Most checking accounts include checks, but you have to order them yourself

When a bank says a checking account "comes with" checks, it means the account is set up to use checks — not that checks arrive in your mailbox automatically. You open the account, and then you order checks separately, either from the bank or from a third-party printer. Some banks include the cost of your first order in the account; others charge you per check or per box. A few banks no longer offer checks at all, even though the account is designed for them.

The phrase can be confusing because it sounds like checks should already be there. They are not. Think of it this way: a checking account that "comes with" checks is like a car that "comes with" the ability to use a radio — the equipment is built in, but you still have to buy or set up the radio itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Checks do not arrive automatically with a new checking account; you must order them separately from your bank or an outside printer.
  • Some banks include the cost of your first box of checks in the account setup, while others charge per check or per box.
  • You can order checks online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and they usually arrive within one to two weeks.
  • Not all banks offer checks anymore, so confirm your bank provides them before opening an account if checks matter to you.
  • Digital payment methods like transfers and bill pay have made checks less common, but they are still useful for rent, security deposits, and payments to people without bank accounts.

How to order checks for your new account

Once your checking account is open, you can order checks through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on your debit card. Most banks have a section labeled "Order Checks" or "Check Services" in the account settings. You will choose the style and quantity — a standard box usually holds 25 or 50 checks — and provide your address for delivery.

The process takes a few minutes. Your account number, routing number, and address are already in the system, so the bank fills those in automatically. You just confirm the quantity and pay if there is a charge. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks, depending on the bank and the time of year.

If you do not want to wait, some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee, or you can pick up a temporary starter set of checks at a branch in person. Starter checks are plain and come in smaller quantities, but they work the same way as regular checks.

What you pay for checks, and when

The cost varies by bank and account type. Some banks include one free box of checks per year or per account opening. Others charge between $10 and $20 per box of 25 checks. A few charge per individual check — usually a few cents each — which adds up if you order frequently.

You can also order checks from third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, or online check printing companies. These are often cheaper than ordering through your bank — sometimes half the price — but you have to enter your account information yourself, and you are responsible for getting the routing number and account number correct. If you make a mistake, the checks will not work.

Ask your bank about the cost before you order. Some accounts marketed as "free checking" still charge for checks, while others include them. The fee is usually a one-time charge per box, not a monthly fee.

Why banks still offer checks when most people use digital payments

Checks have become less common, but they have not disappeared. Landlords often require checks for rent and security deposits because a check is a paper record that both sides can keep. Some older people and small businesses still prefer checks. And if you need to send money to someone without a bank account, a check is one of the few ways to do it.

Banks keep checks available because some customers still need them regularly, and because offering checks is a low-cost way to keep an account competitive. But the trend is clear: fewer people order checks, and some banks have stopped offering them altogether. If you think you will need checks, confirm your bank provides them before you open an account.

When you actually need to write a check

You write a check when you want to send money to someone and you do not have their bank account number, or when the person or business prefers a check. Common reasons include paying rent, making a security deposit, paying a contractor or repair person, or sending money to a family member who does not have a bank account.

To write a check, you fill in the date, the name of the person or business you are paying, the amount in numbers and words, and sign it. You keep a record in the check register that came with your checks, or in a note on your phone. The person you paid deposits or cashes the check at their bank, and the money comes out of your account a few days later.

Checks are slower than digital transfers — they can take three to five business days to clear — so do not use them when you need money to move fast. But for planned payments like rent, they work well and create a paper trail.

What happens if your bank does not offer checks

Some newer banks and online-only banks do not offer checks at all. If you open an account at one of these banks and later realize you need checks, you have a few options. You can order checks from a third-party printer and use your account number and routing number, though this carries the risk of entering the numbers wrong. You can ask the bank if they will print checks for you as a special request, though many will decline. Or you can open a second checking account at a traditional bank that does offer checks, just to have access to them when you need them.

Before you open an account, check the bank's website or call and ask whether checks are available. If the bank says no, ask whether you can order them from an outside printer and have them work with your account. Some banks say yes; others say the account is not compatible with outside checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order checks if I have a checking account?

No. Many people never order checks and use digital transfers, bill pay, and debit cards instead. You only need checks if you plan to write them. If you think you might need them later, it is easier to order them now than to wait until you are in a hurry.

Can I use checks from a different bank?

No. Checks are tied to your specific account at your specific bank. The routing number and account number printed on the check tell the banking system where to pull the money from. Checks from another bank will not work with your account.

What if I order checks and then close the account?

Checks you have already ordered will still work until they are cashed or deposited, because they are tied to your account number. However, once you close the account, any new checks will bounce because there is no account to pull money from. If you close an account, stop using any remaining checks when ready.

How long do checks take to arrive?

Standard delivery usually takes one to two weeks from the time you order. Expedited shipping can cut this to three to five business days, but most banks charge extra for it. Starter checks from a branch arrive when ready if you pick them up in person.

Can someone else use my checks?

Technically, yes — anyone with a check can write it and sign your name. This is why you should store checks in a safe place and not give them to people you do not trust. If someone forges your signature on a check, report it to your bank right away. Your bank can reverse the transaction and investigate.