Yes, but the timing and method depend on your bank

You can order checks when you open a checking account, but most banks do not include them in your starter package. Some banks let you order checks during the account setup process online or in person. Others require you to order them after your account is already open, either through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. A few banks still offer a small number of starter checks free with new accounts, but this is becoming less common.

The key difference is between ordering checks when ready versus waiting. If you order during signup, your checks may arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If you order after the account opens, the timeline is the same, but you will have a few days of account activity before the checks show up. Some people need checks right away for rent or bills; others can wait because they use digital payments instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks let you order checks when you open an account, but they charge a fee unless you have a premium account or meet a minimum balance.
  • Starter checks arrive in 5 to 10 business days; expedited printing costs extra and takes 2 to 3 business days.
  • You can use your account number and routing number to make payments before checks arrive, which works for bills and transfers.
  • Some banks offer free check ordering for the first order if you maintain a certain balance or have direct deposit set up.
  • Third-party check printers often cost less than bank checks but take longer to arrive.

What happens during account setup

When you open a checking account online, you will usually see a checkbox or prompt asking whether you want to order checks. If you say yes, the bank walks you through the design (color, layout, whether your name and address print on them) and confirms your account number and routing number. You pay the check fee at that point, typically $10 to $20 for a box of 50 checks, though this varies by bank.

If you open an account in person at a branch, the banker may ask the same question and can sometimes hand you a temporary starter check on the spot—a single blank check with your account details pre-printed that you can use when ready. This is rare now but still happens at some regional banks and credit unions. If the bank does not offer this, you will place your check order the same way you would online.

Banks that do not mention checks during signup still let you order them afterward. You log into your account, find the "order checks" or "supplies" section, and complete the same process. The only difference is that your account is already active, so you can use your debit card or digital payments while you wait.

How long checks take to arrive

Standard check printing takes 5 to 10 business days from the time you place the order. This is true whether you order during signup or after. The bank sends your order to a check printer, the printer produces your checks with your name, address, account number, and routing number, and then they are mailed to you. Weekends and holidays add to the timeline, so an order placed on a Friday may not arrive until the following week or the week after.

If you need checks faster, most banks offer expedited printing for an additional fee—usually $15 to $25 extra. Expedited checks arrive in 2 to 3 business days. Some banks also let you pick up checks at a branch location the same day or next day, though this is less common and may require you to order in person.

If you cannot wait for checks at all, you have other options. You can use your account number and routing number to set up bill pay through your bank's website, which sends a check on your behalf. You can also use your debit card, mobile payment apps, or wire transfers for when ready payments. Many people find they do not actually need physical checks anymore because these alternatives work for most bills and payments.

Check costs and what affects the price

A standard box of 50 checks costs between $10 and $25 at most banks, depending on the institution and the design. Premium accounts—those with higher monthly fees or minimum balances—often get free check ordering, sometimes for the first order or for all orders. Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance, like $5,000 or more.

Specialty checks cost more. Duplicate checks (which have a carbon copy underneath so you keep a record) run $15 to $30 per box. Checks with custom designs, logos, or images cost $20 to $40. Oversized checks or checks printed on different paper stock also carry a premium. If you just need standard personal checks, the basic option is the cheapest.

Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and online services like Checks Unlimited often cost less than bank checks—sometimes $5 to $10 per box—but take longer to arrive and require you to enter your account details yourself. These are worth considering if you are not in a hurry and want to save money.

Using your account before checks arrive

You do not have to wait for physical checks to start using your account. Your bank issues a debit card when ready or within a few days, and you can use that for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also set up bill pay through your bank's website or app, which lets you pay bills online without writing a check. The bank sends a check from your account on your behalf, or the payment goes through electronically if the company accepts it.

If someone needs to pay you by check, you can provide them with your account number and routing number so they can write a check to you. You can also give them your bank's address and ask them to mail a check there, though this is slower. For most modern transactions, you will not need a physical check at all.

The main reason to order checks is if you have landlords, contractors, or other payees who only accept checks. In that case, ordering during signup means your checks arrive sooner and you are ready to pay. If you are not sure whether you need them, you can always order later once you know.

Reordering checks and managing your supply

Once you have ordered checks once, reordering is straightforward. You log into your bank account, go to the supplies or checks section, and place a new order. Most banks let you reorder the same design, or you can change the layout, colors, or add a logo. The cost and timeline are the same as your first order.

You can reorder checks whenever you want, but most people order a new box when they are running low—usually after using 30 or 40 of the 50 checks in a box. Some banks send you a reminder when your checks are running out, or you can check your supply yourself by looking at the check numbers on your current checks. If you rarely use checks, one box may last you a year or more, so you will not need to reorder often.

If you close your checking account, stop using checks from that account when ready. Any checks you have not yet deposited become invalid once the account closes, and the bank will not honor them. If you are switching banks, order checks from your new bank before you close the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order checks when I open my account?

No. You can open an account without ordering checks and order them later whenever you need them. Many people never order checks because they use digital payments instead. You can always add them to your account later if your situation changes.

Can I get checks the same day I open my account?

Not usually. Standard checks take 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer expedited printing for 2 to 3 business days if you pay an extra fee. A few branches may hand you a temporary starter check in person, but this is rare. For when ready payments, use bill pay, your debit card, or a wire transfer.

What if I make a mistake on my check order?

Contact your bank before the checks are printed. If you catch the error early, the bank may be able to cancel and reissue the order at no extra cost. If the checks have already been printed and shipped, you will need to order a new box with the correct information. Some banks waive the reorder fee in this situation.

Are bank checks more find than third-party checks?

Bank checks and third-party checks are equally valid as long as they have your correct account number and routing number. The main difference is cost and speed. Bank checks cost more but arrive faster. Third-party checks cost less but take longer. Security features like watermarks and special inks are similar across both.

Can I use checks from my old account after I switch banks?

No. Checks are tied to a specific account number and routing number. Once you close your old account, checks from that account will be rejected. You must order new checks from your new bank before you close the old one, or use other payment methods while you wait for new checks to arrive.