The simplest way to get a check

Walk into your bank branch with your debit card or ID, tell the teller you want to withdraw cash, and ask for it in the form of a check instead of bills. The teller will write you a cashier's check — a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours. You pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and walk out with a check you can cash or deposit anywhere.

This works the same day, takes about five minutes, and requires no advance notice. If you need the money urgently or want to send it to someone else, a cashier's check is the fastest route.

If you want to write checks directly from your own account instead — the kind that draw money from your checking account when someone deposits them — you need a checkbook. Your bank can order one for you, though it takes a week or two to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • A cashier's check is the fastest way to get a check from your bank; you can get one the same day by visiting a branch with your ID.
  • Cashier's checks cost a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and are drawn on the bank's account, so they clear quickly and are considered very safe.
  • Personal checks that draw from your own account require ordering a checkbook, which takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • You can order checks online through your bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch.
  • Some banks charge for checks; others include them free with certain account types.

Understanding cashier's checks versus personal checks

A cashier's check is written by the bank itself and may provide by the bank's funds. When you ask for one, you give the teller the amount you want and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. The bank deducts the money from your account when ready and issues the check on the spot. Because the bank's own money backs it, cashier's checks are considered safer than personal checks and clear faster — usually within one business day.

A personal check is one you write yourself from your checkbook. It draws directly from your checking account when the person who receives it deposits or cashes it. Personal checks take longer to clear (typically three to five business days) and the recipient has to trust that your account has enough money. Personal checks are free or low-cost to order, but you have to wait for them to arrive in the mail.

Use a cashier's check when you need the money to move quickly, when you're sending a large amount, or when the recipient wants extra assurance the check is good. Use personal checks for everyday expenses like paying bills or rent, where speed matters less.

How to order a checkbook for your account

Most banks let you order checks three ways: online through your bank's website, by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or by asking at a branch in person. When you order, you'll choose the style and design of the checks (plain or decorative), and the bank will print your name, account number, and routing number on them.

Checks usually arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. Some banks charge per box of checks (typically $10 to $25 for 100 checks), while others include checks free with certain account types. Ask your bank about the cost before you order.

If you need checks sooner, some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee, or you can ask a teller if they have temporary starter checks you can use while you wait for your order to arrive.

What you need to get a cashier's check

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller the amount of the check and the name it should be made out to. You'll pay the fee at that time, and the teller will print the check and hand it to you.

Some banks require you to be an account holder to get a cashier's check. If you don't have an account at that bank, you may not be able to get one there. A few banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers for a higher fee, but this is uncommon.

Fees and costs for checks

Cashier's checks typically cost $5 to $15 per check, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less if you have a premium account type. A few banks waive the fee for customers with certain account balances or account types.

Personal checks ordered through your bank usually cost $10 to $25 per box of 100 checks, though some banks include them free. If you order checks through a third-party printer (not your bank), they are often cheaper — sometimes $5 to $10 per box — but your bank may not recognize them, so check first.

If you need a replacement check because one was lost or damaged, your bank can usually reissue it for a small fee or sometimes free.

What happens after you get a check

Once you have a check in hand, the person or business you give it to can deposit it into their own bank account or cash it at a bank or check-cashing service. A cashier's check clears within one business day in most cases. A personal check takes longer — usually three to five business days — because the bank has to verify that your account has enough money.

If you write a personal check and don't have enough money in your account when it's deposited, the check will bounce. The recipient's bank will reject it, and you may face overdraft fees from your bank. The person who received the check may also charge you a fee for the bounced check.

Keep a record of checks you write, especially large ones. If you're using personal checks, write down the check number, date, amount, and who you gave it to. This helps you track your spending and spot any problems if a check goes missing.

Alternatives if you can't use checks

If you need to send money but don't want to use checks, your bank can send a wire transfer — an electronic transfer of money that arrives the same day or next business day. Wire transfers cost more than checks (usually $15 to $30) but are faster and more find for large amounts.

You can also use a money order, which you buy at a bank, post office, or grocery store. A money order is like a cashier's check but issued by a third party instead of your bank. Money orders cost $1 to $5 and work the same way — the recipient deposits or cashes it.

For everyday bills, many banks offer bill pay, where you authorize the bank to send a check directly to a business on your behalf. This is free or low-cost and saves you the step of writing and mailing a check yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a check from my bank if I don't have a checkbook?

Yes. You can get a cashier's check the same day by visiting a branch with your ID. A cashier's check is written by the bank itself, so you don't need a personal checkbook. If you want personal checks, you'll need to order a checkbook, which takes one to two weeks to arrive.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

A cashier's check usually clears within one business day because the bank's own funds back it. A personal check takes longer — typically three to five business days — because the bank has to verify your account has enough money. Some banks clear checks faster than others, so ask yours for their timeline.

What if I lose a check?

If you lose a personal check you wrote, contact your bank right away and ask them to put a stop payment on it. This prevents the check from being cashed if someone finds it. If you lose a cashier's check, contact the bank that issued it when ready — they can issue a replacement, though you may have to wait and pay a fee.

Can I get a check without going to the bank?

You can order personal checks by mail or online and have them delivered to your home. For a cashier's check, you have to visit a branch in person or call some banks to arrange one by mail, though this is less common. Wire transfers and money orders are faster alternatives if you need money moved without visiting a branch.

Do all banks charge for checks?

Cashier's checks almost always have a fee ($5 to $15). Personal checks vary — some banks include them free with your account, while others charge $10 to $25 per box. Ask your bank about their policy when you open an account or before you order.