You can order checks from your bank, and most banks offer this as a standard service
When you open a checking account, the bank does not automatically send you checks. You have to order them separately, usually through the bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Some banks include a small starter set of checks free with a new account, but this varies — ask when you open your account or call to confirm.
Ordering checks is straightforward and costs money, typically between $10 and $30 per box depending on your bank and the style you choose. The process takes one to two weeks for standard delivery, though faster options exist if you need them sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you order checks through their website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch.
- Checks usually cost $10 to $30 per box and take one to two weeks to arrive by standard mail.
- Some banks offer free starter checks when you open an account, but you will need to order more eventually.
- You can also order checks from third-party printing companies, which are often cheaper than ordering directly from your bank.
- Digital payment methods like transfers and bill pay can reduce how many checks you actually need to write.
Ordering checks directly from your bank
The easiest place to order checks is through your bank itself. Log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Order Checks," "Check Orders," or "Supplies" — the exact wording depends on your bank. You will select the style and quantity you want, enter your delivery address, and pay the fee.
If you do not use online banking, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. A staff member can process your order over the phone or at the desk. You will need to confirm your account number and the address where you want the checks mailed.
Standard delivery takes seven to fourteen business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for an extra fee if you need checks within a few days. Ask about this option when you place your order if you are in a hurry.
Third-party check printing companies cost less
Companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart Checks print checks that work with any bank account. These printers are often cheaper than ordering from your bank — sometimes half the price — and they offer more design options if that matters to you.
To use a third-party printer, you provide your account information (your routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom left of any check your bank sends you). The printer uses this information to print your checks correctly so they will clear through the banking system just like checks from your bank.
The trade-off is that third-party checks take longer to arrive — usually two to three weeks — and you lose the convenience of ordering through your bank's website. But if cost is your main concern and you do not need checks urgently, this route saves money.
What information goes on your checks
Your checks will print with your name, address, and account number. The bank's routing number and your account number appear at the bottom in magnetic ink so machines can read them when checks are deposited. You do not have to provide this information when you order — the bank or printer already has it from your account.
When you receive your checks, verify that your name and address are spelled correctly before you use them. If something is wrong, contact the printer or your bank right away and request a reprint. Using checks with incorrect information can cause problems when you try to cash them or when someone deposits them.
When you might not need checks at all
Many people write very few checks anymore. If you pay most bills online through your bank's bill pay feature, send money to friends through a transfer app, and use a debit card for everyday purchases, you may never need a full box of checks.
Some situations still require a check: paying rent to a landlord who does not accept transfers, paying certain government agencies, or writing a check to a business that does not take cards. But if you only need checks occasionally, ordering a single box every year or two is fine. You do not have to keep a large supply on hand.
If you are unsure whether you need checks, start without ordering any. If a situation comes up where you need one, you can order them then. The one to two week wait is usually not a problem unless you need a check within days.
What to do if you run out of checks
If you have used all your checks and need more, the process is the same as ordering your first box. Log into your bank account online, call customer service, or visit a branch. You can order as many boxes as you want at once — some people order several boxes to avoid reordering frequently.
If you need a check urgently and do not have time to wait for delivery, ask your bank whether they can print a counter check for you in person at a branch. A counter check is a temporary check printed on the spot that works like a regular check. Not all banks offer this, so call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order checks from my bank?
No. You can order from your bank, a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, or even Walmart. All checks work the same way as long as they have your correct routing number and account number printed on them. Third-party checks are often cheaper.
Why do checks cost money if the bank already has my information?
The bank charges you for the physical printing, paper, and delivery. Checks are a product the bank sells, similar to how you pay for other supplies. The cost is usually small — $10 to $30 per box — but it adds up if you order frequently.
Can I use checks from my old account in my new account?
No. Checks are tied to a specific account number, and using old checks with a new account will cause them to be rejected or deposited to the wrong place. Always order new checks when you open a new account, even if you have leftover checks from before.
How long do checks stay valid?
Banks are supposed to honor checks for six months from the date written, though some banks will cash older checks. Do not assume an old check is worthless, but do not rely on it either. If you have checks sitting around for years, it is safer to order new ones.
What if I lose my checkbook?
Contact your bank right away and report the lost checks. The bank can flag those check numbers so they will not be processed if someone tries to use them fraudulently. You will need to order a new box. If you are worried about fraud, ask your bank about putting a stop payment on the missing checks.