may be able to reverse it, but this takes time and is more complicated than getting it right the first time.

Keeping track of the checks you write

Most Chase checkbooks have a register — a small booklet attached to the checks where you write down each check you write. Before you hand over the check, write the check number, date, payee name, and amount in the register. Subtract that amount from your running balance so you always know how much money is left in your account.

If you don't keep a register, you can track checks through Chase's online banking or mobile app. Log in, go to your account activity, and you'll see each check as it clears. Tracking is important because if you write a check for more money than you have, Chase will either reject it (and charge you a fee) or pay it and charge you an overdraft fee.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing checks

The most common mistake is writing the dollar amount in numbers and words that don't match. If you write $150 in the box but "One hundred sixty dollars" on the line, the bank uses the written version, and the payee gets $160 instead of $150.

Another mistake is forgetting to sign the check. An unsigned check is worthless — the bank will reject it and the payee will come back to you. Make sure your signature matches the one Chase has on file. If you've changed your signature significantly, contact Chase to update it.

Writing the wrong payee name is also common. If you write a check to "John Smith" but meant "John Smythe," the person with the wrong name on the check may not be able to deposit it. Always confirm the exact spelling before you write.

When Chase will reject a check

Chase will reject a check if you don't have enough money in your account to cover it. The payee's bank will send it back to Chase, and Chase will send it back to the payee marked "insufficient funds." You'll usually be charged a fee, and the payee will be charged a fee too.

Chase also rejects checks that are missing a signature, have a date more than six months in the past, or have dollar amounts that don't match. If the check is damaged, torn, or illegible, the bank may reject it. If you write a check and it gets rejected, contact the payee right away and offer to pay another way — by cash, debit card, or electronic transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can write the check, but Chase will reject it when the payee tries to deposit it. Both you and the payee will be charged a fee — usually $35 or more. If you don't have enough money, pay another way or wait until the money is in your account.

What if I write the date wrong on the check?

If the date is more than six months in the past, the bank may reject it. If the date is in the future, the payee can still deposit it, but Chase won't pay it until that date arrives. Write the current date to avoid confusion.

Do I have to use the memo line?

No, the memo line is optional. It's only for your own records — Chase doesn't use it. Writing "rent" or "invoice #12345" helps you remember what the check was for when you review your account later.

Can someone else sign a check from my Chase account?

Only if your account is set up as a joint account with that person, or if you've given them power of attorney. Otherwise, only the person whose name is on the account can sign checks. A check signed by someone else will be rejected.

What happens if I lose a check I wrote?

Contact Chase and report the check number. The bank can flag it so if someone tries to cash it, Chase will reject it. You can then write a new check to the payee. Keep a record of the lost check number in case questions come up later.