Yes, you can get a check from your bank, and it's one of the most common ways to withdraw money

A check is a written order that tells your bank to pay money from your account to whoever you give it to. When you write a check, you're instructing your bank to move that money to the person or business named on it. You can get checks from your bank in several ways: by ordering them through your bank, by asking a teller for a counter check (a temporary check issued on the spot), or by writing a check from a checkbook you already have.

The simplest path depends on what you need right now. If you need a check today, ask your bank teller for a counter check or a cashier's check. If you're setting up a new account or ran out of checks, you'll order them — usually online, by phone, or in person — and they'll arrive in a few days to a couple of weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • A counter check is a temporary check your bank teller can write and give you when ready, usually at no cost.
  • A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees, useful when the person receiving it needs certainty the money is real.
  • Ordering checks from your bank takes several days to two weeks, and you can do it online, by phone, or in person.
  • Checks cost money — usually a few dollars per box — though some accounts include free checks or you can buy them cheaper from third-party printers.

Getting a check the same day: counter checks and cashier's checks

If you need a check right now, walk into your bank branch and ask the teller for a counter check. This is a temporary check the bank prints on the spot with your account information. Most banks issue counter checks for free, though a few charge a small fee. The teller will hand you one or more blank checks you can fill out when ready and use that day.

A cashier's check is different — it's a check the bank itself writes and signs, using the bank's own funds. You tell the teller how much money to put on it and who to make it out to, you pay the amount plus a fee (usually $5 to $15), and the bank guarantees the money is there. Cashier's checks are useful when you're paying for something big — a car, a house down payment, or paying someone who won't trust a personal check — because the receiver knows the bank has already set that money aside.

Ordering checks from your bank for regular use

If you have a checking account, you can order checks through your bank. Most banks let you order online through your account dashboard, by calling the number on the back of your debit card, or by visiting a branch in person. You'll choose the design (usually plain or with a small logo), how many checks you want per box, and where to send them.

Checks typically cost $5 to $25 per box of 50 or 100, depending on your bank and the design you pick. Delivery takes anywhere from three to fourteen days. Some checking accounts — particularly premium or business accounts — include free checks, so ask your bank before you pay. If the cost bothers you, third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers often sell checks for less than the bank charges.

What information you need to write a check

Before you hand a check to someone, you need to fill in several blanks. At the top left, write or print your name and address — this is already printed on checks you order. On the line that says "Date," write the date you're giving the check. On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the name of the person or business getting the money.

On the line with the dollar sign, write the amount in numbers (like $50.00). On the line below that, write out the same amount in words (like "Fifty dollars"). Sign your name on the line at the bottom right — your signature is what makes the check valid. The numbers at the bottom of the check (your account number and routing number) are already printed and tell the bank where to pull the money from.

When a check might not work or might take time

Checks are not when ready. When you hand someone a check, they have to take it to their own bank, deposit it, and wait for the money to clear — usually one to three business days. If you need money to move today, a check is not the right tool; use a debit card, a wire transfer, or cash instead.

Some businesses and people no longer accept checks because they're less common than they used to be. Before you write a check, ask whether the person or business will take it. If they won't, you'll need to use another payment method — a bank transfer, a debit card, or cash.

Replacing lost or damaged checks

If you lose a checkbook or a check gets damaged, contact your bank and ask them to stop payment on the missing check and send you a replacement. Stopping payment means the bank will refuse to cash that check if someone tries to use it. There's usually a fee for this service, often $25 to $35 per check.

If you've already given someone a check and it gets lost or damaged before they cash it, ask them to contact you so you can write a new one. If you're worried a check you wrote might be used fraudulently, call your bank when ready and ask them to put a stop payment on it.

Understanding check security and fraud

Checks have security features built in to make them harder to forge or alter. Legitimate checks have a watermark (a faint image you can see when you hold it up to light), microprinting (tiny text that's hard to copy), and special inks that change color when you tilt them. Your bank's name and logo are printed on the check, along with your account number and routing number.

Never give your account number or routing number to someone you don't trust — they're printed on your checks, so anyone who has a check you wrote can see them. If you're worried someone has your check information, call your bank and ask them to monitor your account or close it and open a new one. Most banks will not hold you responsible for fraudulent checks if you report them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks deliver checks within three to fourteen business days, depending on the design and where they're printing them. Expedited shipping is sometimes available for an extra fee. If you need checks urgently, ask your bank about counter checks or cashier's checks instead.

Can I get checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. You can ask for counter checks when ready, and you can order regular checks right away. Some banks include a starter set of checks with new accounts, so ask when you open the account.

What's the difference between a personal check and a cashier's check?

A personal check is written from your own account and takes a few days to clear. A cashier's check is written by the bank itself using the bank's money, and the bank guarantees it won't bounce. Cashier's checks cost more but are safer for large payments.

Do I have to use my bank's checks, or can I buy them somewhere else?

You can buy checks from other printers — Costco, Walmart, and online check printers all sell them. They're usually cheaper than bank checks and work the same way. Make sure the printer includes your account number and routing number correctly.

What happens if someone cashes a check I wrote but didn't mean to give them?

Call your bank when ready and ask them to put a stop payment on the check. This costs money (usually $25 to $35) but prevents the check from clearing. If the check already cleared, contact your bank about reversing the transaction.