Yes, you can write checks from most online checking accounts, but the process and speed depend on which bank you use
Most online banks that offer checking accounts let you order checks and write them the same way you would from a traditional bank. The checks draw from your online account just like they would from any other checking account. However, some online banks do not offer checks at all, and those that do may charge you for them or take longer to deliver them than a brick-and-mortar bank would.
The real difference is not whether you can write checks—it is how long it takes to get them and whether the bank charges a fee. If you need checks when ready, an online bank is not the right choice. If you can wait a week or two and do not mind paying a small fee, most online banks will work fine.
Key Takeaways
- Most online banks let you order checks through their website or app, and they arrive by mail in one to two weeks.
- Some online banks charge $10 to $25 per box of checks, while others include them free or at a lower cost.
- A few online banks do not offer checks at all—you should confirm this before opening an account if you plan to write checks regularly.
- If you need checks within days rather than weeks, a local bank or credit union will be faster, or you can order checks from a third-party printer.
- Checks written from an online account clear through the same banking system as checks from any other bank.
How to order checks from an online bank
The process is straightforward. Log into your online banking portal or mobile app, look for a section labeled "Order Checks" or "Check Services," and follow the prompts. You will choose the design and quantity, confirm your account number and routing number (the bank fills these in automatically), and pay any fee if one applies. The bank then mails the checks to your address on file.
Delivery typically takes seven to fourteen business days, depending on the bank and your location. Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee—usually $10 to $15—if you need checks faster. A few online banks partner with third-party check printers and may offer next-business-day delivery, but this is rare and usually costs more.
Which online banks charge for checks and which do not
Check pricing varies widely. Some online banks include a box of checks free with your account or charge only $5 to $10 per box. Others charge $15 to $25 per box. A small number of online banks—including some that focus on savings rather than checking—do not offer checks at all.
Before opening an account, check the bank's website or call customer service to confirm whether checks are available and what they cost. If you plan to write more than a few checks per year, the cost adds up. If you write checks rarely, the fee may not matter. Some people who write checks frequently keep both an online account (for savings and transfers) and a traditional checking account (for checks) at a local bank or credit union.
Checks from online accounts work the same way as any other check
Once you receive your checks and write them, they function identically to checks from a traditional bank. The recipient deposits or cashes them, and the check clears through the Federal Reserve's check-clearing system. Your online bank's routing number and your account number are printed on the check, just as they would be on a check from any other bank.
The only difference a recipient might notice is the bank name printed on the check. If your online bank is not a household name in your area, some people may ask you to verify the account is real—but this is rare. The check itself is legal and valid regardless of which bank issued it.
When an online account is not practical for check writing
If you need checks within a few days, an online bank will not work. You have two alternatives: open a checking account at a local bank or credit union (which can issue checks when ready or within a day or two), or order checks from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco. Third-party printers often deliver faster than online banks and sometimes cost less, but you have to provide your routing number and account number yourself, which adds a step.
If you write checks frequently—more than ten or twenty per month—a traditional checking account may be more practical than an online account, even if the online account has better interest rates or lower fees. The convenience of having checks on hand outweighs the savings for heavy check users.
What happens if your online bank closes or changes its check policy
If your online bank stops offering checks or closes entirely, you can still use checks you have already ordered. They remain valid as long as the account is open. If the bank closes, your account transfers to another bank (usually through the FDIC), and checks may continue to work during the transition, though you should contact the new bank to confirm.
If a bank changes its check policy and stops offering them, you will need to switch to a different bank if check writing is important to you. This is one reason to read the terms of service and check the bank's website periodically—policies do change, though usually with advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check from my online account before the checks arrive?
No. You cannot write a check until you have the physical checks in hand. If you need to send money before they arrive, use a bank transfer, wire transfer, or bill pay through your online banking portal instead. These methods are faster and do not require physical checks.
Do I have to use the checks the bank sends me, or can I order them from somewhere else?
You can order checks from a third-party printer instead. You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on your bank statements or in your online banking portal. Third-party checks cost about the same as bank checks and often arrive faster. Make sure the printer is reputable and that you provide the correct numbers.
What if I write a check and then close my online account?
The check will still be valid as long as the account was open when you wrote it. If the recipient deposits it after you close the account, it may bounce or be rejected, depending on the timing and the bank's policies. Avoid writing checks on an account you plan to close soon.
Are checks from online banks treated differently by merchants or banks?
No. A check is a check. The recipient's bank does not care whether it came from an online bank or a traditional bank. It clears through the same system and takes the same amount of time. The only difference is the bank name printed on the check.
Can I deposit checks into my online account?
Yes. Most online banks let you deposit checks using mobile check deposit—you photograph the front and back of the check with your phone and submit it through the app. The funds usually appear in your account within one to two business days. Some online banks also accept checks by mail.