How To Properly Fill Out A Bank Of America Check

Quick answer

• Ensure your signature matches your bank account’s authorized signature.
• Write the payee’s name clearly and accurately.
• Use numbers for the dollar amount and write out the cents.
• Double-check the date to avoid issues.
• Sign the check in the designated signature line.
• Write the memo line if you want to note the purpose of the payment.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to write a check to pay a bill or person.
• New account holders at Bank of America unfamiliar with check writing.
• Anyone who wants a refresher on the proper way to complete a check.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before you write a check, know exactly who you are paying and by when. Is this for an immediate bill, a gift, or a recurring payment? Having a clear objective helps ensure you fill out the check correctly the first time, avoiding potential delays or errors.

Current cash flow

Confirm you have sufficient funds in your Bank of America account to cover the amount of the check. Bouncing a check can lead to significant fees from your bank and the payee, and can negatively impact your financial reputation. Review your account balance before writing.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

While not directly related to filling out a check, having an emergency fund is crucial. If an unexpected expense arises that depletes your account, you might inadvertently bounce a check. Ensure your buffer is adequate for unforeseen circumstances.

Debt and interest rates

If the check is for a debt payment, confirm the amount due and any applicable interest. Writing a check for the wrong amount can lead to late fees or missed payments, impacting your credit score.

Credit impact

Bounced checks can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting your credit score. Even if not reported directly, repeated overdrafts can signal financial instability to lenders. Always ensure you have adequate funds.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Date the Check

What to do: Fill in the current date in the top right corner of the check.
What “good” looks like: The date is clear, legible, and accurately reflects when you are writing the check. For example, “10/26/2023”.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Writing an incorrect or future date. This can cause the payee to be unable to cash or deposit the check until that date, or it could lead to confusion if the check is presented much later. Always use the current date.

2. Fill in the Payee’s Name

What to do: Write the full, correct name of the person or company you are paying in the line labeled “Pay to the order of”.
What “good” looks like: The name is spelled correctly and matches the payee’s legal or business name exactly. For example, “John A. Smith” or “Acme Corporation”.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Misspelling the payee’s name or abbreviating it incorrectly. This can cause the bank to reject the check or delay its processing, and the payee may have trouble depositing it. Verify the correct spelling.

3. Write the Dollar Amount in Numbers

What to do: In the box to the right of the payee’s name, write the numerical dollar amount of the payment.
What “good” looks like: The number is clear and unambiguous, with a decimal point separating dollars and cents. For example, “$150.75”.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the box blank, writing the amount unclearly, or forgetting to include cents. This can lead to disputes about the intended amount. Fill it out precisely.

4. Write the Dollar Amount in Words

What to do: On the line below the payee’s name, write out the dollar amount in words.
What “good” looks like: The dollar amount is written out fully, with “and” separating the dollars and cents, and the cents written as a fraction over 100. For example, “One hundred fifty and 75/100”.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not writing this line, or writing it inaccurately. This written amount is legally binding and can override the numerical amount if there’s a discrepancy. Always write it out carefully.

5. Add a Memo (Optional but Recommended)

What to do: In the bottom left corner, in the line labeled “Memo”, write a brief note about the purpose of the check.
What “good” looks like: A clear, concise note indicating the reason for payment. For example, “Rent – October 2023”, “Invoice #12345”, or “Birthday Gift”.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the memo line blank for important payments, or writing something too vague. This can make it difficult for both you and the payee to track payments later. Use it to add clarity.

6. Sign the Check

What to do: Sign your name on the signature line in the bottom right corner of the check.
What “good” looks like: Your signature matches the signature on file with Bank of America for your account.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to sign the check, or signing with a different signature than what your bank has on record. An unsigned check is invalid, and a mismatched signature can lead to the check being rejected. Always sign it correctly.

