Yes, you can order checks from your bank, and most banks will print them for you
When you open a checking account, the bank does not automatically send you checks. You have to order them separately, either through the bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks offer this service at no cost for the first order, though some charge a small fee—usually between $10 and $25 per box of 50 checks.
The process takes between 7 and 14 business days from the time you place the order. If you need checks faster, most banks offer expedited printing for an additional fee, typically $15 to $30, which cuts the wait to 3 to 5 business days. Some banks also let you print temporary checks from your account online while you wait for the official ones to arrive.
You do not need to order checks through your bank. Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint often charge less and offer more design options, though you will need your routing number and account number to place the order correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks print checks for free on your first order, though some charge $10 to $25 per box.
- Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days; expedited options cost extra but arrive in 3 to 5 days.
- You can order checks through your bank's website, by phone, or at a branch—no single method is faster than the others.
- Third-party check printers are often cheaper than banks and offer more design choices, as long as you have your routing and account numbers correct.
- Some banks let you print temporary checks online while you wait for your official checks to arrive.
How to order checks through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Manage Checks." Most banks put this in the account settings or services menu. You will need to confirm your account number, mailing address, and the style of checks you want (single-sided or duplicate). The bank will show you the cost and delivery date before you confirm.
If you prefer not to order online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. A representative can walk you through the options and process the order over the phone. Some banks require you to be the account holder to order checks, so bring an ID if you are ordering in person.
When the checks arrive, they will have your name, address, account number, and routing number pre-printed. Do not use them until you have verified that all the information is correct—especially the routing number, which is specific to your bank's location.
Ordering checks from a third-party printer
Third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint typically charge $10 to $20 per box of 50 checks, compared to $15 to $25 at many banks. They also offer more design options, including custom colors, logos, and layouts. The trade-off is that you have to enter your routing number and account number yourself, which means there is a higher risk of error if you type them incorrectly.
Before you order, verify your routing number and account number on a deposit slip, a statement, or by calling your bank. Write them down and double-check them against what you enter into the printer's website. If the numbers are wrong, the checks will not work when you try to use them, and you will have to order a new box.
Delivery times vary by printer. Deluxe typically takes 7 to 10 business days for standard orders. Costco and Vistaprint often deliver faster if you are a member or if you pay for expedited shipping. Compare shipping costs before you order, because a cheaper box of checks can become expensive once shipping is added.
What information appears on your checks
Your checks will show your name, address, phone number (optional), account number, and routing number. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both numbers are essential for the check to work. If either one is wrong, the check will bounce or be rejected.
You can also add a logo or custom design to checks ordered through most third-party printers, though this usually costs more and takes longer to print. Banks typically offer fewer design options and may not allow customization at all.
Using temporary checks while you wait
Many banks let you print temporary checks from your online account while you wait for your official checks to arrive. These are usually printed on regular paper with a watermark or security feature, and they work the same way as regular checks—the recipient deposits them, and the money comes out of your account.
Temporary checks are useful if you need to pay a bill or a person right away, but they are not as durable as official checks and may not be accepted by all businesses or individuals. Ask the person or business you are paying whether they will take a temporary check before you print one. Some landlords, utilities, and government agencies will not accept them.
Costs and fees for ordering checks
The cost of checks varies widely depending on where you order them and what style you choose. Most banks charge nothing for your first order, then $15 to $25 per box for subsequent orders. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account type.
Third-party printers are often cheaper per box but may charge shipping, which can add $5 to $15 to your total. Expedited printing at any printer costs extra—usually $15 to $30 on top of the check price. If you order checks infrequently, the difference may not matter much, but if you order several boxes a year, a cheaper printer can save you money.
Some banks offer unlimited free checks as a benefit of certain account types. If you use checks regularly, ask your bank whether a different account tier might save you money.
What to do if your checks do not arrive or have errors
If your checks do not arrive within the promised timeframe, contact the printer or bank when ready. Most will reprint and resend at no charge if the delay is their fault. If you ordered through a third-party printer and the checks have errors—wrong routing number, misspelled name, wrong account number—contact the printer right away. Do not use the checks; they will not work correctly.
If you ordered through your bank and the information is wrong, go to a branch or call customer service. The bank will cancel the order and print a new box. This usually takes another 7 to 14 business days, so verify the information carefully before you confirm your order the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks before my account is fully open?
Most banks let you order checks as soon as your account is active and you have an account number. Some require you to wait a few business days for the account to fully process. Call your bank or check your online account to see if the check ordering option is available.
What if I made a mistake on my routing number when I ordered from a third-party printer?
Contact the printer when ready and explain the error. Most will cancel the order and reprint with the correct number at no extra charge if you catch it before the checks ship. If the checks have already arrived, you will need to order a new box with the correct information and discard the old ones.
Do I have to use checks, or can I just use my debit card?
You do not have to order checks at all. Many people use debit cards, online bill pay, or bank transfers instead. Checks are useful for paying rent, making large purchases, or paying people who do not have bank accounts, but they are optional.
How long do checks stay valid after I order them?
Checks do not expire, but banks typically honor them for six months from the date written. After six months, a bank may refuse to cash or deposit a check, though many will still process it. If someone loses a check you wrote, you can put a stop payment on it through your bank for a fee, usually $25 to $35.
Can I reorder the same checks if I like the design?
Yes. If you ordered through a third-party printer, you can usually reorder the same design from your account. If you ordered through your bank, you may be able to reorder the same style, though banks often discontinue designs or require you to choose a new one.