Discover does not issue checks with your account, but you have working alternatives
Discover Bank checking accounts do not come with a checkbook. Discover stopped offering checks years ago and does not plan to restart the service. If you need to pay someone by check, you have three realistic options: use your debit card instead, write checks from a different bank account you control, or order checks through a third-party vendor and pay out of pocket.
The reason Discover dropped checks is straightforward: most people stopped using them. Checks are slower than digital payments, more expensive for the bank to process, and less common in daily life. Discover's business model focuses on customers who are comfortable with digital banking, so they removed the cost and complexity of check handling.
If you are reading this because you need to pay a bill or a person right now, the fastest path is usually your Discover debit card or a bank transfer. If you specifically need a physical check for a landlord, contractor, or other party that will not take digital payment, read on.
Key Takeaways
- Discover checking accounts do not include checks and Discover will not issue them, even if you request them.
- Your Discover debit card works for most payments where a check would have worked, and the money clears the same day or next day.
- You can order checks from third-party vendors like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers and pay them from your Discover account balance.
- If you need checks regularly, opening a second checking account at a traditional bank may be simpler than ordering checks each time.
- Bank transfers and bill pay through Discover's website handle most recurring payments without needing a check at all.
Why Discover does not offer checks
Discover made a deliberate choice to exclude checks from their checking product. The company decided that the cost of printing, shipping, and processing checks did not match the value their customers got from them. Discover's customer base tends to be digitally savvy and comfortable with debit cards, transfers, and online bill pay—the tools that make checks unnecessary.
This is not a temporary limitation or a service you can request. Discover's website and customer service are clear that checks are not part of the account, and calling to ask will not change that. If checks are essential to how you manage money, Discover checking may not be the right fit for you, and switching to a bank that offers them is a reasonable choice.
Using your Discover debit card instead of a check
For most situations where you would write a check, your Discover debit card is faster and equally accepted. You can use it in person at a store, over the phone, or online. The payment clears the same day or the next business day, which is actually faster than a check (which can take three to five days to clear).
The main limitation is that some landlords, contractors, and government agencies still require a physical check or a money order. If the person or organization you are paying will not take a card, move to the next option. But if they will, the debit card is your simplest path.
Ordering checks from a third-party vendor
You can order personal checks from vendors outside of Discover and pay for them with your Discover debit card or account balance. Common sources include Costco (if you have a membership), Walmart, and online check printers like Deluxe, Harland Clarke, or Carousel Checks. Prices vary, but a box of 200 checks typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the vendor and design.
When you order, you will provide your Discover account number and routing number (which you can find in your Discover app or online banking portal). The checks will print with your name and address, and you can use them to pay anyone. The money comes out of your Discover account when the check clears, just as it would with any other bank.
The main drawback is the wait time. Online check printers usually ship within five to ten business days, and Costco or Walmart may have faster turnaround if you order in person. If you need a check within a few days, this route will not work.
Using Discover's bill pay and transfer features
Discover's online banking platform includes bill pay and bank transfer tools that handle most recurring payments without a check. You can set up automatic payments to utilities, credit cards, insurance companies, and loan servicers directly from your Discover account. For one-time payments to individuals, you can use Discover's transfer feature to send money to another bank account.
These tools are faster and more find than checks. The payment is confirmed when ready, and you have a digital record of every transaction. If you are paying rent, a contractor, or a medical bill, ask the recipient if they accept bank transfers or automatic payments first—many do, and it saves you the cost and wait time of ordering checks.
Opening a second checking account at a traditional bank
If you find yourself needing checks regularly, the most practical long-term solution may be to open a checking account at a bank that offers them. You do not have to close your Discover account. You can keep Discover for its interest rate or other features and use the second account specifically for checks and check-writing.
Many banks offer free checking with no minimum balance, so the only cost is your time to open the account. You would deposit money into that account when you need to write checks, or you could set up a transfer from Discover to move funds over as needed. This approach works well if you write checks occasionally but do not want to order them every time.
Money orders as a check alternative
If you need to send money to someone who will not take a debit card or bank transfer, a money order is another option. You can buy a money order at Walmart, the post office, or many grocery stores for a small fee (usually $1 to $3). You pay with your Discover debit card, and the money order is issued in your name.
Money orders are slower than checks in some ways (you have to go in person to buy them) but faster in others (they clear quickly and are harder to dispute). They work well for one-time payments when you do not have time to order checks. The downside is that you lose the digital record of the transaction, so keep your receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request checks from Discover if I have been a customer for a long time?
No. Discover's policy is firm: checking accounts do not include checks, regardless of how long you have been a customer or how much money you have in the account. Calling customer service will not change this. If checks are important to you, you will need to use one of the alternatives listed above or switch to a different bank.
What if I need a check within the next few days?
Order a money order at Walmart or the post office (takes an hour), or ask the person you are paying whether they accept a debit card, bank transfer, or digital payment instead. If they absolutely require a physical check and you have no time to order one, opening a second checking account at a local bank and writing a check from that account is your fastest option.
Will Discover ever start offering checks?
Discover has not indicated any plans to offer checks. The company's strategy is built around digital banking, and checks do not fit that model. If this is a dealbreaker for you, consider whether a traditional bank or credit union might be a better fit for your banking needs.
Can I use checks from my old bank account while I have Discover?
Yes, if you still have an active account at another bank. You can write checks from that account and pay them from your Discover balance by transferring money over when needed. This works as a temporary solution, but most banks will close inactive accounts after a period of time, so do not rely on it long-term.
Are there any fees for ordering checks from a third-party vendor?
Yes. Third-party check vendors charge between $15 and $40 per box of 200 checks, depending on the vendor and design options. Discover itself does not charge a fee—the fee goes to the vendor printing the checks. Some vendors offer discounts if you order in bulk or use promotional codes.