Square does not offer printed checks through its checking account service

Square Cash, now called Square Banking, is a digital checking account designed for mobile and online transactions. It does not include the ability to order physical checks, either through Square directly or through a third-party check printer that Square partners with. If you need to write checks, you will need a separate checking account at a traditional bank or credit union.

This is a deliberate design choice. Square Banking prioritizes speed and low fees for digital payments—transfers between accounts, bill pay through the app, and card transactions. The infrastructure to manage check printing, routing numbers tied to physical documents, and the liability of lost or altered checks does not fit that model.

If you use Square Banking for business and also need check-writing capability, you have two practical paths: keep a separate business checking account at a bank that offers checks, or switch entirely to a bank that combines both digital tools and check services.

Key Takeaways

  • Square Banking does not print or mail checks under any circumstances, and no workaround exists through the app or Square's website.
  • If you need checks for business or personal use, you must open a checking account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank that includes check-writing.
  • Many online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime offer both digital features and check ordering, though some charge per check or require a minimum balance.
  • You can use Square Banking for digital payments and keep a separate account elsewhere for check writing without closing either account.

Why Square Banking does not include checks

Checks require a physical routing number and account number printed on paper, which creates liability and operational complexity that Square avoids. Every check that leaves your account is a legal instrument—if it is lost, stolen, altered, or takes weeks to clear, Square becomes responsible for investigating and resolving the dispute.

Square's business model depends on low overhead and fast, digital-first transactions. Maintaining check stock, managing printing vendors, handling stop-payment requests, and processing check fraud claims would add cost and customer service burden that does not align with the product. Square Banking is built for people and businesses that have moved away from checks, not for those who still need them regularly.

This is not a limitation you can work around. There is no setting in the app to enable checks, no third-party integration, and no way to request check printing from Square support.

Banks and credit unions that offer both digital features and checks

If you want a checking account with modern digital tools and the ability to order checks, look at online banks and credit unions rather than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. Many offer lower fees, faster transfers, and mobile apps comparable to Square Banking, while still providing check services.

Charles Schwab Bank offers unlimited check ordering at no charge, a debit card, mobile deposits, and transfers between accounts. Ally Bank includes checks in its checking account and has no monthly fees. Chime provides checks through a partner (Chex Systems) and focuses on early direct deposit and fee-free overdraft protection. Discover Bank offers checks and a high-yield savings account with no monthly fee.

Credit unions often have similar offerings. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether their checking account includes check ordering and what the cost is. Many credit unions offer checks free or for a small one-time fee per box.

The trade-off is that some of these banks charge per check (typically $0.10 to $0.25 each) or require a minimum balance to waive monthly fees. Compare the cost of ordering checks a few times per year against the monthly fee structure before switching.

Using Square Banking alongside a traditional checking account

You do not have to choose one or the other. Many business owners and freelancers keep Square Banking for digital payments and invoicing, then use a separate business checking account at a bank for checks and wire transfers.

This approach works well if you receive payments through Square (invoices, card readers, online store) and want those funds to land in a dedicated account, then write checks from a different account for expenses. You can transfer money between the two accounts as needed, though each transfer may take one to three business days depending on the banks involved.

The downside is managing two accounts and two sets of login credentials. The upside is that you keep the features you like from Square—fast transfers, low fees, integration with Square's payment tools—while having check-writing capability when you need it.

Alternatives to checks for business payments

Before opening a second account just for checks, consider whether you actually need them. Many businesses that once relied on checks now use digital alternatives that are faster, cheaper, and leave a clear record.

ACH transfers move money directly from your account to another account at any bank, usually within one to three business days, at no cost. Wire transfers move money the same day but cost $15 to $30. Bill pay through your bank lets you schedule payments to vendors and service providers without writing a check. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash itself let you send money to individuals when ready.

If you are paying employees, direct deposit is standard and requires no checks. If you are paying vendors, most now accept ACH or bill pay. Checks are most common for rent, security deposits, and payments to individuals or very small businesses that do not accept digital payments.

Ask yourself: how many checks do you actually write per month? If the answer is fewer than two or three, the cost and complexity of a second account may not be worth it. If you write checks regularly, a bank that offers both digital features and checks is the simpler choice.

Moving money out of Square Banking if you need checks

If you have been using Square Banking and now need check-writing capability, you do not lose your money or have to close the account when ready. Transfer your balance to a new checking account at a bank that offers checks, then close Square Banking once the transfer clears.

Square Banking transfers to external accounts use the ACH system, which typically takes one to three business days. You will need the routing number and account number of your new bank. Square does not charge a fee to transfer out, but your new bank may charge a fee to receive an incoming transfer (most do not).

Keep your Square Banking account open for at least a week after the transfer to make sure no pending transactions fail. Once you confirm everything has cleared, you can close the account through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party check printing service with my Square Banking account number?

No. Third-party check printers require a valid routing number and account number, but they also need authorization from the bank that issued the account. Square does not authorize external check printing for Square Banking accounts. Any checks printed with a Square Banking account number would be fraudulent and would not clear.

What if I only need to write a few checks per year?

Consider using a money order or cashier's check instead. You can buy these at most banks, credit unions, post offices, and grocery stores for $1 to $5 each. They serve the same purpose as a personal check for one-time payments and do not require a checking account. For regular or recurring payments, a bank account with check services is more practical.

Does Square offer any workaround or special request for check printing?

No. Square support cannot enable checks, and there is no exception process. Check printing is not part of the Square Banking product and will not be added through a request or upgrade. If checks are essential to your business, you need a different bank.

Can I use Square's debit card instead of checks?

For most everyday payments, yes. The Square debit card works anywhere Visa is accepted. For payments that require a check specifically—rent, security deposits, some government agencies, or vendors with no card processing—a debit card will not work. You will need an actual check or a digital alternative like bill pay or ACH transfer.

If I open a new bank account for checks, can I keep using Square Banking?

Yes. You can have both accounts open at the same time. Many business owners do this—they use Square Banking for digital payments and invoicing, and a separate bank account for checks and wire transfers. Just make sure you understand the fees and minimum balances for both accounts.