The basic process: order checks, wait for delivery, start using them

To get a check from your bank, you order a supply through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card. The bank prints your checks with your account number, routing number, and address, then mails them to you. This usually takes five to ten business days, though some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee. Once they arrive, you can write and sign them when ready—no set up step required.

You do not need permission to order checks. If you have a checking account, you can order them at any time. The bank charges a fee per box (typically 10 to 25 checks per box), which ranges from $10 to $30 depending on the bank and the style you choose. Some banks waive the fee for certain account types or if you meet a minimum balance.

If you need checks urgently—within a day or two—you have two options: pay for overnight or same-day printing through your bank, or order temporary checks from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco. Temporary checks are cheaper and arrive faster, but they carry a disclaimer and some businesses are slower to accept them.

Key Takeaways

  • Order checks through your bank's website, app, or phone line; delivery takes five to ten business days for standard orders.
  • Banks charge $10 to $30 per box of checks, though some accounts waive the fee or offer discounts for bulk orders.
  • If you need checks in one to two days, pay for expedited printing through your bank or order temporary checks from a third-party printer.
  • Your bank prints your account number, routing number, and address on the checks automatically; you sign them when they arrive.

Ordering through your bank's website or app

Log into your online banking account and look for a "Checks" or "Order Supplies" link, usually under Account Services or Settings. Click it and select the account you want checks for. You will see options for check style (basic, designer, or business), quantity per box, and delivery speed. Choose your preferences and add to cart.

At checkout, the bank will show you the cost and confirm your mailing address. Review this carefully—checks are mailed to the address on file, and if it is wrong, you will have to reorder. Pay with the account itself or a linked payment method, then confirm the order. You will receive a confirmation email with an order number and expected delivery date.

If your bank does not offer online ordering, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone in customer service. They can take your order over the phone and process it the same way.

What happens between order and delivery

Once you order, your bank sends the request to a printing vendor (often a company like Deluxe, which prints checks for many banks). The vendor prints your checks with your name, address, account number, and routing number pre-printed on them. This takes two to three business days. The vendor then mails the box to your address, which adds another two to five business days depending on distance and mail speed.

You can track your order through your bank's website if the bank offers tracking, though many do not. If your order does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact your bank's customer service with your order number. They can check the status with the printer or reissue the order if something went wrong.

Expedited and temporary check options

If you need checks within one or two days, most banks offer expedited printing for $15 to $25 extra. This skips the mail step—you pick up the checks at a branch, or they arrive by overnight courier. Call your bank or check the website to see if this option is available for your account type.

Temporary checks are a faster alternative. You can order them from Deluxe, Costco, or other third-party printers and receive them in one to three days. Temporary checks have a disclaimer printed on them stating they are temporary, and some businesses—particularly government agencies and large corporations—are slower to accept them or may refuse them. They cost less than bank checks ($5 to $15 per box) and work fine for most everyday payments.

If you are in a genuine emergency and need to pay someone when ready, consider a cashier's check instead. You can get one at your bank branch the same day by paying a small fee (usually $5 to $15). A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's account, not yours, so the recipient sees it as more find than a personal check.

Understanding check fees and account types

Most banks charge between $10 and $30 per box of checks. The price depends on the bank, the number of checks per box (usually 10 or 25), and the design you choose. Basic checks with your name and address cost less; designer checks with logos or colors cost more.

Some account types waive check fees entirely. Premium checking accounts, accounts with high balances, and accounts that meet certain deposit or transaction requirements often include free checks. If you order checks frequently, ask your bank whether you may have access to for a waived-fee account or whether they offer bulk discounts for ordering multiple boxes at once.

A few banks—mostly online banks—do not offer checks at all or charge significantly more. If checks are important to you, confirm that your bank prints them before you open an account.

What to do when your checks arrive

When the box arrives, open it and verify that the account number, routing number, and address are correct. If anything is printed wrong, contact your bank when ready with the box and a photo of the error. The bank will reprint them at no charge.

Sign the back of the first check in the box in the signature line. This is your authorized signature for that account. Do not sign blank checks in advance. When you write a check, fill in the date, the payee name, the amount in numbers and words, and sign it. The recipient deposits or cashes it, and the amount is deducted from your account.

Keep your checks in a safe place and do not leave them where others can access them. If checks are lost or stolen, contact your bank when ready and ask them to flag your account. You can also stop payment on individual checks if you know the check number and amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks from my bank?

Standard delivery takes five to ten business days from the time you order. Expedited options (overnight or same-day pickup) cost extra but are available at most banks. Temporary checks from third-party printers arrive in one to three days and cost less.

Can I order checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. You can order checks as soon as your account is active and you have an account number. Some banks mail starter checks automatically when you open a checking account, so check your mail before ordering.

What if I write a check and then want to cancel it?

Contact your bank and ask to place a stop payment on the check. You will need the check number, the amount, and the payee name. There is usually a fee ($25 to $35), and the stop payment is only good for six months. If the check has already been cashed or deposited, the bank cannot reverse it.

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

You can use checks from any printer as long as they include your account number and routing number. Third-party printers like Deluxe and Costco print checks for any bank. However, some banks charge a fee if you use non-bank checks, so confirm with your bank first.

What if my checks arrive and the address is wrong?

Contact your bank when ready with the box. The bank will reprint them at no charge and mail them to the correct address. In the meantime, you can use temporary checks or ask your bank for a cashier's check if you need to pay someone urgently.