How to Fill Out a Chase Bank Check Step by Step

Fill out a check in this order: date, payee name, amount in numbers, amount in words, memo, and signature

A check is a written order to your bank to pay money from your account to someone else. Chase provides checks linked to your checking account, and the bank will process the payment when the person or business you wrote it to deposits or cashes it. Filling one out correctly matters because a mistake can delay payment, cause the check to bounce, or make it unreadable to the bank.

The steps below follow the order the fields appear on a standard Chase check. Each field has a specific purpose, and skipping or filling one incorrectly is one of the most common reasons checks get rejected or returned.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date in the top right corner; the check is only valid on or after that date, and banks may reject checks dated more than six months in the past.
• The payee name goes on the "Pay to the Order of" line and must match the name the recipient uses to deposit or cash the check.
• Write the dollar amount twice: once in the box on the right in numerals, and once on the long line in words, with cents written as a fraction.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Chase when you opened the account.
• The memo line is optional and is for your own record-keeping; it does not affect whether the check clears.

Step 1: Write the date in the top right corner

The date field is a small box in the upper right corner of the check. Write it in the format your bank accepts—most commonly MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 01/15/2024). Some people write it out in words (January 15, 2024), which also works.

The date you write is the earliest date the bank will process the check. If you write a date in the future, the check is called a post-dated check, and the bank will not cash it until that date arrives. If you write a date more than six months in the past, Chase may refuse to process it. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly, write the correct date next to it, and initial the change.

Step 2: Write the payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line

The line that says "Pay to the Order of" is where you write the name of the person or business receiving the money. This is the most important line on the check because the name must match the name the recipient uses to deposit or cash it. If you write "John Smith" but the person's bank account is under "John Michael Smith," the check may be rejected.

For a business, write the legal business name as it appears on their invoices or receipts. For a person, use their full name as it appears on their ID or bank account. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations unless you are certain that is how they are registered with their bank. If you are unsure, ask the recipient how they want the check written.

Step 3: Write the amount in numbers in the box on the right

On the right side of the check, there is a small box with a dollar sign ($). Write the amount you are paying in numerals here: for example, $150.25 or $1,000.00. Include the cents, even if the amount is a whole dollar—write $100.00, not $100. Start at the left side of the box so the numbers are not crowded to the right edge.

If you make a mistake, do not try to erase or cross out the amount. Tear up the check and start over with a new one from your checkbook. Banks will not process a check with altered numbers in the amount box because it raises fraud concerns.

Step 4: Write the amount in words on the long line

Below the payee line is a long line that starts with "Dollars." Write out the dollar amount in words here. For $150.25, you would write "One Hundred Fifty and 25/100 Dollars." For $1,000.00, write "One Thousand and 00/100 Dollars." The cents always go as a fraction over 100, even if there are no cents (in which case you write 00/100).

This line is a fraud check: if the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, the bank will contact you or the recipient to confirm before processing. If they do not match and you cannot be reached, the check may be rejected. Capitalize the first letter of the first word. You do not need to capitalize other words, though many people do.

Step 5: Fill in the memo line (optional)

The memo line is a small line in the bottom left corner, usually labeled "Memo" or "For." This line is for your own record-keeping and does not affect whether the check clears. You might write "Rent for January," "Invoice #2024-001," or "Medical bill" so you remember what the check was for when you review your bank statement later.

The recipient can see what you write in the memo line, so keep it professional and brief. The memo line is not required—you can leave it blank and the check will still process normally.

Step 6: Sign the check in the bottom right corner

The signature line is in the bottom right corner of the check. Sign it with the same signature you provided to Chase when you opened your account. Your bank has a record of your signature on file, and they compare it to the signature on the check as a security measure. If the signature looks significantly different, the bank may reject the check or contact you to verify it is legitimate.

Do not print your name or use initials—sign it as you normally do. If you are signing on behalf of a business account, sign according to the authorization rules Chase has on file for that account. Never sign a blank check or a check you have not filled out completely.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a check

The most frequent error is a mismatch between the amount in numbers and the amount in words. If they do not match, the bank will typically honor the amount written in words, since that is considered the legal version. However, this can cause confusion and delays, so take time to make sure both amounts are identical.

Another common mistake is writing the payee name incorrectly or using a name that does not match the recipient's bank account. Always confirm the exact name with the person or business before you write the check. Crossing out the payee name and rewriting it can also cause the bank to reject the check, so if you make a mistake here, use a new check.

Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have discussed it with the recipient and they have agreed to wait. Many people assume a post-dated check will not be cashed early, but some banks process them anyway, which can cause your account to overdraw. If you need to delay payment, it is safer to wait and write the check on the actual date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I write the wrong amount in words or numbers?

If the two amounts do not match, the bank will honor the amount written in words, since that is the legal version of the check. However, this can cause delays and confusion. If you catch the error before you give the check to the recipient, cross out the incorrect amount neatly, write the correct one next to it, and initial the change. If the recipient already has the check, contact them and ask them to return it so you can write a new one.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your name on the "Pay to the Order of" line exactly as it appears on your Chase account. You can then deposit the check into the same account or a different account at Chase or another bank. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from a teller.

What if I make a mistake and want to fix it?

For small errors like the date or memo line, you can cross out the mistake neatly, write the correction next to it, and initial the change. For errors in the payee name or the amount, do not try to fix it—tear up the check and write a new one. Banks will not process checks with altered payee names or amounts because of fraud concerns.

How long is a check valid after I write it?

A check is typically valid for six months from the date you write it. After six months, the check is considered stale-dated, and the bank may refuse to process it. If the recipient has not cashed the check after six months, contact them and ask if they still need it or if you should write a new one.

Do I need to write anything on the back of the check?

The back of the check is blank and is used only if the recipient needs to endorse it (sign it) before depositing it. You should not write anything on the back unless the bank or recipient specifically asks you to. If you need to add information, use the memo line on the front instead.