You can order checks directly from your bank, through a third-party check printer, or sometimes pick them up in person at a branch

Most banks let you order checks in three ways: online through your account portal, by phone with a customer service representative, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online—you design the layout, confirm your account details, and the bank either prints them or sends the order to a printer. Phone orders take a few minutes but require you to verify your identity. In-person orders at a branch are slowest but let you walk out with a small starter pack the same day if the branch has them in stock.

You can also order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart, which are often cheaper than bank orders but take longer to arrive. These printers pull your routing and account numbers from the banking system, so you don't have to provide them yourself. The trade-off is that non-bank printers typically take 7 to 14 business days, while bank orders usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days.

Checks arrive in a box with a packing slip that shows your account number, routing number, and the number of checks ordered. Keep this slip until the checks arrive and you've verified the account details are correct. If anything is wrong—wrong name, wrong account number, wrong routing number—contact your bank when ready and request a replacement box.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering through your bank's website is the fastest and most convenient method, with checks arriving in 5 to 10 business days.
  • Third-party check printers cost less per check but take 7 to 14 business days and require you to wait longer before you can use them.
  • Your routing number and account number must be correct on every check, or the check will not clear properly when deposited.
  • You can request a small starter pack of checks in person at a branch if you need checks when ready, though not all branches keep them in stock.
  • Checks ordered with the wrong information should be reported to your bank right away so you can request a replacement box at no charge.

Ordering checks online through your bank account

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Manage Checks"—the exact wording varies by bank. You'll be asked to confirm which account the checks are for, then choose a design (plain, colored, or branded with your bank's logo). Enter how many checks you want—most banks sell them in boxes of 50 or 100—and review the cost before confirming.

The system will show you a preview of what the checks will look like, with your name, address, account number, and routing number printed on them. Verify every detail, especially the account number and routing number, because a mistake here means the checks won't work. Once you confirm, the order goes to the bank's printer or a third-party vendor, and you'll get an email with a tracking number.

Delivery time depends on your bank. Some banks print checks in-house and mail them within 3 to 5 business days. Others send orders to an external printer, which takes 5 to 10 business days. A few banks offer rush printing for an extra fee if you need checks urgently.

Ordering checks by phone or in person

Call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask to order checks. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions. They'll confirm which account you want checks for, how many you need, and the design you prefer. The cost will be quoted before the order is placed.

Phone orders follow the same timeline as online orders—5 to 10 business days for standard printing. Some banks allow you to pay over the phone with a debit card or by having the cost deducted from your account. Ask whether the bank will email you a tracking number so you can monitor delivery.

If you need checks when ready, visit a branch in person. Many branches keep a small supply of starter checks on hand—usually 25 checks with your name and address but no account number printed yet. You'll fill in your account number by hand on each check before using it. Not all branches stock starter checks, so call ahead to confirm. Some banks charge $5 to $10 for a starter pack, while others provide it free.

Using third-party check printers

Companies like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club print checks at a lower per-check cost than most banks—sometimes 50 percent less. To order, visit their website, enter your routing number and account number, choose a design, and place the order. The printer pulls your bank information from the Federal Reserve's routing database, so you don't have to call your bank or provide extra verification.

Third-party printers take longer than banks: typically 7 to 14 business days for standard delivery. Some offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. The checks are identical to bank-printed checks and work exactly the same way when you deposit them or write them to someone else.

The main risk with third-party printers is that if your account number or routing number is wrong in their system, you won't know until the checks arrive. Always verify the preview before confirming the order, and check the first few checks against your bank statement or debit card to make sure the numbers match.

What information appears on your checks

Every check has your name, address, account number, and routing number printed on it. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Both numbers must be correct, or the check will not clear when someone tries to deposit it.

You can also add a phone number or email address to your checks if you want, though this is optional. Some people add a memo line or a business name if they use the account for a business. The bank will show you exactly what will be printed before the order is finalized.

The check number appears in the bottom right corner and increments automatically—the first box of checks might be numbered 1001 to 1050, the next box 1051 to 1100, and so on. This helps you track which checks you've written and keep your records organized.

Costs and what to expect

Bank check printing costs vary widely. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per box of 50 checks; others charge $20 to $30. A few banks include a certain number of free checks per year as part of your account. Third-party printers usually cost $5 to $10 per box of 50, making them significantly cheaper if you order regularly.

Rush printing, if available, typically costs an extra $10 to $25 and cuts the delivery time to 2 to 3 business days. Starter checks from a branch usually cost $5 to $10 and arrive the same day.

When your checks arrive, open the box and count them to make sure you received the full order. Check the first few checks to confirm your name, address, account number, and routing number are all correct. If anything is wrong, contact your bank when ready—they will reprint and mail a replacement box at no charge.

What to do if you need checks urgently

If you need to write a check today and don't have any, visit a branch and ask for a starter pack. These are usually available same-day and cost $5 to $10. You'll write your account number by hand on each check before using it.

If your branch doesn't have starter checks, ask whether the bank can print a small batch in-house. Some banks can print 10 to 25 checks within a few hours if you wait at the branch. This is not may provide and depends on the bank's equipment and staffing.

If neither option works, you can ask your bank to wire money instead of writing a check, or ask the person you're paying whether they accept electronic payment. These alternatives don't require checks and can be completed the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks after I order them?

Bank-printed checks usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Third-party printers take 7 to 14 business days. Rush printing, if your bank offers it, can cut this to 2 to 3 business days but costs extra. Starter checks from a branch arrive the same day.

Can I order checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. You can order checks as soon as your account is open and active. Your routing number and account number will be assigned when ready, and you can use them to order right away.

What happens if the checks arrive with the wrong account number?

Contact your bank when ready and explain the error. They will reprint the checks with the correct information and mail them to you at no charge. Do not use the incorrect checks—they will not clear.

Are checks from third-party printers as safe as bank checks?

Yes. Checks printed by Deluxe, Costco, or other authorized printers work exactly the same as bank-printed checks. They have the same security features and are accepted by all banks and businesses.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes. Both names will appear on the checks. If you have a joint account, either account holder can order checks, and both names will print on them automatically.