Yes, you can write checks with an online checking account
Most online banks let you order checks and write them the same way you would from a traditional bank. The difference is that you order them yourself—usually online or by phone—rather than having them arrive automatically. Some online banks charge for checks; others include them free. The checks work identically once written: you hand them to someone, they deposit or cash them, and the money moves out of your account through the standard check-clearing system.
The catch is timing. Ordering checks takes a few days to a week, so you cannot write a check five minutes after opening an account. If you need checks when ready, some online banks can rush them for an extra fee, or you can use a temporary solution like a debit card or bank transfer instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online banks let you order checks through their website or by calling customer service, and the checks work exactly like checks from any other bank.
- Standard check orders arrive in five to ten business days; rush orders cost extra but arrive in two to three days.
- Some online banks charge per box of checks, while others include them free as part of your account.
- If you need to pay someone before checks arrive, you can use a debit card, bank transfer, or bill pay feature instead.
How to order checks from an online bank
Log into your online banking portal and look for a "Order Checks" or "Check Services" link, usually under account settings or services. You will choose your check design (most banks offer a few basic styles), confirm your account and routing number, and enter the quantity you want. Then you pay—either a flat fee per box or nothing, depending on the bank—and submit the order.
Some banks let you order checks by phone if you prefer not to do it online. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. A representative will walk you through the same choices and process the order over the phone.
Once you order, the bank sends your request to a check printer. Standard delivery takes five to ten business days. If you need them faster, most banks offer expedited shipping for $15 to $25 extra, which cuts the timeline to two to three business days.
What checks cost at different online banks
Pricing varies widely. Some online banks—including Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover—include checks free with your account. Others, like Chime and some credit unions, charge $10 to $20 per box of 100 checks. A few banks let you order a small number of checks free but charge for larger orders.
If you write checks rarely, the cost may not matter much. If you write them often, compare check pricing when choosing a bank. You can also order checks from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which are sometimes cheaper than ordering through the bank, though you will need to enter your account details yourself.
The timeline from writing a check to the money leaving your account
Once you have checks in hand, the clearing process works the same as with any bank. You write the check, sign it, and hand it to the recipient. They deposit it at their bank or cash it. Their bank sends it through the clearing system, which typically takes one to three business days. Your bank receives the check image, verifies the signature and funds, and deducts the amount from your account.
During those one to three days, the money is still technically in your account, even though you have written the check. This is why overdraft protection matters: if you write a check on Monday but do not have the funds until Wednesday, the check could bounce if your bank does not cover overdrafts. Online banks vary in whether they offer overdraft protection, so check your account terms.
What to do if you need to pay someone before checks arrive
If you have ordered checks but they have not arrived yet, you have several faster options. Use your debit card to pay in person or online. Send a bank transfer or wire transfer directly from your online banking portal—this reaches most accounts the same day or next business day. Use the bank's bill pay feature if you are paying a company or utility; you can schedule a payment to arrive on a specific date.
If the person you are paying cannot accept any of those methods and insists on a check, ask if they will take a photo of a signed blank check, or ask your bank whether they can issue a cashier's check (a check the bank itself writes and guarantees). Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 but arrive when ready and carry no risk of bouncing.
Potential problems with checks from online banks
The main issue is that some businesses and individuals still distrust checks from online banks, even though they are completely legitimate. A landlord or contractor might ask for a check from a "real bank" without understanding that online banks are real banks. If this happens, explain that the check clears through the same system as any other check, or offer a cashier's check instead.
A second issue is that you cannot deposit checks at a physical branch, since online banks have no branches. Most online banks let you deposit checks by photographing them with your phone through their mobile app. A few require you to mail checks in, which takes longer. Check your bank's mobile deposit policy before you need it.
The third issue is that if you write a check and the recipient does not deposit it for weeks or months, you may forget about it and overspend. Keep a record of every check you write, just as you would with a traditional bank, and subtract it from your balance when ready.
Alternatives to checks if your online bank does not offer them
A very small number of online banks—mostly newer fintech banks—do not offer checks at all. If yours is one of them and you need to write checks, you have options. Open a second checking account at a bank that does offer checks, even if you keep most of your money at the online bank. Use a third-party check printer like Deluxe, which will print checks on your account without going through the bank. Or switch to a different online bank that includes checks.
Before opening an account, check the bank's website or call customer service to confirm that checks are available. Most mainstream online banks offer them, but it is worth verifying if check-writing matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks after I order them?
Standard delivery is five to ten business days. Expedited shipping costs extra but arrives in two to three business days. Some banks offer next-day or two-day rush options for higher fees. Check your bank's website for exact timelines and costs.
Can I write checks before my checks arrive?
No. You cannot write a check without physical checks in hand. If you need to pay someone before they arrive, use your debit card, a bank transfer, or the bill pay feature instead. A cashier's check from the bank itself is another option if the recipient will not accept those methods.
Do checks from online banks clear the same way as checks from traditional banks?
Yes. Once written and deposited, they move through the same clearing system and take the same amount of time—usually one to three business days. The bank name on the check does not affect how fast it clears or whether it is accepted.
What if I lose my checkbook or someone steals checks?
Contact your bank when ready. Most online banks let you report lost or stolen checks through their website or by phone. The bank will flag your account and watch for fraudulent checks. You can also order a new checkbook right away. If someone cashes a stolen check, your bank's fraud protection should cover it, though the process may take a few weeks.
Can I order checks with a different design or logo?
Most online banks offer a few standard designs but do not allow custom logos or images. If you want personalized checks, order them from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco using your account number and routing number. These printers offer more design options but you will pay more and have to enter your account details yourself.