Yes, you can write checks from Upgrade checking, but with one important limit
Upgrade checking accounts come with a debit card and online transfers, but they do not include physical checks. You cannot order checks through Upgrade or write checks directly from your account the way you would with a traditional bank account.
However, you have options if you need to pay someone by check. You can use a third-party check printing service, ask your payee if they accept other payment methods, or visit a bank branch in person to request a cashier's check. The method you choose depends on how often you need checks and how quickly you need them.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade checking does not provide physical checks or allow you to order them through the account.
- You can print checks yourself using third-party services like Deluxe or Costco, which mail them to you within one to two weeks.
- A cashier's check from any bank branch works when you need to pay someone when ready and they require a check.
- Many people who switch to online banks find they rarely need checks because most bills can be paid online or by debit card.
- If you write checks regularly, a traditional bank account or a checking account that includes checks may be a better fit for your needs.
How to get checks if you use Upgrade
The most common option is to order checks from a third-party printer. Companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart all print checks that work with any checking account. You provide your account number, routing number, and the bank name (Upgrade), and they print checks with your information. These arrive by mail in one to two weeks, and the cost is usually between $10 and $30 per box of 100 checks.
If you need a check today or tomorrow, this route will not work. Instead, go to any bank branch — yours or someone else's — and ask for a cashier's check. A cashier's check is a check that the bank itself writes and guarantees, so the payee knows the money is there. You pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and walk out with the check in minutes. You do not need to be a customer of that bank.
Before you order or request checks, confirm that your payee actually needs a check. Many landlords, utilities, and contractors now accept online payments, debit cards, or bank transfers. If the person or business will take payment another way, you avoid the wait and the cost.
Why Upgrade does not offer checks
Upgrade is an online bank, which means it has no physical branches and lower overhead costs than traditional banks. Offering checks would require managing inventory, printing, and mailing — expenses that online banks avoid. Instead, they focus on digital payment methods like debit cards, transfers, and bill pay, which are faster and cheaper to provide.
This is the same reason many other online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover) do not offer checks either. If you use checks regularly, an online bank may not be the right fit, and you might prefer a traditional bank or a credit union that includes checks with the account.
Comparing your options for paying by check
| Method | Cost | How long it takes | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party check printer (Deluxe, Costco, Walmart) | $10–$30 per box | 1–2 weeks by mail | You write checks regularly and can plan ahead |
| Cashier's check from any bank | $5–$15 per check | Same day, in minutes | You need a check urgently or write them rarely |
| Online bill pay through Upgrade | Free | 1–3 business days | Your payee is a business that accepts mailed checks |
| Bank transfer or debit card | Free | Same day or next day | Your payee accepts digital payment |
Using Upgrade's bill pay feature instead
Before you order checks, look at Upgrade's bill pay service. If your payee is a business — a utility company, insurance company, loan servicer, or landlord — you can often pay them directly through your Upgrade account. You enter their details once, and Upgrade mails a check on your behalf or sends an electronic payment. This is free and takes one to three business days.
Bill pay works best for recurring bills or one-time payments to large organizations. It does not work for personal checks to individuals, since Upgrade cannot mail a check with someone else's signature. For those situations, you need either a cashier's check or your own printed checks.
When to switch banks if you need checks
If you find yourself needing to write checks more than a few times a year, Upgrade may not be the right account for you. A traditional bank or credit union will include checks with your account at no extra cost, and you can write them whenever you need to. The trade-off is that these institutions usually charge monthly fees ($5 to $15) and offer lower interest rates on savings.
Many people who move to online banks discover they rarely need checks once they set up online bill pay and use their debit card for everyday purchases. But if you pay rent by check, write checks to individuals, or work in a field where checks are standard, a checking account that includes checks may save you time and money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks directly from Upgrade?
No. Upgrade does not offer check ordering through the account. You must use a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, or get a cashier's check from a bank branch.
How much does it cost to get a cashier's check?
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some banks charge less if you are a customer. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go to the branch.
Can I use Upgrade's bill pay to send a check to my landlord?
Yes, if your landlord is set up to receive bill payments. Enter their details in bill pay and Upgrade will mail a check or send an electronic payment. If your landlord is not in the system, you will need to use a cashier's check or order your own checks.
What if I need a check today?
Go to any bank branch and request a cashier's check. You can get one the same day for a small fee. You do not need to have an account at that bank.
Is it cheaper to order checks or get cashier's checks?
If you write checks regularly, ordering a box of 100 checks for $10–$30 is cheaper per check. If you write checks rarely, cashier's checks at $5–$15 each are more economical because you only pay for what you use.