The basic order: date, payee, amount, signature

A Bank of America check has numbered blanks in a specific order. Start with the date in the top right corner. Write the month, day, and year — for example, "January 15, 2025" or "1/15/25". Both formats work.

Next, write the name of the person or business you are paying on the line that starts with "Pay to the Order of." Use the exact legal name if you know it — "John Smith" rather than "J. Smith" — because the recipient may need to match it to their records. If you are paying a business, use the name on their invoice or receipt.

In the box to the right of the payee line, write the dollar amount in numbers: "$150.00". Use the dollar sign and include cents, even if the amount is a whole number. Write clearly so the amount cannot be misread.

On the line below the payee line, write out the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars." Write the dollar amount in words, then write the cents as a fraction over 100. If you make a mistake on this line, draw a single line through it and write the correction above it. Do not use correction fluid.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner. Use the signature that matches your Bank of America account signature card — the one you signed when you opened the account. A check without a signature is not valid.

Key Takeaways

  • Fill in the date, payee name, dollar amount in numbers, amount in words, and your signature in that order.
  • Write the payee name exactly as it appears on their business records or legal documents.
  • The dollar amount in numbers and the amount in words must match, or the check may be rejected.
  • Sign the check with the same signature on file with your Bank of America account.
  • If you make a mistake, draw a single line through the error and write the correction above it — do not use white-out.

Where each blank goes on the check

Bank of America checks follow the standard layout used by most U.S. banks. The date box is in the top right corner. The "Pay to the Order of" line runs across the middle of the check, with a blank space for the payee name. To the right of that line is a box for the dollar amount in numbers.

Below the payee line is a longer blank for writing out the amount in words. This line typically starts with a printed dollar sign. At the bottom left of the check is a memo line — this is optional and is for your own record-keeping. Write what the check is for, such as "Rent" or "Invoice #2024-156."

The signature line is at the bottom right. Some checks have a second signature line next to it if two signatures are required on the account. Check your account documents to see whether your account requires one or two signatures.

Common mistakes that cause checks to be rejected

The most common reason a check is rejected is that the amount in numbers does not match the amount in words. If you write "$150.00" in the box but "One hundred forty and 00/100 dollars" on the line below, the bank will contact you or the recipient to clarify which amount is correct. To avoid this, fill in the numbers first, then write out the words to match.

A second frequent error is writing the payee name incorrectly or too vaguely. "Cash" is not a valid payee name on a personal check — if you need cash, use an ATM or visit a teller. If you write only a first name or a nickname, the recipient may not be able to deposit the check if their account is under a different name.

Unsigned checks are not valid. If you forget to sign, the check will be returned. Similarly, if your signature does not reasonably match the one on file with your account, the bank may reject it or contact you to confirm.

Do not post-date a check — that is, do not write a date in the future. Banks are not required to honor the future date and may process the check when ready. If you need the check to be held, contact the recipient and ask them to wait, or use a different payment method.

When to use memo line and routing information

The memo line at the bottom left of the check is for your reference only. Write a brief note about what the check is for: "Rent," "Car payment," "Invoice #5432," or "Tuition." This helps you track the check in your records and helps the recipient know what the payment covers. The memo line is optional — you can leave it blank.

Your Bank of America routing number and account number are already printed on the check. The routing number appears at the bottom left, followed by your account number. You do not need to write these in — they are there for the bank's processing. If someone asks you for your routing number and account number to receive a check, you can give them the numbers printed on your check.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you write something incorrectly, draw a single line through the mistake and write the correction above it. The bank will still process the check as long as the correction is clear and you initial the change. Do not use white-out, marker, or any other covering method — banks will reject checks that have been altered in ways they cannot read.

If the error is significant — for example, you wrote the wrong payee name or the wrong amount — it is safer to void the check and write a new one. Write "VOID" across the front of the incorrect check in large letters, and keep it with your records. Do not throw it away, because you need to account for the missing check number if someone asks.

If you have already mailed the check and realize there is an error, contact the recipient when ready and ask them not to deposit it. You can then send a corrected check. If the recipient has already deposited the incorrect check, contact your bank right away — they may be able to stop payment, though this depends on whether the check has already cleared.

Stopping payment on a check you have written

If you need to prevent a check from being cashed, you can place a stop payment order with Bank of America. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or log into your online banking account. You will need to provide the check number, the date, the payee name, and the amount.

Bank of America charges a fee for stop payment orders — the fee varies depending on your account type. The stop payment is effective for six months. If the check has already been processed and cleared, a stop payment order will not work, because the money has already left your account.

Stop payment is useful if a check is lost, stolen, or if you have a dispute with the payee. It is not a substitute for contacting the recipient directly — if they are expecting the payment, tell them you have stopped the check and explain why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check to "Cash"?

No. Personal checks require a specific payee name. If you need cash, withdraw it from an ATM, visit a Bank of America branch, or ask a teller. Writing "Cash" on a check creates a security risk because anyone who has the check can deposit it.

What if I write the wrong amount in words but the numbers are correct?

The bank will typically honor the amount written in numbers, but the recipient may question it or refuse to deposit the check. It is better to void the check and write a new one than to send a check with mismatched amounts.

Do I need to fill in the memo line?

No, the memo line is optional. It is for your own record-keeping and to help the recipient understand what the check is for. Leaving it blank does not affect whether the check is valid.

How long does a check stay valid?

A check is generally valid for six months from the date written. After six months, a bank may refuse to cash it. If you write a check and it is not deposited within six months, you can write a new one.

What if the check amount is less than one dollar?

Write the amount in numbers as usual — for example, "$0.50" — and write out the words as "Fifty and 00/100 dollars" or "Zero dollars and 50/100 cents." Both formats are acceptable.