The basic order: date, payee, amount, signature

A Chase check has numbered fields in a specific order. Start at the top right with the date. Write it in any standard format—01/15/2024, January 15, 2024, or 15 Jan 2024 all work. The bank reads the date to know when you wrote it, which matters if the check clears weeks later.

Next, fill in the Pay to the Order of line—the long line in the middle left. Write the name of the person or business receiving the money. Use the exact name they give you. If it's a company, write it as they've registered it. If it's a person, their first and last name is enough; middle initials help if there are multiple people with the same name, but they're not required.

On the right side, write the dollar amount in numbers in the box marked with a dollar sign. Write $150.00, not $150 or $150.—the cents matter for clarity. Below that box, on the line that says "Dollars," write out the same amount in words: "One Hundred Fifty and 00/100." The written version is what the bank legally uses if the numbers and words don't match, so accuracy here prevents disputes.

At the bottom right, sign your name in the signature line. Use the same signature you registered with Chase when you opened the account. The bank compares it to the one on file; a drastically different signature can cause the check to be rejected or held for verification.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner in any standard format—the bank uses it to track when the check was issued.
  • The "Pay to the Order of" line must have the exact name of the person or business receiving the money, spelled correctly.
  • Write the dollar amount twice: in numbers in the box on the right, and in words on the "Dollars" line below it.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner using the same signature you registered with Chase.
  • Do not post-date checks (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason—banks may cash them early anyway.

Where each field goes on the check

Chase checks follow the standard layout used by most U.S. banks. The top right corner has a small box for the date. Directly below that is a larger box for the dollar amount in numbers. The left side has the long "Pay to the Order of" line, and below it is the "Dollars" line where you write the amount in words. At the bottom, you'll see your account number on the left, the routing number in the center, and the check number on the right—these are pre-printed and you don't fill them in.

The signature line is at the bottom right, usually labeled "Authorized Signature" or just a blank line. Some Chase checks have a memo line below the payee line, on the left side. This is optional and is for your own record-keeping—write what the check is for (rent, invoice #1234, etc.) so you remember later.

Common mistakes that delay or reject checks

Writing the amount in numbers and words differently is the most common error. If you write $150 in the box but "One Hundred Fifty-Five and 00/100" on the line, the bank will flag it. The written version takes legal priority, so the recipient might receive a check for $155 instead of $150, or the bank might hold it and ask you to clarify. Always double-check both amounts match before you hand over the check.

Leaving the payee line blank or writing it illegibly causes the bank to reject the check or delay it for verification. The recipient's name is non-negotiable. Similarly, signing with a signature that doesn't match your registration can trigger a hold. If your signature has changed significantly over time, you can update it with Chase, but for now, sign the way you did when you opened the account.

Post-dating a check (writing a future date) doesn't may provide the bank won't cash it early. Federal law allows banks to process checks before the date written on them. If you need to delay payment, contact the recipient directly or use a scheduled transfer through Chase's online banking instead.

Writing in pen is standard; pencil fades and can be altered. Avoid corrections—if you make a mistake, void the check and start over on a new one. A crossed-out or whited-out field raises red flags and may cause rejection.

Using Chase's online check writing and mobile deposit

If you have a Chase checking account, you can write checks through Chase's online banking portal without touching paper. Log in, go to Pay Bills or Transfers, and select "Write a Check." Fill in the payee name, amount, and date the same way you would on paper. Chase prints and mails the physical check to the recipient, or you can print it yourself if you have blank check stock. This method is useful if you're paying someone who doesn't have a bank account or prefers checks over electronic transfers.

Mobile deposit lets you deposit checks into your Chase account using your phone. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, open the Chase Mobile app, select "Deposit a Check," and upload the images. The bank processes it within one to two business days. This doesn't help you write checks, but it speeds up depositing checks you receive.

What happens after you hand over the check

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the check, it goes through the clearing process. The recipient's bank sends it to a clearing house, which routes it to Chase. Chase verifies your signature, checks that your account has enough funds, and deducts the amount. This typically takes one to three business days, though it can be faster if both banks are in the same network.

Until the check clears, the money is still technically in your account, but it's held and unavailable. Once it clears, it's gone. If you need to stop payment on a check before it clears, you can place a stop-payment order through Chase's website, app, or by calling customer service. There's usually a fee (around $30 to $35), and you must act quickly—once the check has been processed, it's too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check for less than a dollar?

Yes. Write the amount as you normally would—$0.50, for example—and spell it out on the Dollars line as "Fifty and 00/100." Banks process checks of any amount, though some recipients may not accept checks for very small amounts because the processing cost isn't worth it.

What if I make a mistake on the check?

Void it and use a new check. Write "VOID" across the front in large letters and keep it for your records. Do not cross out, erase, or use white-out—banks reject altered checks. If you've already handed it over, contact the recipient and ask them to destroy it, then write a new one.

Do I need to write the check number myself?

No. Your check number is pre-printed in the bottom right corner. Chase assigns it automatically when you order checks. You don't fill it in.

Can someone else sign my check?

Only if the account is in both your names and you've authorized them to sign. If the account is in your name only, only you can sign. A signature that doesn't match your registration will cause the check to be rejected or held.

How long does a check stay valid?

A check is generally valid for six months from the date written. After that, the recipient's bank may refuse to cash it. If you write a check and it doesn't get deposited within six months, you can write a new one or use an electronic transfer instead.