Yes, you can order checks from your bank, and most banks will print them for you within a few business days

Checks are still a standard service at banks, even though digital payments have grown. When you open a checking account, your bank can print checks with your account number, routing number, and address. You order them through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. The bank prints them and mails them to you — usually within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks offer rush printing for an extra fee.

The cost varies by bank. Some banks include a certain number of checks free with your account; others charge per box. A box typically holds 25 checks. Expect to pay between $10 and $30 per box if your bank charges, though this is not universal. Banks that market themselves as low-cost or online-only often charge less or nothing at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You order checks through your bank's website, app, or phone line, and they arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
  • Some banks include checks free with a checking account; others charge $10 to $30 per box of 25.
  • You can request checks printed with your name, address, and account details, or with a business name if you have a business account.
  • If you need checks urgently, some banks offer expedited printing, and third-party check printers can deliver faster than your bank.

How to order checks from your bank

Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and look for a section labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Supplies." This is usually under account settings or customer service. Click through, select the number of boxes you want, review the design (most banks offer a few standard layouts), and confirm your shipping address. The bank will charge your account if there is a fee.

If you cannot find the option online, call your bank's customer service number. They can place the order over the phone and tell you the cost and delivery timeline. Some banks still require a phone call or a visit to a branch, though this is less common now.

When you order, the bank will print your name, address, and account number on the checks. Make sure the address is correct before you submit — the bank will print what you confirm. If you have a business account, you can request checks printed with your business name instead of your personal name.

Timing and expedited options

Standard check delivery takes 5 to 10 business days from the time you order. This means the bank needs a day or two to process your order, then the printer needs several days to print and mail them. If you need checks sooner, some banks offer rush printing for an additional fee — usually $15 to $25 — that cuts the timeline to 2 to 3 business days.

If your bank does not offer expedited service or the fee is too high, third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Vistaprint can print checks faster and sometimes cheaper. These printers need your routing number and account number, which you can find on your bank statement or in your online banking portal. The checks will work exactly like bank-printed checks — they clear the same way and carry the same legal weight.

What information appears on your checks

Your bank prints your name, address, phone number (sometimes), and account number on the front of each check. The routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies your bank — is printed at the bottom left. Your account number appears at the bottom center. These numbers are what the receiving bank uses to pull money from your account, so they must be accurate.

You can usually choose from a few design options: plain white, colored borders, or images. Some banks let you upload a photo or logo if you have a business account. The design does not affect how the check works — it is purely visual.

Costs and what banks include

Check pricing depends on your bank and account type. Many banks that offer free checking include a certain number of checks — often 50 to 100 per year — at no cost. Once you exceed that, you pay per box. Premium or business accounts sometimes include unlimited checks.

Banks that charge typically price checks between $10 and $30 per box of 25. Online banks and credit unions often charge less than traditional banks. If you write many checks, ask your bank whether a different account tier includes more checks or lower per-box pricing.

Using checks once they arrive

When your checks arrive, verify that your name, address, and account number are printed correctly before you use them. Write the date, payee name, amount in numbers and words, and your signature on each check. The routing number and account number are already printed — the receiving bank reads these automatically.

Checks can take 3 to 5 business days to clear after the recipient deposits them, though some banks clear them faster. If you write a check to someone, let them know it may take a few days to clear so they do not assume the money is available when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use any printer as long as the checks include your correct routing number and account number. Many people use third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco because they are faster or cheaper. The checks work identically — the receiving bank does not care who printed them.

What if I notice a mistake on my checks after they arrive?

Contact your bank when ready. If the account number or routing number is wrong, do not use the checks — they will not clear correctly. Your bank can reorder a corrected batch, usually at no charge if it was their error. If the mistake was yours, you may have to pay for a replacement order.

How long do checks stay valid?

A check is technically valid for six months from the date written, though banks may honor checks older than that. After six months, a check is considered stale-dated and a bank can refuse to cash it. If someone does not deposit a check you wrote within six months, you can ask your bank to stop payment and reissue the funds.

Can I order checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. Most banks let you order checks as soon as your account is open and funded. Your account number is assigned when ready, so the bank has everything needed to print them. Some banks may require you to wait a day or two for the account to fully set up in their system.

What if my bank does not offer check printing?

Some online banks and newer fintech accounts do not print checks because they focus on digital payments. If your bank does not offer them, you can order checks from a third-party printer using your routing and account number. You can also switch to a bank that does print checks if you need them regularly.