Your bank prints checks, or you can order from a third-party printer

When you need checks, you have two main routes: order them directly from your bank, or order from an independent check printer. Your bank will print checks tied to your account number and routing number — the two pieces of information that make a check work. Independent printers do the same thing, often faster and cheaper, but you are buying from a company your bank does not directly control.

Most banks let you order checks online through your account dashboard, by phone, or by mail. Some still print them in-branch, though this is less common. Independent printers like Deluxe, Costco, Vistaprint, and Sam's Club also print checks to your specifications — you provide your account details, they print and mail them to you. The choice comes down to speed, cost, and whether you want to stay within your bank's system.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank can print checks through its website, phone line, or by mail request, and the cost ranges from free to around $15 per box depending on the bank.
  • Independent check printers often cost less per box and deliver faster than banks, but you are ordering from outside your bank's system.
  • You will need your account number, routing number, and the name and address you want printed on the checks before you place any order.
  • Checks typically arrive within 7 to 14 business days from a bank and 3 to 7 business days from an independent printer, though expedited options exist.

Ordering checks through your bank's website or app

Most banks let you order checks directly from your online banking portal. Log in, look for a "Services" or "Account Services" menu, and find the option to order checks. You will see choices for check style, quantity per box, and sometimes add-ons like duplicate or triplicate copies. The bank fills in your account number and routing number automatically.

The cost varies by bank. Some offer the first box free or include check orders in their account fee. Others charge $8 to $15 per box of 100 checks. Delivery usually takes 7 to 14 business days. If you need checks faster, some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee — usually $10 to $20 more.

If your bank does not have an online ordering system, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can take your order over the phone and mail you an order form if needed.

Ordering from independent check printers

Companies like Deluxe, Vistaprint, and Costco print checks to your bank account details. You visit their website, enter your account number and routing number, choose a design, and pay. Prices are often lower than banks — typically $5 to $10 per box — and delivery is faster, usually 3 to 7 business days.

The trade-off is that you are providing your account information to a third party. These companies are legitimate and widely used, but your bank does not directly control the printing. If there is an error on the checks, you will work with the printer to fix it, not your bank. Most printers offer a may provide: if the checks are printed wrong, they will reprint them at no cost.

Costco and Sam's Club members can order checks through their membership accounts. Prices are competitive, and delivery is reliable. Vistaprint and Deluxe do not require membership and ship nationwide.

What information you need before ordering

Gather these details before you start an order, whether through your bank or a third-party printer:

  • Your account number (found on the bottom left of a check or in your online banking portal)
  • Your bank's routing number (found on the bottom left of a check, or search your bank's name and "routing number" online)
  • The name you want printed on the checks — usually your legal name, but some people use a business name if the account is a business account
  • Your address as you want it printed
  • Your phone number (optional, but some people include it)

Double-check your account number and routing number before submitting. A mistake here means the checks will not work with your account. If you are unsure, log into your online banking or call your bank to confirm both numbers.

Timing and delivery options

Standard delivery from a bank takes 7 to 14 business days. Standard delivery from an independent printer takes 3 to 7 business days. If you need checks sooner, expedited options exist but cost more.

Some banks offer next-business-day or 2-day delivery for $15 to $25 extra. Independent printers sometimes offer similar expedited options. If you are in a true rush — you need checks within 24 hours — some banks can print a small number of temporary checks in-branch, though this is rare and not all banks offer it.

Plan ahead if you can. Ordering when you still have a few checks left in your current box means you will never run out. If you wait until you are down to your last check, you are gambling on delivery timing.

Reordering checks and managing your account

Once you have ordered checks once, reordering is usually faster. Your bank or the printer remembers your account details and address. You can often place a reorder in minutes. Some banks let you set up automatic reorders — they will send you a new box every year or every 18 months, depending on how many checks you use.

If your address changes, update it with your bank before ordering new checks. If your name changes, contact your bank to update your account, then order checks with the new name. Checks printed with old information will still work, but they look wrong and may raise questions when you use them.

If you receive checks with an error — wrong account number, misspelled name, wrong address — contact the printer or your bank when ready. Most will reprint at no cost. Do not use the incorrect checks; they may not clear properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. Your account number and routing number are active as soon as the account opens. You can order checks the same day. Most banks will let you order online when ready; if not, call customer service and they can process an order over the phone.

What if I order checks but then close the account?

Checks printed with a closed account number will not clear. If you close an account and then realize checks are on the way, contact the printer or bank to cancel the order if it has not shipped yet. If the checks arrive after the account is closed, do not use them.

Are checks from independent printers as safe as checks from my bank?

Yes. Independent printers use the same security features — watermarks, special inks, microprinting — as banks do. The checks are printed to your real account number and routing number, so they work exactly the same way. The only difference is who prints them.

Do I have to order checks in boxes of 100?

Most banks and printers sell checks in boxes of 100. Some offer smaller quantities — 50 checks — for a slightly higher per-check cost. If you use very few checks, a smaller box may make sense. Ask your bank or printer what quantities they offer.

What happens if my checks get lost in the mail?

Contact the printer or your bank as soon as you realize they are missing. They can cancel the original order and reprint. Most will not charge you for a replacement if the first shipment was lost. Keep the tracking number if the order was shipped with tracking; it helps prove the package did not arrive.