You don't need checks to use a checking account, and most people don't order them at all

A checking account works without checks. You can pay bills and move money using a debit card, online transfers, automatic payments, and mobile apps. Checks are optional — a tool you can use if you want them, but not required to have or maintain the account.

Many banks still offer checks because some businesses and people still request them, and some bills can only be paid by check. But the account itself functions perfectly without them. If you never write a check, your bank won't close your account or charge you extra.

Key Takeaways

  • Checks are completely optional; you can use a checking account for years without ordering a single one.
  • Debit cards, online bill pay, and bank transfers handle nearly all payments faster and with a record automatically saved.
  • Some landlords, utilities, and small businesses still request checks, so it's worth knowing how to order them if you need one later.
  • If you do order checks, they cost money — usually between $10 and $30 per box of 25 or 50 — and take one to two weeks to arrive.
  • You can order checks from your bank, from third-party check printers, or sometimes through your online banking portal.

When you might actually need a check

Some situations still call for a check, even though they're less common than they used to be. A landlord collecting rent may accept only checks or require one as a record of payment. Some utility companies, insurance companies, or government offices still process checks only. A small business or contractor might not have the equipment to take card payments and may ask for a check instead.

Before you order checks, ask the person or business requesting them whether they accept other payment methods. Many will take a bank transfer, a money order, or a debit card if you ask. If they truly need a check, you can order one even if you've never ordered before — there's no penalty for waiting until you actually need them.

How to order checks when you need them

Your bank can order checks for you, usually through your online banking portal or by calling customer service. You provide your account number, and the bank prints your name and account details on the checks. This typically takes one to two weeks, and the bank charges a fee — usually $10 to $30 per box, depending on the bank and the style of checks you choose.

You can also order checks from third-party printers like Costco, Sam's Club, or online check printing services. These are often cheaper than ordering through your bank — sometimes $5 to $15 per box — but take the same amount of time. Make sure you have your routing number and account number before you order, as you'll need both printed on the checks.

What information goes on a check

A check has several pieces of information printed on it. Your name and address appear in the top left corner. Your bank's name and routing number appear at the bottom left. Your account number appears at the bottom center. The check number appears in two places — the top right and the bottom right — so you can track which check you wrote.

When you write a check, you fill in the date, the name of the person or business you're paying, the amount in numbers and words, and your signature. The person or business deposits or cashes the check, and the money moves from your account to theirs. Your bank keeps a record of the check, which you can see in your online banking or monthly statement.

Why most people skip checks entirely

Checks are slow. A check can take three to five business days to clear, meaning the money leaves your account days after you hand it over. A debit card payment or online transfer happens the same day or the next day. Checks also create a paper trail you have to manage — you need to write down what you spent in a check register, or track it yourself, or lose the record.

A debit card or online bill pay does all of this automatically. Your bank records every transaction, shows it to you when ready in your app or online account, and you never have to write anything down. For most everyday payments — groceries, gas, utilities, rent — these methods are faster, safer, and easier to track.

If you're new to checking accounts and worried about checks

Don't be. Opening a checking account does not obligate you to use checks. You will not be asked to order them. Your account will work exactly the same whether you ever touch a check or not. The debit card that comes with your account handles almost everything a check used to do, and it does it faster.

If you're worried because someone told you that you need checks, ask them what they actually need. In most cases, they'll accept a different payment method once you ask. If they truly need a check and you don't have one, you can order checks in a few minutes through your bank's website and have them in a week or two. There's no rush, and no penalty for waiting until you actually need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my checking account without ever ordering checks?

Yes, completely. Millions of people use checking accounts for years without ordering a single check. Your debit card, online bill pay, and mobile transfers handle virtually all payments. You only need checks if someone specifically requests one.

What if I need a check right now and don't have time to wait?

You can ask your bank for a counter check — a temporary check they print for you on the spot at a branch. It works like a regular check but has limited information printed on it. Some banks charge a small fee, and some provide them free to account holders.

Are checks safer than debit cards?

Both are reasonably safe if you're careful. A check is a paper record, so there's a physical trail. A debit card is electronic, and your bank monitors for fraud. Debit cards are faster to dispute if something goes wrong, while checks take longer to investigate.

Do I have to order checks from my bank?

No. You can order from third-party printers like Costco, Sam's Club, or online check printing companies, which are often cheaper. Make sure you have your routing number and account number before you order from anywhere.

What happens if I lose a check before I cash it?

Contact the person who gave it to you and let them know. They can ask their bank to stop payment on it, or they can issue you a new check. If someone else finds it and tries to cash it, the bank will reject it because the signature won't match.