You don't have to write checks at all — they're optional

A checking account gives you the ability to write checks, but using them is entirely up to you. Many people with checking accounts never write a single check. You can pay bills, send money to people, and access your cash using a debit card, online transfers, or mobile apps instead. Checks are there if you need them, but they're not required.

The confusion often comes from the name itself. "Checking account" comes from the era when checks were the main way people moved money around. Today, checks are just one tool among many. Your bank will usually offer you a checkbook when you open the account, but that's a courtesy, not a requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Writing checks is optional — you can have a checking account and never use them.
  • Debit cards, online bill pay, and money transfer apps handle most payments faster than checks.
  • Some situations still require checks: paying certain contractors, sending money to people without bank accounts, or paying organizations that don't accept digital payments.
  • If you do want checks, you can order them from your bank or from third-party printers, usually for a small fee.
  • Banks no longer charge most customers for basic checking accounts, whether or not they use checks.

When checks are actually useful

Even though checks aren't necessary, they still solve specific problems. If you need to pay a contractor, landlord, or small business that doesn't have a way to take card payments or digital transfers, a check is often the simplest option. Some older organizations — utilities, insurance companies, government offices — still prefer checks or only accept them.

Checks also work when you need to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account. You can write a check to a person's name, and they can cash it at their bank or a check-cashing service. A digital transfer requires the other person to have a bank account and know how to receive money that way.

If you're paying a bill by mail and the organization doesn't have an online payment system, a check is often the only option. Some landlords, for example, still collect rent by check because they've always done it that way.

What most people use instead of checks

A debit card is the most common replacement. It works like a credit card but pulls money directly from your checking account. You can use it at stores, online, and at ATMs to withdraw cash. It's faster than writing a check and works almost everywhere.

Online bill pay is built into most checking accounts. You log into your bank's website or app, enter the company's address, and schedule a payment. The bank either sends a check on your behalf or transfers the money electronically. You don't have to write anything yourself.

Money transfer apps like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own app let you send money to other people when ready. You just need their username or phone number. These are faster than checks and work 24/7.

Automatic payments let you set up recurring bills — rent, insurance, utilities — to be paid the same way every month without you having to do anything. This is the safest way to make sure a payment doesn't get lost in the mail.

How to get checks if you need them

When you open a checking account, your bank usually offers to send you a free checkbook. If you decline and later change your mind, you can order checks through your bank's website or by calling customer service. Banks typically charge between $10 and $30 for a box of 100 checks, depending on the design and how fast you need them.

You can also order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are sometimes cheaper than ordering through your bank. The checks work exactly the same way — they're printed with your account number and routing number, which the bank needs to process them.

If you need checks urgently, some banks can print temporary checks that you can use right away while you wait for the permanent ones to arrive. Ask your bank whether this option is available.

Why banks still offer checks even though fewer people use them

Banks keep checks available because some customers need them and because checks are still legally required for certain transactions. A landlord can demand rent by check. A court might order a payment by check. Some government agencies only accept checks for specific types of payments.

Checks also create a paper trail. When you write a check, there's a physical record that can be useful if there's ever a dispute about whether you paid something. Digital payments create records too, but some people still prefer the tangible proof a check provides.

The cost to banks of maintaining the check system is small compared to the number of customers who still use them, so they continue to offer them as a standard feature.

What happens if you never use your checks

Nothing. Banks don't penalize you for not writing checks. Your account works exactly the same way whether you use checks or not. If you have checks sitting in a drawer for years and never use them, that's fine — they don't expire, and your bank won't charge you extra.

If you're worried about security, you can also request that your bank not send you checks at all. Some people do this intentionally to reduce the risk of checks being lost or stolen in the mail. You can always order them later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to write checks?

No. Writing checks doesn't cost anything. If you order checks from your bank, you pay a one-time fee for the physical checks themselves, but there's no charge per check you write. Most banks include a certain number of free checks with a basic checking account.

What if I lose my checkbook?

Contact your bank right away and tell them which checks are missing. The bank can flag those check numbers so they won't process if someone else tries to use them. You can order a new checkbook, and the bank will usually give you new check numbers to prevent confusion.

Can I use checks and a debit card from the same account?

Yes. Both draw from the same checking account balance. If you write a check for $100 and also use your debit card for $50, your account balance drops by $150 total. Just keep track of both so you don't overdraw.

Are checks safer than debit cards?

They're different kinds of safe. Checks create a paper record, but they can be lost or stolen in the mail. Debit cards are protected by fraud laws, but they're easier to use if stolen. Most people find debit cards more convenient and equally find for everyday use.

What if the person I'm paying says they only accept checks?

Order checks from your bank or a third-party printer. You can usually get them within a week. If you need them faster, ask your bank about temporary checks or see if the person will accept a money order from a grocery store or post office instead.