How to Write a Check at Chase Bank

Writing a check is the same whether you bank at Chase or anywhere else

A check is a written order that tells your bank to move money from your account to whoever you give the check to. You fill in the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in two places, and your signature. Your bank then transfers that money when the person deposits or cashes the check. Chase provides the blank checks tied to your account, and the process works the same across all U.S. banks.

You do not need to do anything special at Chase to write a check — your account comes with check-writing built in. If you have not received checks yet, you can order them through your Chase account online or by calling the number on the back of your debit card. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• Fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount (in numbers and words), and your signature on the check itself.
• The routing number and account number printed on your checks are unique to your Chase account and are used to process the payment.
• You can order checks through your Chase online account or by phone, and they arrive in about a week to 10 days.
• Checks can take several business days to clear, so keep track of what you have written to avoid overdrafting your account.

The six parts of a check and where to fill them in

Every check has the same layout. At the top left is your name and address — this is pre-printed by Chase. Below that is a box for the date you are writing the check. To the right of the date line is a blank for the payee name (the person or business you are paying). Below the payee line is a box for the dollar amount in numbers (like $50.00), and to the left of that is a long line where you write the amount in words (like "Fifty dollars").

Below those lines is a memo line — this is optional and is just for your own notes about what the check is for. At the bottom left of the check is your signature line. You must sign the check or it will not be processed. At the bottom of the check are three numbers: your routing number (on the left), your account number (in the middle), and the check number (on the right). Chase prints these automatically, and you do not fill them in.

Step-by-step: filling out a check correctly

Step 1: Write the date. Fill in the current date in the date box at the top right. You can write it as 01/15/2025 or January 15, 2025 — either format works. Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason, because the recipient can deposit it before that date and your bank will process it.

Step 2: Write the payee name. On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the full name of the person or business you are paying. If you are paying a company, use the exact legal name (for example, "Acme Electric Company" rather than just "Acme"). If you are paying a person, their first and last name is enough.

Step 3: Write the dollar amount in numbers. In the box on the right side of the check, write the amount in numbers with a dollar sign and two decimal places (for example, $125.50). Write it close to the left edge of the box so there is no room for someone to add digits in front of it.

Step 4: Write the dollar amount in words. On the long line below the payee name, write out the same amount in words. Write "One hundred twenty-five dollars and 50/100" or "One hundred twenty-five and 50/100 dollars." If the amount is a whole dollar amount with no cents, you can write "One hundred twenty-five dollars and 00/100" or just "One hundred twenty-five dollars." The bank uses this line to verify the amount matches the numbers you wrote.

Step 5: Fill in the memo line (optional). On the line marked "Memo," you can write a short note about what the check is for — for example, "Rent for January" or "Invoice #4521." This is for your records and the recipient's records. It does not affect how the check is processed.

Step 6: Sign the check. Sign your name on the signature line at the bottom right. Your signature must match the signature on file with Chase, or the bank may refuse to process the check. Use pen, not pencil, so the signature cannot be erased.

Common mistakes that slow down or block a check

The most common error is writing different amounts in numbers and words. If you write $100 in the number box but "Fifty dollars" in words, the bank will contact the recipient or the person who wrote the check to clarify. This can delay the check by days.

Another mistake is forgetting to sign the check. An unsigned check will be rejected and returned to you. Smudging or crossing out information also causes problems — if you make a mistake, void that check (write "VOID" across it) and start over on a fresh check.

Writing a check to "Cash" instead of a person or business name is legal but risky. Anyone who has the check can cash it, so if you lose it or it is stolen, someone else can take the money. If you must write a check to cash, keep it find until you deposit or cash it yourself.

How long a check takes to clear at Chase

After you give someone a check, it can take 1 to 5 business days for the money to leave your account, depending on how quickly the recipient deposits it and how their bank processes it. Chase typically posts checks within one business day of receiving them, but the other bank may take longer.

This delay is important: if you write a check on Monday but do not have enough money in your account until Wednesday, the check may still bounce if the recipient deposits it on Tuesday. Keep a running total of what you have written in checks so you do not overdraft. You can track pending checks in your Chase online account or mobile app under your transaction history.

Ordering new checks from Chase

If you run out of checks, you can order them through your Chase online account. Log in, go to the account settings or service requests section, and look for "Order checks" or "Reorder checks." You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask them to order checks for you.

Chase offers standard checks at no cost for most checking accounts, though some premium accounts may have different options. Checks arrive in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks faster, some Chase branches can print temporary checks on the spot, though this is not available at all locations — call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I write a check and then change my mind?

If the check has not been deposited yet, contact the recipient and ask them to return it or destroy it. If you have already given it to them and cannot get it back, contact Chase and ask them to put a stop payment on that check number. Chase charges a fee (typically $25 to $35) for a stop payment, and it only works if the check has not already cleared.

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

You can write the check, but it will bounce if the recipient tries to deposit it before you have enough money. Your account will be charged an overdraft fee, and the recipient's bank may also charge them a fee. It is best to write a check only when you know the money is in your account.

Do I need to record every check I write?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Write down the check number, date, payee, and amount in a check register (a small booklet that comes with your checks) or in a note on your phone. This helps you track what you have spent and avoid overdrafting.

What if the recipient loses my check?

Ask them to contact their bank and file a claim for the missing check. If enough time has passed (usually 90 days), you can ask Chase to put a stop payment on it and then write a new check. You will be charged a stop payment fee.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the payee line, sign it, and deposit it into your account like any other check. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or to get cash from your account at a branch.