Most banks do not automatically send checks with a new account
When you open a checking account, the bank does not usually print and mail you checks as part of the setup. You will get a debit card — a plastic card that lets you spend money directly from your account — but checks are something you have to order separately, and sometimes you have to pay for them.
Some banks include a small starter pack of checks free with a new account, but this is less common than it used to be. Even when they do, you are ordering them through the bank's system, not receiving them automatically on day one. The bank needs time to print them and mail them to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.
If you need checks right away, you have options: you can use your debit card or mobile banking to pay bills instead, or you can order expedited checks from a third-party printer for faster delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Banks typically do not include checks automatically when you open an account; you must order them separately through your bank's website or by phone.
- A debit card arrives with your account and works when ready for most everyday spending and bill payments, so you may not need checks at all.
- Some banks offer a free starter pack of 25 or 50 checks with a new account, but you still have to request them.
- Standard check orders take one to two weeks to arrive; third-party printers can deliver checks in three to five business days if you need them faster.
- Reordering checks usually costs money — typically $10 to $20 per box of 100 — though some banks waive the fee for certain account types.
How to order checks from your bank
Once your account is open, you can order checks through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Log into your online banking, look for a section labeled "Order Checks" or "Manage Checks," and follow the prompts. You will choose the design, quantity, and delivery speed.
The bank will ask you to confirm your account number and address. Make sure the address matches what is on file, because the checks will be mailed there. If you recently moved, update your address before ordering.
Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need checks sooner, some banks offer rush delivery for an extra fee — usually $10 to $15 more — and can get them to you in three to five business days.
When you might not need checks at all
Many people open a checking account and never order checks because they do not need them. Your debit card handles most payments: groceries, gas, online shopping, restaurants. You can also pay bills online through your bank's bill-pay system, which sends money directly to the company without using a check.
Checks are still useful for a few situations: paying rent to a private landlord, sending money to someone who does not have a bank account, or paying a contractor or small business that does not take cards. But if you are mostly paying bills online and using your card for everyday purchases, you may never use a check.
If you are unsure whether you will need them, wait a month after opening your account. If you have not needed a check by then, you probably will not.
What starter check packages include
Banks that offer free starter checks usually include 25 or 50 checks in the first order. This is enough to try them out and see if you actually use them. The checks come with your name, account number, and routing number already printed on them.
Some banks also include a checkbook register — a small booklet where you can write down each check you write and keep track of your balance. This is less common now because most people check their balance on their phone, but it can be useful if you prefer to keep a paper record.
After your starter checks run out, you will need to reorder through the bank. Reorders are not free at most banks; expect to pay $10 to $20 per box of 100 checks. A few banks waive check-printing fees for certain account types, like premium or business accounts, so ask your bank whether your account qualifies.
Ordering checks from a third-party printer instead
You do not have to order checks from your bank. Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint often charge less than banks do — sometimes $5 to $10 per box instead of $15 to $20 — and they deliver faster.
To order from a third party, you will need your account number and routing number, which you can find on a deposit slip or in your online banking. You will also need to choose a design and confirm your address. Most third-party printers can deliver in three to five business days, and some offer next-day delivery for an extra fee.
The tradeoff is that you are ordering from outside your bank, so if something goes wrong with the order, you may need to contact the printer instead of your bank. But many people find the lower cost and faster delivery worth it.
What information appears on your checks
Your checks will be printed with your name, address, account number, and routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank the money is coming from. Your account number tells it which account.
When you order checks, you can usually choose a design — solid colors, patterns, or images. Some banks charge extra for custom designs, while others include a few design options for free. If you are paying for checks yourself, stick with a basic design to keep the cost down.
Never share your account number or routing number with someone you do not trust. These numbers are printed on your checks, so anyone who sees a check can see them. This is why you should not mail checks to unfamiliar addresses or leave blank checks lying around.
How long checks take to arrive
Standard check delivery takes one to two weeks from the time you place your order. The bank needs time to print them, package them, and mail them to you. If you order on a Monday, expect them to arrive sometime the following week or the week after.
If you need checks faster, most banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. This usually cuts the delivery time to three to five business days. Some banks also offer rush printing, which means they print your checks the same day and ship them out when ready.
If you are in a real hurry, a few banks can print checks at a local branch for you to pick up same-day, but this is rare and usually only available at larger banks. Call your branch to ask whether this is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my account before my checks arrive?
Yes. Your debit card usually arrives within a few days of opening your account, and you can use it right away. You can also set up bill pay through your bank's website and start paying bills online without waiting for checks. You only need checks if you specifically want to write a paper check to someone.
What if I order checks and they arrive with a mistake?
Contact your bank or the printer when ready. If your name or account number is wrong, do not use those checks — they will not work. Most banks and printers will reprint them for free if it was their error. If it was your mistake when you ordered, you may have to pay for a reprint.
Do I have to order checks from my bank, or can I always use a third party?
You can almost always use a third-party printer. They have your account number and routing number, which is all they need to print valid checks. Third-party checks work exactly the same as bank-printed checks. The only exception is if your bank has a very unusual account structure, but this is extremely rare.
Will my debit card work everywhere checks do?
Your debit card works at most places, but not everywhere. Some landlords, contractors, and small businesses only take checks or cash. Your debit card also will not work if the business does not have a card reader. For these situations, checks or cash are your only options.
What happens if I lose a check before I cash it?
If you lose a blank check, contact your bank and ask them to flag your account. This prevents someone else from finding it and trying to use it. If you already wrote a check and lost it, contact the person or business you were paying and ask them to let you know if it arrives. If it does not arrive within two weeks, you can write a new check.