How to Write a Chase Bank Check Step by Step

Writing a check takes five minutes once you know where each piece of information goes

A check is a written order telling Chase to move money from your account to whoever you name on the check. You fill in six pieces of information: the date, the payee's name, the dollar amount in numbers, the dollar amount in words, a memo line (optional), and your signature. The bank processes the check only after you sign it. If any of the main fields are blank or don't match, the bank may refuse to cash it or return it to you unpaid.

Chase provides checks in a checkbook, which is a bound pad of 25 to 50 blank checks. Each check has your account number, routing number, and bank information pre-printed on it. You can order checks through your Chase online banking account, by phone, or at a Chase branch. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• Write the date in the top right corner; the bank will not process a check dated in the future or more than six months in the past.
• Write the payee name (the person or business receiving the money) on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and make sure the name matches their records.
• Write the dollar amount twice: once in the box on the right in numbers, and once on the long line in words, starting at the left edge.
• Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you registered with Chase; an unsigned check cannot be cashed.
• Keep a record of each check you write in your checkbook register or banking app so you can track your balance.

The six fields you must fill in on every check

Date: Write the date in the top right corner. Use the format month/day/year (for example, 01/15/2025). The bank will process a check dated today or any date up to six months in the future. A check dated more than six months ago is considered stale and the bank will refuse to cash it. Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason; the recipient may cash it before that date anyway.

Payee name: Write the name of the person or business receiving the money on the line that says "Pay to the Order of." Use the exact name the payee has on file with their bank. If you write "John Smith" but the account is under "John Michael Smith," the bank may reject the check. For businesses, use the legal name (for example, "Acme Corporation" rather than "Acme").

Dollar amount in numbers: Write the amount in the small box on the right side of the check. Use numerals: $150.00, not $150. Include cents even if the amount is a whole dollar (write $150.00, not $150). If you make a mistake, do not cross it out; tear up the check and start over.

Dollar amount in words: Write the same amount on the long line below the payee name, starting at the left edge. Write out the dollars in words and the cents as a fraction over 100. For example, for $150.50, write "One Hundred Fifty and 50/100 Dollars." If the written amount and the number amount do not match, the bank will process the check for the written amount. This is a common source of errors, so double-check both before you sign.

Memo line: The small line in the bottom left corner is for a note to yourself or the payee about what the check is for (for example, "Rent" or "Invoice #2024-001"). This field is optional and does not affect whether the check clears.

Your signature: Sign the check in the bottom right corner. Use the same signature you provided to Chase when you opened the account. The bank compares your signature to the one on file. An unsigned check cannot be cashed. If your signature looks very different from the one on file, the bank may flag the check for review or reject it.

Common mistakes that cause checks to bounce or be rejected

The most frequent error is writing the dollar amount in words that does not match the number amount. If you write $100 in the box but "Fifty Dollars" on the line, the bank will honor the written amount ($50) and the check will be for less than you intended. Always write both amounts and compare them before signing.

Signing in the wrong place or not signing at all is the second most common problem. The signature must go in the bottom right corner, and it must be present for the check to be valid. Some people sign in the memo line by mistake or forget to sign altogether.

Writing a check for more money than you have in your account will cause it to bounce. Chase will return the check unpaid and may charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, typically $35. The payee will also be notified that the check did not clear. Keep track of your balance in your checkbook register or check your Chase app before you write a check.

Post-dating a check (writing a future date) does not prevent the payee from cashing it when ready. Many people believe a post-dated check cannot be cashed until that date, but that is not how banks work. If you need to delay payment, do not use a check; use a different payment method or contact the payee to arrange a later payment date.

How to record checks in your checkbook register

Your checkbook comes with a register—a small booklet where you write down each check you write. Recording checks helps you track your balance and catch errors. For each check, write the check number, the date, the payee name, and the amount. Subtract the amount from your running balance. If you receive a deposit, add it to your balance.

You can also track checks through your Chase mobile app or online banking. Log in, go to your account, and look for recent transactions. Chase shows you which checks have cleared and which are still pending. Pending checks are ones the bank has received but has not yet deducted from your account; they usually clear within one to three business days.

When to use a check instead of other payment methods

Checks are slower than digital payments. A check typically takes three to five business days to clear, while a bank transfer or debit card payment is often when ready or next-day. However, checks are still useful in certain situations: paying rent or a mortgage (many landlords and servicers accept only checks), paying a contractor or small business that does not take cards, or paying someone who does not have a bank account set up for transfers.

Some people also use checks for large payments because they create a paper trail and proof of payment. Once a check clears, you have a record from the bank showing the payee received the money. For sensitive or high-value transactions, this documentation can be valuable.

What happens after you give someone a check

Once you hand over a check, the recipient can deposit it into their bank account or cash it at a bank or check-cashing service. The bank that receives the check (the payee's bank) sends it through a clearing process. The check is scanned, the amount is verified, and the money is transferred from your Chase account to the payee's account. This process usually takes two to five business days.

During this time, the check shows as "pending" in your Chase account. After it clears, it shows as a completed transaction. You can see the check image in your Chase app or online banking; the bank keeps a digital copy for your records.

If a check is lost or stolen before the payee deposits it, contact Chase when ready. You can put a stop payment on the check, which tells Chase not to honor it if someone else tries to cash it. Chase charges a stop payment fee, usually $25 to $35. If the check has already cleared, you cannot reverse the transaction through a stop payment; you would need to contact the payee or pursue other remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line and sign the check. You can then deposit it into another account you own or cash it at a Chase branch or ATM. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to withdraw cash.

What if I make a mistake while writing a check?

Do not cross out or erase the mistake. Tear up the check and write a new one. Banks will not process a check with visible corrections because it raises questions about whether the check was altered after you signed it.

How long does a check stay valid?

A check is valid for six months from the date written. After six months, it is considered stale and most banks will refuse to cash it. If you write a check and the recipient does not cash it within six months, you can write a new check or use a different payment method.

Can someone cash a check if my signature does not match the one on file?

The bank compares signatures when a check is deposited. If your signature looks significantly different from the one on file, the bank may reject the check or flag it for manual review. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. If your signature has changed, you can update it with Chase at a branch.

What is the difference between a personal check and a cashier's check?

A personal check is what you write from your own account; the bank does not may provide it until it clears. A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself and is may provide by Chase, so the payee knows the money is there. Cashier's checks cost a small fee (usually $10) and are used for large or sensitive transactions where the payee wants certainty of payment.