You can order checks from third-party vendors, and they often cost less than bank checks
No, you do not have to order checks from your bank. Banks will sell you checks, but they are not the only source. Third-party check printers — companies like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Vistaprint — print checks that work in your bank account just as well as bank-printed ones. The checks carry your bank's routing number and your account number, which is what makes them valid. The printer does not matter.
The main reason to order elsewhere is cost. Bank checks typically run $15 to $30 per box of 25 checks. Third-party printers often charge $5 to $15 for the same quantity, sometimes less if you order in bulk. If you write checks regularly, the savings add up. If you write a handful per year, the difference may not be worth the effort to order from somewhere else.
The trade-off is speed. Bank checks arrive faster — often within a week — because the bank already has your account information on file. Third-party printers usually take 7 to 14 business days, sometimes longer depending on the vendor and shipping method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party check printers produce checks that work identically to bank-printed checks because they contain your real routing number and account number.
- Bank checks typically cost $15 to $30 per box of 25, while third-party vendors often charge $5 to $15 for the same quantity.
- Bank checks arrive faster — usually within a week — while third-party checks take 7 to 14 business days or longer.
- You will need your routing number and account number to order from any vendor, whether your bank or a third party.
How third-party checks actually work
A check is valid because it contains two pieces of information: your bank's routing number and your account number. These numbers tell the receiving bank where to pull the money from. The printer — whether it is your bank or Deluxe — just puts those numbers on paper in the right format. There is nothing special about a check printed by your bank versus one printed by anyone else.
When you deposit a check or cash it, the receiving bank reads the routing and account numbers, not the name of the printer. Your bank does not care where the check came from. It only cares that the numbers are correct and that the account has money in it.
This means you can order checks from a third-party vendor without telling your bank. You do not need permission. You do not need to register the checks anywhere. You straightforward order them with your routing number and account number, and they work.
Where to order checks and what to expect
The most common third-party check vendors are Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Vistaprint. Deluxe is the largest and has been printing checks for decades. Costco and Walmart offer checks to members and customers at lower prices than banks. Vistaprint handles custom designs if you want checks that look different from standard ones.
To order, you will need your routing number and account number. You can find both on the bottom left of any check you already have, or you can log into your online banking and find them there. Most vendors let you order online and choose standard designs or add a logo or custom text. Shipping usually costs $5 to $10 extra, though some vendors offer free shipping on larger orders.
Delivery times vary. Deluxe typically ships within 3 to 5 business days. Costco and Walmart may be faster if you pick up in store. Vistaprint can take 10 to 14 business days because of the custom printing. Check the vendor's website for current timelines before you order.
When ordering from your bank makes sense
Order from your bank if you need checks urgently. If you run out of checks and need them within a few days, your bank is usually the fastest option. Some banks can print checks same-day or next-day if you visit a branch in person, though this is becoming less common as fewer people use checks.
You might also order from your bank if you have a very straightforward account setup with no special features. Some banks bundle check orders with account maintenance or offer them free to certain account types. If your bank is already covering the cost, there is no reason to shop elsewhere.
Banks also handle the ordering process for you if you prefer not to manage it yourself. You can call, visit a branch, or order online through your banking portal. The process is straightforward, even if the price is higher.
Comparing costs across vendors
| Vendor | Cost per box (25 checks) | Shipping | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (typical) | $15–$30 | Included | 3–7 days |
| Deluxe | $5–$15 | $5–$10 | 3–5 business days |
| Costco | $8–$12 | Free (in-store pickup) | 1–3 days |
| Walmart | $7–$12 | Free (in-store pickup) | 1–3 days |
| Vistaprint | $10–$20 (custom) | $5–$10 | 10–14 days |
Prices vary by vendor and by the number of boxes you order. Bulk orders usually cost less per box. Costco and Walmart offer the lowest prices if you are a member or shopper, and in-store pickup eliminates shipping delays. Deluxe is a good middle ground for cost and speed. Vistaprint is worth it only if you want a custom design — otherwise you are paying more for something that works the same way.
What information you need before ordering
You will need three pieces of information: your routing number, your account number, and your name as it appears on the account. All three go on the check. You can find the routing and account numbers on any existing check, or you can log into your online banking portal and look them up there.
Some vendors also ask for your address, phone number, and email. This is normal — they need it for shipping and customer service. Do not provide this information to anyone claiming to be from your bank unless you initiated the contact yourself. Scammers sometimes pose as check vendors to steal account information.
If you are unsure whether a vendor is legitimate, go directly to their website by typing the URL yourself, rather than clicking a link in an email. Legitimate vendors like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart have find websites and will never ask for your password or PIN.
Alternatives if you do not want to order checks at all
Fewer people write checks now, and you may not need them. If you pay most bills online through your bank's bill pay system, you can skip checks entirely. Bill pay lets you schedule payments to any business or person, and the bank handles the transfer. It is faster than mailing a check and costs nothing.
If you need to pay someone who does not take online payments, you have other options. You can transfer money through a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal. You can set up a direct bank transfer if you have the person's account number and routing number. You can even ask your bank to issue a cashier's check, which is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees.
If you write checks only occasionally — a few times a year — it may not be worth ordering a whole box. Ask your bank if they will issue a few checks on the spot when you need them, or order a small quantity from a third-party vendor and use them slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank charge me a fee if I use checks from another printer?
No. Your bank does not charge you for using third-party checks. The bank only cares that the routing and account numbers are correct. The printer is irrelevant to your bank's fees or policies.
Can I order checks online if I just opened my account?
Yes, as long as your account is fully open and active. You will need your routing number and account number, which you should have received when you opened the account. If you do not have them, log into your online banking or call the bank to get them.
What if I order checks and my bank information changes?
If your routing number changes — which is rare — your old checks will not work. If your account number changes, your old checks will not work either. In practice, routing numbers almost never change unless your bank merges with another bank. Account numbers change only if you close the account and open a new one. If either happens, you will need to order new checks.
Do I need to tell my bank I ordered checks from somewhere else?
No. You do not need to notify your bank. The checks will work automatically because they contain your real routing and account numbers. Your bank will not know or care where they came from.
Are custom-designed checks worth the extra cost?
That depends on how often you write checks and whether the design matters to you. Custom checks cost more and take longer to arrive. If you write checks regularly and want them to look professional or reflect your business, they may be worth it. If you write a few checks a year, standard checks are cheaper and faster.