Yes, you can write checks with most internet checking accounts
Most online banks let you order checks and write them just like you would with a traditional bank. The main difference is that you order checks online or by phone instead of walking into a branch, and they arrive by mail in a few days to a couple of weeks. You write and send them the same way — the bank prints your account number and routing number on them, and the person who receives the check deposits or cashes it normally.
Some internet banks charge a small fee for checks (usually $10 to $20 per box of 25 or 50), while others include them free. A few online banks don't offer checks at all, so if writing checks matters to you, check the bank's website or call before you open an account.
Key Takeaways
- Most internet banks let you order checks online, and they arrive by mail within one to three weeks.
- Some online banks charge $10 to $20 per box of checks, while others offer them free — compare before opening an account.
- A small number of online banks do not offer checks at all, so confirm this feature exists before you sign up.
- You can also use online bill pay or transfers to send money instead of writing a physical check.
- If you need checks urgently, some banks let you order them through a third-party printer for faster delivery.
How to order checks from an internet bank
Log into your online banking account and look for a section called "Order Checks" or "Checks" — it is usually under Account Services or Settings. You will choose the style and quantity of checks you want (most banks offer basic designs at no extra cost), enter your mailing address, and confirm your order. The bank then sends them to you by regular mail.
Delivery usually takes one to three weeks depending on the bank and your location. Some banks let you track your order online. If you need checks faster, ask whether the bank works with a third-party check printer — some do, and those checks can arrive in three to five business days, though you may pay extra for the speed.
When you might not need to write a check
Many people find they write fewer checks once they have an internet bank account, because online bill pay is faster and safer. Instead of writing a check to your electric company or landlord, you log into your bank's website, enter their account information once, and schedule a payment. The bank sends the money electronically or prints and mails a check on your behalf — either way, you do not have to buy checks or find a stamp.
If you need to send money to someone who does not have a bank account, or to a business that only takes checks, you can still write one. But for regular bills and payments to people you know, transfers and bill pay often work better.
What happens when someone deposits your check
When you write a check from an internet bank, the person who receives it can deposit it at their own bank, cash it at a check-cashing service, or deposit it through a mobile app (most banks now let customers photograph checks instead of going to a branch). The check clears through the same system as checks from any other bank — your internet bank's routing number and your account number are printed on it, so the receiving bank can process it normally.
The money leaves your account once the check clears, which usually takes one to three business days. Until then, the money is still yours, so do not spend it twice. If you write a check and do not have enough money in your account when it clears, you will face an overdraft fee, just as you would with any other bank.
Costs and fees for checks
Check pricing varies widely among internet banks. Some charge nothing — they include a certain number of free checks per year or per order. Others charge per box, typically $10 to $20 for 25 or 50 checks. A few charge per check (around 10 to 25 cents each). Before you open an account, look at the bank's fee schedule or call and ask specifically about check costs.
If you write many checks, those fees add up. If you rarely write checks, the cost may not matter. Some people choose an internet bank that offers free checks even if the interest rate is slightly lower, because they know they will use checks regularly. Others pick a bank based on interest rate and accept the check fee as a small cost of doing business.
Internet banks that do not offer checks
A small number of online banks do not print checks at all. These banks are usually designed for people who do most of their banking online — they offer bill pay, transfers, and mobile deposits, but no physical checks. If you think you might need to write a check someday, avoid these banks or ask whether they have a workaround (some partner with check-printing services or let you transfer money to a second account that does offer checks).
Before you open an account, search the bank's website for "checks" or "order checks." If you find nothing, call customer service and ask directly. It is easier to choose a different bank than to discover later that you cannot write a check when you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks from an internet bank?
Most banks deliver checks within one to three weeks by regular mail. If you need them faster, some banks offer expedited printing through a third-party service, which can arrive in three to five business days for an extra fee. Ask your bank whether this option is available.
Can I write a check before my checks arrive?
No. You cannot write a check until you have the physical checks in hand with your account number printed on them. If you need to send money before your checks arrive, use online bill pay or a transfer instead.
What if I lose or damage some of my checks?
You can order a new box anytime through your online account. There is usually no penalty for reordering, though you will pay the standard check fee again. If you lose a single check, you do not need to order new ones — just order a replacement box when you run low.
Do internet bank checks work the same way as checks from a regular bank?
Yes. A check from an internet bank works exactly like a check from any other bank. The person who receives it can deposit it at their bank, cash it, or deposit it through a mobile app. The routing and account numbers are the same, and the clearing process is identical.
Can I use checks if my internet bank is out of state?
Yes. Your location and the bank's location do not matter. As long as your account number and the bank's routing number are printed on the check, anyone in the United States can deposit or cash it.