Order checks through PNC's online banking portal or by phone
You can order checks from PNC Bank in three ways: through your online banking account, by calling PNC's customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person. The online method is fastest — you can place an order in minutes and typically receive checks within 7 to 10 business days. Phone and in-person orders follow the same timeline.
PNC does not charge a fee to order checks, though the cost of the checks themselves varies depending on the style and quantity you choose. Standard checks cost less than designer or specialty checks. You'll pay for the checks when you place the order, and the charge appears on your account statement.
Before you order, have your account number and routing number ready. You'll also need to decide how many checks you want — PNC typically sells them in boxes of 25, 50, or 100. If you're not sure which style to pick, standard checks work for all banking purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Order checks online through your PNC account, by phone at the customer service number on your debit card, or in person at any PNC branch.
- Standard checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days at no ordering fee, though you pay for the checks themselves based on style and quantity.
- You need your account number and routing number to place an order, both visible on your existing checks or in your online banking profile.
- PNC offers standard, designer, and specialty check styles at different price points — standard checks work for all purposes and cost the least.
Ordering checks online through your PNC account
Log into your PNC online banking account and look for a link labeled "Order Checks" or "Manage Checks" — the exact wording varies by account type. This link usually appears in the account services or account management section. Click it and you'll see options for check style, quantity, and delivery address.
Select the number of boxes you want to order. PNC sells checks in boxes of 25, 50, or 100. If you use checks regularly, ordering 100 at a time is usually more economical per check than ordering 25. Review the price before you confirm — it will show the total cost and when the checks will arrive.
Confirm your delivery address. PNC will mail checks to the address on file for your account unless you specify otherwise. If you've moved recently or want checks sent somewhere else, update the address before you submit the order. Once you confirm, the order is placed and you'll see a confirmation number on screen.
Ordering checks by phone or in person
Call the customer service number on the back of your PNC debit card to order by phone. A representative will ask for your account number, the number of boxes you want, and your preferred check style. They'll confirm the delivery address and process the payment. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If you prefer to order in person, visit any PNC branch during business hours. Bring your debit card or account information. A teller can show you sample check styles and place the order while you wait. You'll pay at that time and receive a receipt with your order confirmation number.
Both phone and in-person orders take the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive as online orders. There is no speed advantage to ordering by phone or in person — the timeline depends on PNC's check printing and mailing process, not the method you use to place the order.
What information you need before ordering
Have your account number ready. This is the number that appears on your existing checks, usually in the lower left corner. If you don't have a check handy, log into your online banking account — your account number appears there too.
You'll also need your routing number, which is the nine-digit code that identifies PNC Bank. Your routing number also appears on your existing checks, in the lower left corner before your account number. If you can't find it, your online banking profile shows it under account details.
Decide on a check style before you order. PNC offers standard checks (plain, single-color design), designer checks (with images or patterns), and specialty checks (leather covers, novelty designs). Standard checks are the least expensive and work for all banking and bill-paying purposes. Designer and specialty checks cost more but function identically.
Check delivery and what to do if they don't arrive
PNC mails checks to the address on file for your account. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you place the order. This timeline assumes standard mail delivery — it does not include weekends or federal holidays. If you ordered on a Friday, the 7 to 10 days begins the following Monday.
If your checks don't arrive within 12 business days, contact PNC customer service. Have your order confirmation number ready. A representative can check the status of your order and determine whether the checks are still in transit or if there was a problem with the mailing address. If the address was incorrect, PNC can reissue the order at no extra charge.
Once your checks arrive, inspect them for printing errors before you use them. If the account number, routing number, or your name is printed incorrectly, contact PNC when ready. They will reprint and remail the checks at no cost. Do not use checks with errors — they may not clear properly.
Reordering checks and managing your supply
You can order new checks whenever you need them. There's no minimum time between orders and no limit on how many times per year you can order. If you use checks frequently, you might order a new box every few months. If you rarely write checks, you may only order once a year or less.
Keep track of how many checks you have left so you don't run out unexpectedly. If you're down to your last 10 or 15 checks and you know you'll need more soon, place an order — remember that delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Ordering early prevents the situation where you need to write a check but don't have any on hand.
If you lose a checkbook or it's damaged, you can order a replacement when ready using the same process. PNC will print new checks with the same account and routing numbers, so there's no disruption to your banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks for a joint account?
Yes. If the account is in both names, both names will print on the checks. Log into the account online or call customer service — the person placing the order doesn't have to be a signer on the account, but they do need access to the account information.
What if I want my name spelled differently on the checks?
Contact PNC customer service before you place the order. They can update how your name appears on the checks. Changes take effect on your next order, so if you've already ordered checks with the old spelling, you'll need to place a new order after the name change is processed.
Do I have to pay for checks every time I order?
Yes. There is no fee to place an order, but you pay for the checks themselves at the time of ordering. The cost varies by style and quantity. Standard checks are the least expensive option. The charge appears on your account statement as a debit.
Can I order checks if my account is overdrawn?
PNC may allow you to order checks even if your account balance is negative, but the charge for the checks will increase your overdraft. Contact customer service to confirm whether your account status allows ordering. If you can't order online, calling or visiting a branch may give you other options.
What happens if I close my PNC account before my checks arrive?
Contact PNC when ready to cancel the order if possible. If the checks have already been printed and mailed, you may not be able to stop them. Checks printed with a closed account number will not clear, so do not use them. Destroy them when they arrive.