Your bank will print blank checks for you, but you have to order them — they don't come automatically with your account

When you open a checking account, your bank does not send you a blank stack of checks. You request them, and the bank prints and mails them to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks charge for this service; others include a certain number of free checks per year. The process is straightforward: you call your bank, visit a branch, or log into your online banking portal and place an order.

The checks arrive with your account number, routing number, and the bank's information already printed on them. You fill in the payee, amount, date, and your signature when you use them. If you need checks urgently — within a few days — you can sometimes pick them up at a branch instead of waiting for mail delivery, though not all banks offer this option.

Key Takeaways

  • Blank checks must be ordered through your bank; they are not included automatically when you open an account.
  • Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days by mail, though some banks allow same-day or next-day pickup at a branch.
  • Many banks charge $10 to $25 per box of 25 checks, but some offer a limited number of free checks annually.
  • You can order checks online through your banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch.
  • Third-party check printers often cost less than bank-ordered checks but take longer to arrive.

How to order checks from your bank

The fastest way is usually your bank's website. Log into your online banking account, look for a "Checks" or "Order Supplies" section, and select the style and quantity you want. You will see the cost upfront. The bank will confirm your mailing address and process the order when ready.

If you prefer to call, your bank's customer service number is on your debit card or bank statements. Tell them you want to order checks, and they will walk you through the options — number of checks per box, design choices, and cost. Some banks let you order by phone and have checks ready for pickup at your local branch within 24 hours.

Visiting a branch in person is also an option. Bring your debit card or account number, and a teller can place the order for you. This is useful if you want to ask about rush delivery or pickup options specific to that branch.

What blank checks cost and where to save money

Bank-printed checks typically cost between $10 and $25 per box of 25 checks. Some banks waive the fee for the first box or offer a set number of free checks per year — usually 50 to 100. After that, you pay per box. The cost varies by bank and by the design you choose; specialty designs cost more than standard ones.

If cost is a concern, third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart print checks for less — sometimes $5 to $10 per box. The trade-off is delivery time: third-party printers usually take 7 to 14 business days, compared to 5 to 10 for bank orders. You will need your account number and routing number to place the order, both of which appear on your existing checks or in your online banking portal.

Before ordering from a third party, confirm with your bank that they accept checks printed elsewhere. Nearly all banks do, but it is worth a quick call to be certain.

Rush delivery and same-day options

If you need checks within a day or two, ask your bank about branch pickup. Some banks can print checks at a local branch and have them ready for you to collect the next business day. This is not available at every branch or every bank, so call ahead to confirm.

A few banks offer expedited mail delivery for an extra fee — typically $15 to $30 on top of the check cost. This cuts delivery time to 2 to 3 business days. Check your bank's website or call to see if this option is available.

If you are in a true emergency and cannot wait, some banks will issue you a temporary check or cashier's check on the spot. This is a check the bank itself prints and signs, drawn on the bank's account rather than yours. You can use it when ready, though it costs a small fee — usually $5 to $10.

What information appears on your blank checks

When your checks arrive, they will have your name, address, account number, and the bank's routing number already printed on them. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your account within that bank. Both are essential for the check to work.

You fill in the rest: the date, the name of the person or business you are paying (the payee), the amount in both numbers and words, and your signature. The check is not valid without your signature. If you make a mistake, you can cross it out and initial the change, or straightforward void the check and use a new one.

Some banks let you choose the design or color of your checks when you order. Standard checks are white or light blue. Specialty designs cost more but look the same to the recipient — the design choice is purely visual.

When you might not need physical checks

Many people use checks less often than they used to. If you pay most bills online or by card, you may only need checks occasionally — for rent, insurance, or other payments that still require them. In that case, ordering a single box every year or two may be all you need.

If you rarely write checks, consider whether a third-party printer makes sense. You can order a small quantity and have them on hand without paying bank prices. Alternatively, some banks offer digital check writing through their mobile app, which lets you photograph a check you have written and send it electronically instead of mailing the physical check.

If you have moved and your address on file is outdated, update it before ordering checks. Checks printed with an old address are still valid, but they may confuse the recipient or cause delays if the address does not match your bank's records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks after I order them?

Standard delivery is 5 to 10 business days by mail. Some banks offer branch pickup within 24 hours, and a few offer expedited mail for 2 to 3 days at an extra cost. Call your bank to ask what options are available.

Can I order checks online, or do I have to call?

Most banks let you order checks online through your banking portal. You can also call customer service or visit a branch. Online is usually fastest because the order processes when ready.

What if I order checks and then close my account?

Checks printed with your account number will not work once the account is closed. If you have already ordered checks and plan to close the account, contact your bank to cancel the order if it has not shipped yet.

Do I have to use checks printed by my bank, or can I use checks from another printer?

Nearly all banks accept checks printed by third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, as long as your account number and routing number are correct. Confirm with your bank first, but this is standard practice.

What should I do if my checks arrive damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact your bank when ready. They will reprint and resend them at no charge. Do not use checks with incorrect information — they may be rejected or cause delays when deposited.