Yes, you can write checks from a checking account — that's one of its main purposes

A checking account is built for check writing. When you open one, the bank gives you the ability to write checks against the money you've deposited. The check is an instruction to your bank to move funds from your account to whoever you're paying. You don't need permission each time — writing checks is part of what the account is for.

Most banks include a starter set of checks when you open the account, or they offer to order them for you. Some accounts charge for checks; others include them free. You can also order checks from third-party printers, which are often cheaper than ordering directly from the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Checks are ordered through your bank or a third-party printer and arrive within one to two weeks, depending on the source.
  • You fill in the payee name, amount, date, and your signature — the bank's routing number and your account number are pre-printed on each check.
  • The person or business you pay deposits or cashes the check, and the funds clear from your account within one to three business days.
  • Ordering checks from third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, or online vendors typically costs less than ordering from your bank.
  • If you need checks when ready, some banks offer temporary checks or digital alternatives like bill pay or transfers.

How to order checks for your checking account

Contact your bank directly — through their website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch — and ask to order checks. You'll provide your account number, and the bank will confirm the routing number and account details that go on the checks. Most banks let you choose the design and quantity. A standard order is 100 or 200 checks.

Expect to wait one to two weeks for checks ordered from your bank. If you're in a hurry, ask whether your bank offers temporary checks (usually printed on plain paper with your account information) or a digital alternative like bill pay, which lets you send money without a physical check.

Third-party printers — including Costco, Walmart, Vistaprint, and online check companies — are often cheaper. They typically charge $10 to $20 per 100 checks, compared to $15 to $30 through a bank. You'll need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a deposit slip or by logging into your online banking. Turnaround is usually five to ten business days.

What information goes on a check and how to fill it out

Your bank pre-prints your name, address, routing number, and account number on every check. When you write a check, you fill in four things: the date, the payee name (who you're paying), the amount in numbers, and the amount in words. You sign the check at the bottom right. The memo line is optional — it's for your own record-keeping, like "rent" or "invoice 2024-05."

Write clearly in pen, not pencil. If you make a mistake, void that check (write "VOID" across it) and use a new one. Don't cross out and rewrite — banks may reject altered checks.

The person or business you pay will deposit or cash the check at their bank. The check clears within one to three business days, and the funds move from your account to theirs. You can track the check's status in your online banking — most banks show when a check has cleared.

When checks are useful and when they're not

Checks work well for bills you pay regularly (rent, mortgage, utilities), payments to individuals, and situations where the recipient doesn't take cards or digital transfers. They're also a record — both you and the recipient have proof of payment.

Checks are slower than digital transfers or bill pay, which move money the same day or next day. If you need to send money urgently, a bank transfer, wire transfer, or digital payment app is faster. Checks also cost more per transaction than digital methods, especially if you're ordering them from your bank.

Some businesses no longer accept checks, so confirm before you write one. Government agencies, landlords, and utilities usually still do.

What to do if you run out of checks before new ones arrive

Ask your bank for temporary checks — usually printed on plain paper with your account and routing numbers. They work like regular checks and cost little or nothing. Some banks print them on the spot at a branch.

If you need to pay someone and can't wait for checks, use your bank's bill pay service (for businesses and utilities), a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a digital payment app like Venmo or PayPal. These move money faster and don't require a physical check.

Protecting yourself when writing checks

Never write a check for more than the balance in your account. If the check bounces (the bank rejects it because there's not enough money), you'll face overdraft fees, and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee. Your bank may also report the bounced check to ChexSystems, a checking account history database that other banks use to decide whether to open accounts for you.

Don't leave checks lying around or give blank checks to people you don't trust. A check with your account number and routing number is enough for someone to set up unauthorized payments. If a check is lost or stolen, contact your bank right away and ask them to watch for it.

Keep a record of checks you write — your bank statement shows cleared checks, but it may take a few days. Writing down the check number, payee, amount, and date helps you track your balance and spot errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits them. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days. Some banks clear checks faster if they're deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit.

What happens if I write a check and then close my account?

The check will bounce if it arrives after you close the account. If you're closing an account, wait until all outstanding checks have cleared, or contact the people you've written checks to and ask them to cash them before you close.

Can I stop payment on a check I already wrote?

Yes. Contact your bank and request a stop payment order. There's usually a fee ($25 to $35), and you need to act quickly — the bank can only stop the check if it hasn't already cleared. This doesn't work if the check has already been deposited.

Do I need to use checks from my bank, or can I use any checks?

You can use checks from any printer as long as they have your correct routing number and account number. Third-party checks work exactly the same way as bank-issued checks.

What if someone cashes a check I didn't write?

Contact your bank when ready and report it as fraud. The bank will investigate and may reverse the charge. This is why it's important to monitor your account regularly and keep blank checks find.