The fastest way to get a check depends on whether you need it today or can wait a few days

If you need a check right now, go to your bank branch in person with your ID and ask for a counter check or starter check. The teller will write it by hand, you sign it, and you walk out with it. This takes 10 minutes. If your branch is closed or you're not near one, you cannot get a physical check the same day through any other method.

If you can wait 3 to 7 business days, you can order checks online through your bank's website or by phone. The bank prints them and mails them to your address on file. This is the cheapest option and usually costs nothing if you order through your bank directly.

If you need checks in 1 to 2 business days, third-party check printers like Deluxe or Costco can rush-print them, but you'll pay a rush fee on top of the check cost. Your bank can tell you which third-party printers they work with.

Key Takeaways

  • Counter checks written by a teller at your branch are available the same day and require only your ID and account number.
  • Ordering checks online through your bank takes 3 to 7 business days and is usually free or costs $5 to $15 per box.
  • Third-party check printers can deliver in 1 to 2 business days but charge rush fees on top of the base check price.
  • You need your routing number and account number to order checks, which appear on your bank statements or in your online banking portal.

Getting a counter check at your branch

Walk into any branch of your bank with a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you need a counter check. They will ask which account you want the check drawn from if you have more than one. They write the check by hand with the bank's name, your name, account number, and routing number already printed on it.

You sign the check in front of the teller. The teller keeps one copy for the bank's records. You take the original. The whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Counter checks are free, though some banks limit you to one or two per day. If you need more than that, ask the teller what their limit is.

Counter checks look slightly different from your regular checks—they may say "counter check" or "teller check" at the top—but they work exactly the same way. The person or business you give it to can deposit or cash it like any other check.

Ordering checks through your bank's website or phone

Log into your online banking portal and look for a section called "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Supplies." You'll usually find it under Account Services or Settings. Click through and select the style and quantity you want. Most banks offer basic styles for free or a small fee, and fancier designs for more. Enter the address where you want them mailed—this is usually your address on file, but you can change it.

Review your routing number and account number before you submit. These are printed on the bottom left of every check and appear in your online banking portal. The bank will confirm the order and give you a tracking number. Checks typically arrive in 5 to 7 business days, though some banks offer 3-day delivery for a higher fee.

If you prefer to order by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative will walk you through the same process. Ordering by phone takes about 10 minutes.

Using a third-party check printer for faster delivery

If your bank doesn't offer expedited delivery or you need checks faster than 3 days, you can order from a third-party printer. Common options include Deluxe, Costco (if you're a member), and Walmart. These printers can deliver checks in 1 to 2 business days, but they charge rush fees—typically $10 to $25 on top of the base check price.

To order, you'll need your routing number and account number. You can find these on your bank statement, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank. Enter this information on the printer's website, choose your style and delivery speed, and pay. The printer will mail the checks to your address on file with your bank.

Third-party checks work the same way as bank-ordered checks. The recipient won't know the difference. The main trade-off is cost: you pay more for speed, and you're ordering from a company other than your bank, though your bank still processes the checks normally.

What information you need before you order

You need two pieces of information to order checks: your routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom of any check you already have. The routing number is the first set of nine digits on the left. Your account number is the second set of digits, usually 10 to 12 digits long.

If you don't have a check to look at, log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both numbers in the Account Details or Account Information section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read both numbers to you over the phone.

You'll also need the address where you want the checks mailed. Banks mail checks to the address on file in your account. If you've moved recently, update your address in your online banking portal or by calling the bank before you order, or the checks will arrive at your old address.

Costs and fees for different check-ordering methods

Counter checks are always free. Your bank writes them by hand at no charge, and you can use them when ready.

Ordering checks through your bank usually costs $5 to $15 per box of 25 checks, depending on the style and your bank. Some banks offer one free box per year or free basic checks for certain account types. Check your bank's website or call to ask what they charge.

Third-party printers typically charge $8 to $20 per box for the checks themselves, plus a rush fee of $10 to $25 if you want them in 1 to 2 days. Costco is often cheaper than other third-party printers if you're a member. Walmart offers mid-range pricing. Deluxe is usually the most expensive but has the most style options.

What to do if you need a check but don't have an account yet

If you don't have a bank account, you cannot get a check from a bank. Checks are only issued by banks to their account holders. If you need to pay someone by check, you have a few options: open a bank account (which takes 10 to 30 minutes in person or online), use a money order from the post office or a grocery store (costs $1 to $5 and doesn't require an account), or pay by another method like a debit card, wire transfer, or cash.

If you're opening an account specifically to get checks, ask the bank whether they provide starter checks or a temporary check book while you wait for your regular checks to arrive. Many banks do this automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a check from an ATM?

No. ATMs only dispense cash. You must go to a bank branch to get a counter check, or order checks online and wait for them to arrive by mail.

Do counter checks have a limit on how much I can write them for?

No. A counter check is a regular check and works the same way. The amount you can write depends on your account balance and any daily limits your bank has set, just like a regular check.

What if I order checks and they arrive with the wrong information?

Contact your bank or the printer right away. If the routing number or account number is wrong, do not use the checks—they won't work. The bank or printer will reprint them for free if it was their error. If it was your error when you ordered, you may have to pay for a reprint.

Can someone else pick up a counter check for me?

No. You must be present with your ID. Banks will not issue a counter check to anyone but the account holder for security reasons.

How long is a counter check valid for?

A counter check is valid for six months from the date you write it, the same as any other check. After six months, the recipient cannot cash or deposit it.