Your bank is usually the fastest and safest place to order checks
Most people order checks directly from their bank — the same place where they opened their checking account. Your bank has your account number on file, knows your signature, and can print checks that work with your account when ready. You can order by phone, online through your bank's website, or by visiting a branch in person.
Ordering from your bank typically takes five to ten business days for delivery, though some banks offer expedited options if you need checks sooner. The cost varies by bank — some include a certain number of free checks per year, while others charge per box. A standard box of 100 checks usually costs between $10 and $30 when ordered through a bank.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can print checks with your correct account number and routing number, which third-party printers cannot verify.
- Ordering directly from your bank takes five to ten business days and costs $10 to $30 per box of 100 checks.
- Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and online services are cheaper but require you to provide your account information yourself.
- If you need checks urgently, ask your bank about rush delivery or temporary check options while you wait for your order.
- Never order checks from an unfamiliar website or seller — fraudulent check printing is a real risk.
How to order checks through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Reorder Checks" — the exact wording depends on your bank. You will usually see options for the number of boxes you want, the style of checks (single or duplicate), and any personalization like your address printed on them. Enter your choices, review the cost, and complete the order.
Your bank will confirm the order and give you a delivery date. Some banks let you track the shipment like a package. If you cannot find the ordering option online, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statement — and ask them to place the order over the phone.
Ordering checks by phone or in person
Call your bank's main number or the customer service line on your statement and tell them you want to order checks. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask how many boxes you want, confirm your address for delivery, and process the payment. They will give you an order confirmation number and an expected delivery date.
You can also walk into any branch of your bank and ask to order checks at the teller window or at a desk. Bring your debit card or account number so they can look up your account. In-person ordering takes the same amount of time as phone or online ordering — the branch does not print checks on-site.
Lower-cost alternatives: Costco, Walmart, and online printers
Third-party check printers charge less than banks — often $5 to $15 per box of 100 checks. Costco, Walmart, and online services like Deluxe and Vistaprint all print checks. The catch is that you have to provide your account number, routing number, and other details yourself, and the printer cannot verify that the information is correct.
If you use a third-party printer, double-check every number before you place the order. Write down your routing number (found at the bottom left of any check or on your bank's website) and your account number (on your statement or in online banking) and verify them twice. A single wrong digit means the checks will not work with your account.
Third-party checks take the same five to ten business days to arrive as bank-ordered checks. Some offer rush delivery for an extra fee. These printers are safe to use as long as you order from a well-known company — Costco, Walmart, Deluxe, and Vistaprint are all legitimate — and you enter your information correctly.
What to do if you need checks before your order arrives
If you need to pay a bill by check before your new checks arrive, ask your bank about temporary options. Some banks will print a few starter checks for you at a branch while you wait. Others can issue you a temporary check number that works with your account. A few banks offer mobile check deposit, which lets you photograph a check instead of mailing it — useful if someone sends you a check and you need the money quickly.
Another option is to ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept a bank transfer, credit card, or online payment instead of a check. Many do, and it is faster than waiting for checks to arrive.
Avoiding check fraud and ordering from the wrong place
Only order checks from your bank or from a major, well-known printer. Do not order from a website you found through a search result that you do not recognize, and do not respond to emails or texts claiming to be from your bank and asking you to order checks. Criminals sometimes set up fake check-printing websites to steal account information.
If you are unsure whether a website is legitimate, call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement — not a number from the website — and ask whether they recommend that printer. Your bank can tell you whether it is safe.
Understanding check styles and personalization options
When you order, you will see options for single checks (one copy per check) or duplicate checks (two copies, one for your records). Most people use single checks. You can also choose whether to have your address printed on the checks — this is optional and does not affect whether the checks work.
Some banks and printers offer different designs or colors. Stick with a standard design unless you have a specific reason not to — unusual checks sometimes cause confusion at the bank or when you deposit them. The important information is your name, address, account number, and routing number, all of which should be printed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks after I order them?
Most banks and third-party printers take five to ten business days. Some offer rush delivery for an extra fee, which can cut that to two to three business days. Call your bank to ask about rush options if you need checks urgently.
Can I order checks from a bank that is not my bank?
No. Only your bank can print checks linked to your account number and routing number. If you try to order from another bank, they will not be able to process the order because the account is not theirs.
What if I ordered checks and they arrived with the wrong account number?
Contact the printer or your bank when ready and explain the error. They will reprint the checks at no charge. Do not use the incorrect checks — they will not work with your account and could cause confusion or fraud.
Do I have to pay for checks, or are they free?
Some banks include a certain number of free checks per year as part of your account. Others charge per box. Ask your bank what your account includes. Third-party printers almost always charge, but usually less than banks do.
Can I order checks if my account is brand new?
Yes. You can order checks as soon as your account is open and you have an account number. Your bank will have all the information they need. If you opened your account online, you can order checks online the same way.