You can get a check from your checking account in three main ways: order new checks from your bank, withdraw cash and write a personal check yourself, or ask your bank to issue a cashier's check or certified check on your behalf.
The method you choose depends on what you need the check for and how quickly you need it. A personal check you write yourself is the slowest and least formal. A cashier's check, issued by the bank with the bank's name on it, carries more weight because the funds are may provide by the bank itself. Certified checks fall somewhere in between—they're personal checks your bank has verified and stamped as good.
Each option has different costs, timelines, and uses. Understanding which one fits your situation saves you money and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Personal checks you write yourself are free or low-cost but take days to clear and carry no may provide the funds are there.
- Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 and are may provide by the bank, making them required for large purchases like down payments or vehicle sales.
- Certified checks cost $5 to $10 and prove your account had the funds when the bank stamped them, but the check can still bounce if you withdraw money afterward.
- You can order checks online, by phone, or in person at your bank branch, with delivery times ranging from same-day to two weeks depending on the method.
Ordering Personal Checks From Your Bank
The most common way to get checks is to order them from your bank. You can do this in person at a branch, by phone, or online through your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks offer ordering directly through their portal, which is the fastest digital option.
Costs vary by bank and check style. Basic checks typically cost between $10 and $20 per box of 25 or 50. Fancy or personalized checks cost more. Some banks include a certain number of free checks per year as part of your account; others charge for every box. Ask your bank what's included in your account type.
Delivery time depends on how you order. In-person orders at a branch may be ready the same day or within a few business days. Online orders usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days. If you need checks urgently, ask whether your bank offers expedited shipping for an extra fee, or whether you can pick up checks at a branch faster than mail delivery.
Getting a Cashier's Check From Your Bank
A cashier's check is a check the bank writes on its own account, not yours. The bank pulls the money from your checking account at the moment you request it, then guarantees the check with the bank's own funds. This makes it much safer for the person receiving it—they know the money is definitely there.
Cashier's checks are required or strongly preferred for large transactions: buying a car, making a down payment on a house, paying a contractor upfront, or sending money to someone you don't have an ongoing relationship with. They cost $5 to $15 per check, depending on your bank.
You get a cashier's check by going to your bank in person or calling and requesting one. You'll need to tell the bank the amount, who it should be made out to, and what it's for. The bank will verify you have the funds in your account, deduct the amount when ready, and issue the check. Most banks can issue one the same day; some do it within an hour. You pick it up at the branch or have it mailed to you.
Getting a Certified Check From Your Bank
A certified check is a personal check you write yourself, but your bank stamps it to certify that the funds were in your account when you wrote it. It's less formal than a cashier's check but more formal than an uncertified personal check. Some sellers or landlords accept certified checks when they won't accept personal checks.
The catch: once the bank certifies the check, the money is held in your account, but if you withdraw it before the check clears, the check can still bounce. The certification only proves the money was there on the day the bank stamped it, not that it's still there when the check is deposited.
To get a certified check, write a check as you normally would, then take it to your bank branch. A teller will verify the funds, stamp the check as certified, and return it to you. The process usually takes a few minutes. Cost is typically $5 to $10. Some banks certify checks only if you're a customer; others may certify checks from non-customers for a higher fee.
Withdrawing Cash and Writing Your Own Check
If you need a check but don't have any on hand and can't wait for new ones to arrive, you can withdraw cash from your checking account and write a personal check using blank check stock you buy at an office supply store. This is not ideal—it's slow, awkward, and most people won't accept a check written on blank stock—but it's an option if you're in a bind.
Blank check stock costs $10 to $20 for a pad of 25 checks. You fill in the routing number, account number, and bank name by hand or print them yourself if you have the information. Most recipients will be suspicious of a check that doesn't have your bank's name and logo printed on it, so use this method only if the person receiving it has agreed in advance.
What Happens When You Request a Check
When you request a personal check, cashier's check, or certified check, the bank verifies your identity and that you have an account in good standing. For cashier's checks and certified checks, the bank also verifies that the amount you're requesting is available in your account.
The money for a cashier's check is deducted from your account when ready when the bank issues it. For a certified check, the money is held but not deducted until the check clears. For personal checks you order, no money is deducted until someone deposits the check.
If you request a check and the bank denies it, the most common reason is insufficient funds. Less common reasons include a frozen account, a hold on your account due to fraud investigation, or a closed account. If your request is denied, ask the bank why and what you need to do to resolve it.
Costs and Fees Across Check Types
| Check Type | Cost | How Long to Get It | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal checks (ordered) | $10–$20 per box | 5–10 business days by mail; same-day at branch | Everyday payments, bills, rent |
| Cashier's check | $5–$15 per check | Same day, usually within an hour | Large purchases, down payments, when seller requires may provide |
| Certified check | $5–$10 per check | Same day, usually within minutes | When personal check isn't trusted but cashier's check isn't required |
| Blank check stock | $10–$20 per pad | when ready (buy at store) | Emergency only; most recipients won't accept |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a check if my account is overdrawn?
No. Banks will not issue a cashier's check or certified check if your account balance is negative or if you don't have enough to cover the amount. For personal checks you've already ordered, you can still write them, but they will bounce if deposited when your account is overdrawn. Contact your bank about overdraft protection or a line of credit if you need to cover the shortfall.
What's the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?
A cashier's check is issued by the bank on the bank's account and is may provide by the bank. A certified check is your personal check that the bank has stamped to verify funds were there when you wrote it. Cashier's checks are safer for the recipient because the bank guarantees payment. Certified checks are less formal but still more trusted than uncertified personal checks.
How long does it take for a check to clear?
Personal checks typically clear within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the banks involved and whether it's deposited in person or remotely. Cashier's checks and certified checks usually clear within 1 to 2 business days because the issuing bank has already verified the funds. Some banks hold checks longer if the amount is large or if the account is new.
Can I cancel a check after I've written it?
Yes, but it depends on whether the check has been deposited. If you haven't given it to anyone yet, you can straightforward destroy it. If you've given it away but it hasn't been deposited, contact your bank to place a stop payment on the check. Stop payments cost $25 to $35 and take a few business days to process. Once a check is deposited and clears, you cannot cancel it.
Do I need to go to my bank in person to get a cashier's check?
Most banks require you to request a cashier's check in person at a branch or by phone, then pick it up in person. Some larger banks allow you to request one online and pick it up at a branch the same day. Call your bank to ask what options are available for your account.