You can order checks from places other than your bank, and you don't need a checking account to use them
Checks are not locked to any one bank or account type. You can order them from your bank, from third-party check printers, or even from office supply stores. A checking account makes it easier because the bank prints your account number and routing number on them, but you can write a check from a savings account, a money market account, or even a business account — as long as the account holder's name matches the check.
The real requirement is not the account type. It is that you have funds in the account when the check clears, and that the person or business you give the check to can cash or deposit it. The bank that holds your account will honor the check if the money is there. Where the physical check came from — your bank's printer, a third-party vendor, or a box you bought at Staples — does not matter to them.
Key Takeaways
- Checks can be ordered from your bank, from independent check printers like Deluxe or Costco, or from office supply retailers, and all work the same way.
- You do not need a checking account to write a check — you can write one from a savings account, money market account, or any account that holds your name and has funds.
- The bank that holds your account will process the check regardless of where you ordered it, as long as your account number and routing number are correct on the face of the check.
- Third-party check printers are often cheaper than ordering directly from your bank, though delivery takes longer.
How banks print checks versus third-party printers
When you open a checking account at a bank, the bank usually offers to print your first box of checks at no cost or for a small fee. These checks come with your account number, routing number, and the bank's name and address pre-printed. The bank controls the design, the paper stock, and the delivery timeline — usually five to ten business days.
Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Vistaprint print checks using the same information but often at a lower cost per box. You provide your account number and routing number, and they print the checks to your specifications. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. The checks function identically to bank-printed checks once they reach you — the routing and account numbers are what matter, not who printed them.
Some banks charge a premium for reorders or for specialty designs. If your bank charges $15 to $25 per box and a third-party printer charges $8 to $12, the savings add up if you write checks regularly. However, if you rarely write checks, the convenience of ordering through your bank's website or app may outweigh the cost difference.
What information has to be on a check for it to work
A valid check requires four pieces of information: your name, your account number, your bank's routing number, and the bank's name and address. Without any of these, the check will either be rejected or take longer to process because the receiving bank cannot route it to the correct institution.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account. Both are printed on the bottom left of every check in a standardized format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). When a check is deposited or cashed, a machine reads these numbers to pull the funds from the right account at the right bank.
If you order checks from a third party, you must provide these numbers correctly. A single digit wrong in the routing number or account number will cause the check to be routed to the wrong place or rejected entirely. Most third-party printers verify this information before printing, but you should double-check your bank statement or your bank's website to confirm the numbers are correct before you place the order.
Writing checks from accounts that are not checking accounts
A savings account, money market account, or even a certificate of deposit (CD) can issue checks, though it is less common. The account must be in your name, and you must have the account number and routing number. When you write a check against a savings account, the bank treats it the same way — it pulls the funds from that account when the check clears.
Some banks restrict how many checks you can write per month from a savings account because savings accounts traditionally have withdrawal limits. Federal rules once capped withdrawals at six per month, though that rule was suspended in 2020 and has not been reinstated. Individual banks may still enforce their own limits, so check your account agreement if you plan to write checks regularly from a savings account.
Business accounts, joint accounts, and accounts held in trust can all issue checks. The name printed on the check must match the account holder's name on file. If the account is in the name of "Smith Family Trust," the check must say "Smith Family Trust," not just "John Smith."
The cost of ordering checks and where to find them
Bank-printed checks typically cost $10 to $25 per box of 100, depending on the bank and whether you choose standard or premium designs. Some banks include the first box free when you open an account.
Third-party printers usually cost less. Deluxe, one of the largest check printers in the United States, charges roughly $8 to $15 per box for standard checks. Costco members can order checks through Costco's website for $5 to $10 per box. Walmart and office supply stores like Staples also sell check stock, though prices and selection vary by location.
Online printers like Vistaprint and Shutterfly offer customizable designs and often run promotions that bring the per-box cost down to $5 to $8. Delivery takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but the savings can be significant if you order multiple boxes at once.
If you need checks urgently, your bank is usually the fastest option, though some third-party printers offer expedited shipping for an additional fee. If you have time and want to save money, a third-party printer is the better choice.
What happens if you run out of checks or need them fast
If you need to write a check but do not have any printed checks on hand, you have a few options. You can order expedited checks from your bank or a third-party printer — some offer next-business-day or two-day delivery for an extra fee. Deluxe and Vistaprint both offer rush options, though the cost rises to $20 to $40 per box.
You can also ask your bank for a counter check, which is a temporary check printed by the bank teller on the spot. Counter checks have your account number and routing number but are printed on plain paper and do not have your name pre-printed. They work just like regular checks and are usually free or cost $1 to $2.
If you need to pay someone when ready and cannot wait for checks, consider a wire transfer, an ACH transfer, or a cashier's check instead. A wire transfer moves money within hours. An ACH transfer takes one to three business days. A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours, and the bank guarantees the funds — you can get one at the teller window the same day you request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check from a savings account?
Yes, if your savings account is in your name and you have the account number and routing number. Some banks limit how many checks you can write per month from a savings account, so check your account agreement. The check will clear from your savings account balance, not a separate checking account.
Do I have to order checks from my bank?
No. You can order from third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, or Vistaprint. The checks work identically to bank-printed checks as long as your account number and routing number are correct. Third-party printers are often cheaper and offer more design options.
What if I put the wrong account number on my checks?
The check will be routed to the wrong account or rejected when it is deposited. If you catch the error before you use the checks, contact the printer and request a reprint. If you have already written a check with the wrong number, contact the recipient and ask them to void it and wait for a corrected check.
How long does it take to get checks from a third-party printer?
Standard delivery usually takes one to two weeks. Expedited or rush options can bring it down to two to five business days, though they cost more. Your bank typically prints checks faster — often five to ten business days — because they have your information on file.
Can I use checks if I do not have a checking account?
Yes, as long as you have a bank account in your name with funds in it. You can write checks from a savings account, money market account, or any account that holds your name. You will need the account number and routing number to order or write the checks.