7. Endorse the Back (When Depositing or Cashing)

What to do: If you are depositing or cashing the check, turn it over and endorse it on the back in the designated endorsement area.
What “good” looks like: Your signature matches your signature on the front of the check and your bank account. For mobile deposits, follow your bank’s specific instructions.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not endorsing the check, or endorsing it incorrectly. This will prevent you from depositing or cashing it. Ensure your endorsement is clear and matches your signature.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Forgetting to date the check	Payee may not be able to cash or deposit it immediately; can lead to confusion.	Always fill in the current date accurately.
Incorrect payee name	Bank may refuse to cash/deposit; payee may have issues.	Verify the exact spelling and legal name of the payee.
Discrepancy between numerical and written amounts	The written amount usually takes precedence, potentially causing financial loss or disputes.	Double-check both amounts match <em>before</em> signing.
Insufficient funds (NSF)	Bank will charge an NSF fee; payee may charge a returned item fee; can damage your banking relationship.	Always confirm you have enough money in your account before writing a check.
Forgetting to sign the check	The check is invalid and cannot be processed.	Always sign the check in the designated area.
Illegible handwriting	Can lead to errors in processing, disputes over amounts, or rejection by the bank.	Write clearly and legibly. If your handwriting is consistently difficult to read, consider using block letters.
Not endorsing the back of the check	You won’t be able to deposit or cash the check.	Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area before attempting to deposit or cash it.
Post-dating the check	Banks are not legally required to honor post-dated checks; it can be cashed immediately.	Write the current date. If a payment needs to be delayed, consider other methods like scheduling a payment or using a money order.
Writing checks on a closed account	The check will be returned for non-sufficient funds, and your bank may charge additional fees.	Ensure the account is active and has sufficient funds before writing any checks.
Overdrafting by writing many checks	Multiple NSF fees can quickly add up, significantly reducing your account balance and causing financial stress.	Monitor your account balance closely and avoid writing checks if you are near your limit.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are paying a business, then use their exact legal business name because this ensures proper crediting of the payment.
• If the payee’s name is difficult to spell, then confirm it with them directly before writing the check because accuracy prevents processing issues.
• If you are unsure of the exact amount due for a bill, then contact the creditor before writing the check because this avoids underpayment or overpayment.
• If you are paying someone for the first time, then consider adding a memo line indicating the purpose because this helps with record-keeping for both parties.
• If your signature has changed recently, then update your signature on file with Bank of America before writing checks because this prevents mismatches.
• If you are writing a check for a large sum, then consider using certified funds or a cashier’s check instead because these offer greater security and guarantee of funds.
• If you need to stop payment on a check, then contact Bank of America immediately because there are strict time limits for stopping payment.
• If you receive a check made out to you, then endorse it correctly before depositing because failure to do so will prevent the transaction.
• If you are writing a check for a significant recurring expense (like rent), then ensure you have a clear system for tracking these payments because this prevents accidental overdrafts.
• If you are writing a check to a minor, then consider making it out to their parent or guardian with a note indicating it’s for the minor because this is often easier for banking purposes.
• If you are writing a check for a gift, then write “Gift” or the occasion in the memo line because this is helpful for personal record-keeping.
• If you are concerned about check security, then always use ink and avoid erasable pens because this makes the check harder to alter.

FAQ

Q: What if I make a mistake while filling out the check?

A: If it’s a minor error and you haven’t signed it yet, you can often cross it out neatly, initial the change, and correct it. However, for significant errors, it’s usually best to void the check and write a new one.

Q: Can I write a check to myself?

A: Yes, you can write a check payable to yourself. This is typically done to withdraw cash from your account or to transfer funds between your own accounts.

Q: What does “Pay to the order of” mean?

A: This is the line where you write the name of the person or company who will receive the money from the check.

Q: What is the difference between the numerical amount and the written amount?

A: The numerical amount is in the box (e.g., $100.00), and the written amount is spelled out on the line below (e.g., One Hundred and 00/100). The written amount is considered the legal amount if there’s a discrepancy.

Q: How do I write cents on a check?

A: You write the cents as a fraction over 100 on the written amount line (e.g., 50/100) and use a decimal point for the numerical amount (e.g., $75.50).

Q: Can I use a pen other than black or blue ink?

A: While black or blue ink is preferred for clarity and is less likely to cause issues with scanners, other dark ink colors might be accepted. Avoid light colors or pencil.

Q: What happens if the payee doesn’t cash my check?

A: Checks typically expire after a certain period, often 6 months or a year, depending on the bank and state laws. If it’s not cashed, the funds will eventually return to your account, but it’s good practice to follow up with the payee.

Q: Do I need to write anything on the memo line?

A: The memo line is optional, but it’s highly recommended for your own record-keeping and to help the payee understand the purpose of the payment.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific Bank of America account fees or overdraft policies.
• Detailed steps for disputing a fraudulent check.
• How to order new checks from Bank of America.
• Information on other payment methods like money orders, cashier’s checks, or wire transfers.
• Legal advice regarding bounced checks or check fraud.