You order checks directly from your bank, a third-party check printer, or sometimes both

Once your checking account is open, you have three main ways to get checks. Your bank can print them for you—usually the most expensive option but the simplest. You can order from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which costs less but takes longer to arrive. Or you can do both: order a small starter pack from your bank while you wait for a cheaper bulk order from a printer to ship.

Most banks let you order checks online through your account dashboard, by phone, or in person at a branch. Third-party printers typically work online only. Starter checks—usually 25 to 50 checks—arrive in a few business days. Standard orders take one to two weeks. Bulk orders from discount printers can take up to three weeks.

The cost varies widely. Bank-printed checks run $15 to $30 per box of 100. Third-party printers charge $5 to $15 per box, depending on the design and quantity. Costco members can order checks for around $10 per box. If you rarely write checks, a starter pack from your bank may be all you ever need.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank can print checks for you during account setup or anytime after, but they cost more than third-party printers.
  • Third-party printers like Deluxe, Walmart, and Costco offer the same checks at lower prices, but you need your routing number and account number to order.
  • Starter checks from your bank arrive in a few days; standard orders take one to two weeks; bulk orders from discount printers take up to three weeks.
  • You can order checks online, by phone, or in person, depending on your bank and the printer you choose.
  • Many banks no longer print checks by default, so you may need to request them rather than wait for them to arrive with your debit card.

Ordering checks through your bank

Log into your online banking portal and look for a "Order Checks" or "Manage Checks" link, usually under Account Services or Settings. Some banks put it in the Debit Card section. If you do not see it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.

When you order, you will choose the quantity (usually 25, 50, or 100 checks per box), the style or design, and whether you want a single or duplicate copy. Duplicate checks—where a carbon copy stays in your register—cost more but are useful if you do not keep digital records. Standard black ink on white paper is the cheapest option.

Your bank will confirm your account number, routing number, and the address where checks should be mailed. Double-check this information before you submit. Mistakes here delay delivery or send checks to the wrong place. Most banks charge the fee to your account when ready, even though the checks take days to arrive.

Ordering from third-party check printers

Third-party printers work with your bank's routing number and your account number to print checks that work exactly like bank-printed ones. You do not need permission from your bank to use them. Popular printers include Deluxe, Walmart, Costco, and Vistaprint. Each has its own website where you enter your account details and choose a design.

To place an order, you will need your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of a check or available from your bank's website) and your account number (the second set of digits on a check, or visible in your online banking portal). You will also need the name and address you want printed on the checks. Most printers let you preview the design before you pay.

Bulk orders—500 or 1,000 checks—cost significantly less per box than small orders. If you write checks regularly, ordering 500 checks at once from a discount printer can save $20 to $40 compared to ordering 100 checks at a time from your bank. However, checks do not expire, so you only save money if you will actually use them.

Starter checks and temporary solutions

Many banks offer starter checks—a small pack of 25 to 50 checks—that arrive within a few business days of account opening. These are printed with your account information and are fully functional. If your bank did not send them automatically, you can request them and they usually arrive before a standard order would.

If you need checks urgently and a standard order will not arrive in time, a starter pack is your fastest option. The cost is higher per check, but you get them quickly. Some banks waive the fee for starter checks if you open a new account, so ask before you pay.

Another temporary option: some banks let you print checks at home using special paper and software, though this is less common now. Ask your bank whether this is available. It is not a permanent solution, but it can bridge a gap if you need a check before your order arrives.

What information appears on your checks

Your checks will print with your name, address, phone number (optional), and account number in the bottom right corner. Your bank's routing number and your account number appear in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom—the numbers that machines read when checks are deposited. The bank's name and logo appear at the top.

When you order, you can usually choose whether to include your phone number and whether to add a second line of text (like a business name or a memo). You cannot change the routing number or account number—those are set by your bank. If either is wrong on your checks, contact your bank when ready and order a replacement set.

Some printers offer decorative designs, colors, or custom images. These cost more and take longer to print. Standard checks are plain and arrive faster. If you are ordering for the first time, stick with standard unless you have a specific reason to customize.

Delivery and what to do if checks do not arrive

Bank-printed checks are mailed to the address on file with your account. Third-party printers mail to the address you provide during checkout. Checks are not sent by signature-required mail, so they may sit in your mailbox. Check your mail regularly, especially if you ordered checks and forgot about them.

If checks do not arrive within the promised timeframe, contact the printer or your bank. Have your order number ready. They can check the shipping status or reprint and resend at no charge if there was a delay on their end. If checks arrive damaged, torn, or with incorrect information, contact the printer when ready for a replacement.

If you suspect checks were lost or stolen in the mail, contact your bank right away. They can flag your account and watch for fraudulent check activity. You can also place a stop payment on the missing checks, though this costs money and only works if you know the check numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order checks from my bank?

No. Third-party printers produce checks that work identically to bank-printed ones. Your bank cannot require you to order from them. However, some banks charge a fee if you order from an outside printer, so check your account terms before you decide.

What if I do not know my routing number?

Your routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of any check. If you do not have a check yet, log into your online banking portal—most banks display it under Account Information or Account Details. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask.

Can I order checks if I have a joint account?

Yes. Both account holders' names can appear on the checks, or you can choose to print only one name. When you order, specify whose name should be printed. Both account holders can write checks from the account regardless of whose name is on them.

How long do checks stay valid?

Checks do not have an expiration date, but banks may refuse to cash a check that is more than six months old. For practical purposes, use checks within a year of receiving them. Checks do not go bad, so ordering in bulk is safe if you write checks regularly.

What if I ordered too many checks?

Checks do not expire, so you can keep them indefinitely. If you ordered far more than you need, you can straightforward use them slowly. If you want to cancel an order before it ships, contact the printer or bank when ready—once checks are printed and mailed, you cannot cancel.