Writing a Wells Fargo check follows the same steps as any bank check

A Wells Fargo check is a standard paper check issued by Wells Fargo Bank. Writing one means filling in six pieces of information in a specific order: the date, the recipient's name, the dollar amount in numbers, the dollar amount in words, a memo line, and your signature. The check itself has printed fields and blank spaces where each piece goes. Once you fill it in correctly and sign it, the recipient can deposit or cash it at their bank.

You write checks from a checkbook that came with your Wells Fargo checking account. If you do not have checks yet, you can order them through your Wells Fargo account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Write the date in the top right corner, using the format month/day/year or the full date written out.
  • Write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, using the exact name they expect to receive payment under.
  • Write the dollar amount in numbers in the box on the right side, and write the same amount in words on the line below the recipient's name.
  • Sign the check in the bottom right corner with the same signature you provided to Wells Fargo when you opened your account.
  • The memo line is optional and lets you note the reason for the payment, such as "rent" or "invoice 2024-15".

The date field and why it matters

The date appears in the top right corner of the check. Write it in the format month/day/year (for example, 01/15/2024) or write out the full date in words (January 15, 2024). Either format is acceptable.

The date tells the bank and the recipient when you wrote the check. A check is valid for six months from the date written. If someone tries to deposit or cash a check more than six months after the date you wrote, the bank may refuse it. If you write a future date on the check (called post-dating), the recipient should not deposit it until that date arrives, though some banks will process it anyway.

The "Pay to the Order of" line and recipient name

Below the date, on the left side of the check, you will see a line that says "Pay to the Order of" or similar wording. Write the name of the person or business that will receive the money. Use the exact name they expect: if paying a company, use the legal business name; if paying a person, use their full name as they have it on their bank account.

The bank uses this name to process the check. If the name does not match the account the recipient tries to deposit into, the bank may reject the check or delay processing. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — write a new check instead.

The dollar amount in numbers and words

On the right side of the check, in a box labeled with a dollar sign, write the amount in numbers: $150.00, $1,250.50, or whatever the payment is. Include cents, even if the amount is a whole dollar figure.

On the line below the recipient's name, write the same amount in words: "One hundred fifty dollars and 00/100" or "One thousand two hundred fifty dollars and 50/100". The fraction at the end represents cents. If the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, the bank will typically process the check for the amount written in words, since that is considered the legal amount.

The memo line and your signature

The memo line is a small blank space, usually in the bottom left corner, where you can write a note about the check. This is optional. You might write "rent," "invoice payment," "medical bill," or any other note that helps you and the recipient track what the payment is for. The memo line does not affect how the check is processed.

In the bottom right corner, sign the check with your signature — the same signature you provided to Wells Fargo when you opened your account. Your signature authorizes the bank to withdraw the money from your account. A check without a signature is not valid. Do not sign a blank check, and do not let anyone else sign checks from your account.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a check

Crossing out or using correction fluid on a check can make it invalid. If you make a mistake, write a new check and mark the original "VOID" in large letters across the front. Keep the voided check in your records.

Writing the wrong amount in numbers or words, misspelling the recipient's name, or forgetting to sign are all reasons a bank may reject a check or delay processing. Double-check all information before handing the check to the recipient. If you are mailing the check, use a find envelope and consider tracking it if the amount is large.

Do not write a check for more money than you have in your account. If you do, the check will bounce — the bank will refuse to pay it and charge you a non-sufficient funds fee. The recipient may also charge you a fee for the bounced check.

What happens after you write and send a check

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the check at their bank, that bank sends it to a clearing house, which routes it to Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo verifies your signature, checks that you have enough money in your account, and withdraws the amount. This process typically takes 1 to 3 business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved.

You can track a check you wrote by looking at your Wells Fargo account online or through the mobile app. Once the check clears, it will show as a debit in your transaction history. Keep your checkbook register or a record of checks you write so you know what money is pending and what has cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your own name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, fill in the amount, and sign the check. You can then deposit it into another account or cash it at a Wells Fargo branch. This is sometimes done when moving money between accounts or when you need cash.

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

The bank will process the check for the amount written in words, since that is the legal amount. To avoid confusion and potential disputes, write a new check with matching amounts in both places.

How long is a check valid after I write it?

A check is valid for six months from the date you write it. After six months, the bank may refuse to process it. If you need to cancel a check before it is deposited, contact Wells Fargo right away.

Do I need to use a pen to write a check?

Yes, use a pen with dark ink (blue or black). Pencil can be erased, which creates a security risk. Some banks also require that you use permanent ink that cannot be altered.

What should I do if I lose a check I wrote?

Contact Wells Fargo and report the missing check. Provide the check number, date, and amount. Wells Fargo can flag the check so that if someone tries to cash it, the bank will refuse it. You can then write a replacement check to the recipient.