Yes, you can open and use a checking account without ever ordering checks
Most banks will let you open a checking account and never request a single check. You get a debit card, online access, and the ability to send money through ACH transfers, bill pay, or mobile payment apps—all the tools most people actually use. Checks are optional, not required. If you later decide you want them, you can order them at any point after the account is open.
The confusion comes from the name: a checking account historically meant a place to store checks. Today it means a transaction account with a routing number and account number, which you can access dozens of ways that have nothing to do with paper.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a checking account and use it entirely through a debit card, online bill pay, and ACH transfers without ever ordering checks.
- Banks do not require you to order checks upfront or at any point—they are purely optional.
- Checks cost money to order (usually $15 to $30 per box of 25), so skipping them saves you money if you do not need them.
- If you change your mind later, you can order checks from your bank or a third-party printer at any time after opening the account.
- Some banks offer free check ordering as a benefit; others charge, so ask before you open the account if you think you might want them eventually.
What you can do without checks
A checking account without checks is fully functional for nearly all modern transactions. Your debit card works at stores, ATMs, and online retailers. You can set up bill pay through your bank's website or app, which sends money directly to utilities, insurance companies, landlords, or anyone else with a mailing address. You can send money to another person's bank account using ACH transfer (also called bank transfer), which takes one to three business days and costs nothing. You can use Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own mobile payment system to move money when ready to friends or family.
The only transactions that still require checks are rare: some landlords, contractors, or government agencies that do not accept electronic payment. If you encounter one, you can order checks then. Most people go years without needing one.
Why you might skip checks entirely
Checks cost money. A box of 25 checks typically costs $15 to $30 from your bank, depending on the design and the bank. Third-party printers like Costco or Walmart sometimes offer cheaper options ($5 to $10 per box), but you still have to order them, wait for delivery, and store them. If you never use them, that is money wasted.
Checks are also slower than electronic payment. A check takes three to seven business days to clear, while an ACH transfer takes one to three days and bill pay is often when ready or next-day. If you need to pay someone quickly, a check is the wrong tool.
There is also a security angle: a lost or stolen checkbook gives someone your routing number, account number, and signature. Electronic payments do not expose your account details the same way.
How to open an account without committing to checks
When you open a checking account in person or online, the bank will ask whether you want to order checks. Say no. That is the entire conversation. You will still get a debit card and online access. Some banks print a starter set of checks automatically and mail them to you; if that happens and you do not want them, you can throw them away or ask the bank not to send them next time.
A few banks—usually very small ones or older institutions—may push back and assume you want checks. If that happens, ask directly: "Can I open this account without ordering checks?" The answer is yes everywhere, even if the person helping you seems surprised by the question.
Ordering checks later if you need them
If you open an account without checks and later realize you need them, ordering is straightforward. Log into your online banking, find the "order checks" or "supplies" section, choose a design, and pay. Delivery usually takes five to ten business days. You can also call your bank and order over the phone, or visit a branch in person.
You are not locked into ordering from your bank. Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, or online printers like Deluxe or Vistaprint can print checks for any account as long as you provide your routing number and account number. These are usually cheaper than the bank's price, though you give your account details to a third party.
What happens if you never order checks
Nothing. Your account works normally. Your debit card functions, bill pay works, transfers go through, direct deposit lands in your account. The only limitation is that you cannot write a check, which matters only if someone demands one. Most people find that never happens.
Some banks offer perks for customers who do not use checks—lower fees, higher interest on savings, or waived monthly charges. It is worth asking whether your bank rewards low-check users, though the savings are usually small.
Comparing check-free accounts across bank types
| Bank Type | Debit Card Included | Bill Pay Available | Checks Required | Check Cost (if ordered) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Yes | Yes | No | $15–$30 per box |
| Online bank (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | Yes | Yes | No | $10–$20 per box |
| Credit union | Yes | Yes | No | $10–$25 per box |
| Neobank (Chime, Varo, Current) | Yes | Yes (limited) | No | Usually not available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order checks when I open a checking account?
No. You can open a checking account and never order checks. The bank will give you a debit card and online access, which is enough for nearly all transactions. If you want checks later, you can order them at any time.
What if someone asks me for a check and I do not have any?
You can order checks and have them delivered in five to ten business days, or you can ask the person whether they accept ACH transfer, bill pay, or another electronic payment instead. Most people and businesses now accept electronic payment.
Are checks safer than debit cards?
Neither is inherently safer. A lost debit card can be reported and frozen quickly; a lost checkbook exposes your routing and account numbers. Electronic payments leave a digital trail that is easier to dispute if something goes wrong. Use whichever method fits the situation.
Can I use my checking account for direct deposit without checks?
Yes. Direct deposit does not require checks. You give your employer your routing number and account number, and they deposit your paycheck electronically. This works whether or not you have ever ordered a check.
Will my bank charge me more if I do not order checks?
No. Monthly fees are the same whether you order checks or not. Some banks charge per check written, but that only applies if you actually use them. If you never order checks, you pay nothing for them.