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 a specific amount of money from your account to whoever you name on it. You can request checks from your bank at any time, and they will print them with your account information already on them. The bank doesn't charge you to write a check, though some banks charge a fee if you order new check stock.

Getting a check is straightforward: you write the amount, the date, who it's for, and sign it. The person or business you give it to deposits or cashes it at their own bank, and the money moves from your account to theirs. Checks take a few business days to clear, which is why they're useful when you need to send money but don't need it to arrive when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You can write a check from any checking account your bank has issued you checks for, and there is no limit to how many you can write.
  • Checks take three to five business days to clear after the recipient deposits them, so plan ahead if the money needs to arrive by a certain date.
  • If you've run out of checks, you can order more from your bank, a third-party printer, or online retailers, though some options cost money.
  • You can also get cash directly from your bank by visiting a teller, using an ATM, or requesting a cashier's check if you need a may provide payment.
  • If a check you wrote goes missing or you need to stop payment, contact your bank right away—they can place a stop payment order, though this usually costs a fee.

How to write and use a check

Writing a check requires five pieces of information. At the top, fill in the date. On the line that says "Pay to the order of," write the name of the person or business receiving the money. On the line with the dollar sign, write the amount in numbers. On the line below that, write the amount in words. At the bottom right, sign your name—the check won't be valid without your signature.

Once you've written the check, give it to the person or business you're paying. They will take it to their bank and deposit it into their account. Your bank will then deduct the amount from your balance. This process usually takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved and whether the deposit happens on a weekend or holiday.

What to do if you've run out of checks

Your bank will order new checks for you at no charge, though delivery usually takes one to two weeks. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person to request them. You can also order checks online through your bank's website if that option is available.

If you need checks faster, third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart can print them in a few days, though you'll pay a fee—typically $10 to $30 per box depending on the design and printer. Some online retailers offer cheaper options but take longer to deliver. Make sure any printer you use has your correct account number and routing number, which you can find on a check you already have or by calling your bank.

Getting cash directly instead of writing a check

If you need cash right now rather than sending a check, you have three options. Visit a bank teller during business hours and ask to withdraw cash—you can take out as much as you want, though the bank may ask why if it's a very large amount. Use an ATM to withdraw cash when ready, though ATMs usually have daily limits (often $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank). Call your bank ahead of time if you need more than the daily limit.

If you need to send money but want the recipient to know it's may provide, ask your bank for a cashier's check. The bank writes the check itself using its own account, which means the recipient knows the money is definitely there. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 each and take a few minutes to issue at a branch. They clear faster than personal checks because the bank's own funds are behind them.

Stopping payment on a check you've written

If you wrote a check and then realized you made a mistake—you wrote the wrong amount, gave it to the wrong person, or the check went missing—you can ask your bank to place a stop payment order. This tells the bank not to pay the check if it comes through. Stop payment orders usually cost $25 to $35 per check and must be placed before the check clears.

Call your bank as soon as you realize the problem. Have the check number, the amount, the date, and the name of the person you wrote it to ready. Your bank will ask you to confirm the stop payment in writing, either by mail or through your online banking portal. Once the order is in place, if someone tries to cash or deposit the check, the bank will reject it and the money will stay in your account.

Checks and fraud protection

If someone forges your signature on a check or steals a blank check and writes it themselves, your bank is responsible for catching the fraud. When you receive your bank statement, review it carefully and look for checks you don't recognize. If you find one, contact your bank when ready and report it as fraudulent.

Your bank will investigate and, if they confirm the check was forged, they will reverse the charge and put the money back in your account. This process can take a few weeks. In the meantime, keep the fraudulent check and any related documents. If the fraud happened because you left blank checks lying around or didn't report a lost checkbook quickly, your bank may hold you partially responsible, though federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report it within 60 days.

When checks don't clear or get lost

If you wrote a check and the person says they never received it, ask them to wait a week or two—it may still be in the mail or clearing through the banking system. If more than a week has passed and they still haven't received it, you can place a stop payment order and write a new check or use a different payment method.

If the check clears but the person says they never got it, the money has already left your account. You'll need to contact the recipient and work out a refund with them directly—your bank cannot reverse a check that has already been deposited and cleared. This is why it's a good idea to keep records of checks you write, especially for large amounts or important payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to how many checks I can write?

No. You can write as many checks as you want from your checking account as long as you have the money to cover them. If you write a check for more than your balance, it will bounce and your bank will charge you an overdraft fee, usually $25 to $35.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. You can write a check payable to yourself and deposit it into another account you own at the same bank or a different bank. This is sometimes used to move money between accounts, though a transfer is usually faster.

What if I lose a check I already wrote?

If you lose a blank check, contact your bank right away. If you lose a check you've already written and given to someone, place a stop payment order when ready. The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping the payment before it clears.

Do I need to tell my bank before I write a large check?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. If you write a check for several thousand dollars, your bank may flag it as unusual activity. Calling ahead prevents delays and makes sure the check clears smoothly.

Can someone else write a check from my account?

Only if they have access to your checks and your signature. If someone forges your signature or steals your checks, report it to your bank when ready. You are not responsible for forged checks if you report them within 60 days.