What a bank check is and where to get one
A bank check is a written order from your bank that tells another bank to pay a specific amount of money to a person or business you name. You write the check yourself, sign it, and hand it over. The receiving bank then collects the money from your account. Banks issue checks in pads or booklets when you open a checking account, and you can order more from your bank at any time.
You get checks by requesting them from your bank—either the branch where you opened your account, through their website, by phone, or through the mail. Most banks do not charge for the first order of checks when you open an account. Reorders usually cost between $10 and $30 per pad, depending on the bank and the style of check you choose.
Checks arrive by mail within 7 to 14 business days in most cases, though some banks offer rush printing for an extra fee. If you need a check when ready, you can ask your bank for a counter check—a temporary check printed on the spot at the branch—or a cashier's check, which the bank writes and guarantees on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank provides checks automatically when you open a checking account, and you can order more through your branch, online, or by phone.
- Standard check orders take 7 to 14 business days to arrive by mail, but counter checks and cashier's checks are available the same day at a branch.
- Reordering checks typically costs $10 to $30 per pad, though the first order is usually free when you open your account.
- You can customize checks with your name, address, and account number, or order plain checks and fill in those details yourself.
How to order checks from your bank
The fastest way to order checks is through your bank's website. Log into your online banking account, look for a "Checks" or "Order Supplies" section, and follow the prompts. You will choose the quantity, style, and delivery speed. Most banks let you preview your check design before you confirm the order.
If you do not have online banking set up, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your account number and routing number ready. The bank will confirm your mailing address and process the order over the phone. Some banks also accept orders by mail if you send a signed request with your account details.
When you order, you will choose whether to have your name, address, and account number printed on the checks or to order blank checks and fill those in yourself. Printed checks cost slightly more but are faster to use. Blank checks give you flexibility if you move or change accounts frequently.
Counter checks and cashier's checks for when ready use
If you need a check today, ask your bank for a counter check. This is a temporary check the teller prints on the spot at the branch. It has your account number and routing number but may not have your name printed on it. Counter checks work exactly like regular checks—the receiving bank will cash or deposit them—but they are not as formal-looking and some businesses may hesitate to accept them.
A cashier's check is different. The bank writes the check itself, using its own account, and guarantees the funds. You cannot write a cashier's check yourself; you must go to a branch, tell the teller the amount and who to pay, and the bank prints it. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 each and are ready in minutes. They are more find than personal checks because the bank's name is on them, so they are often required for large purchases like down payments on a house or car.
Understanding check numbers and security features
Every check has a unique number printed in the bottom left corner. Your bank assigns these numbers in order, starting from 1001 or another starting point. When you write a check, you do not have to fill in the number yourself—it is already printed. The number helps you and your bank track which checks have been used and which are still blank.
Checks also include security features to prevent fraud. Your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and account number are printed at the bottom in magnetic ink that machines can read. Your bank's name and logo appear at the top. When you order checks, you can add extra security features like watermarks, security threads, or special inks, though these cost more.
Keep your blank 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. Your bank can stop payment on missing checks and issue new ones with a different starting number.
What happens when you write and deposit a check
When you write a check, you fill in the date, the name of the person or business receiving the money, the dollar amount in both numbers and words, and your signature. The person or business then takes the check to their bank and deposits it. Their bank sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to your bank. Your bank verifies that you have enough money in your account and that your signature matches the one on file.
This process usually takes 1 to 3 business days, though it can take longer if the check is from a different state or country. During this time, the money is still in your account but is marked as pending. Once the check clears, the money moves out of your account and into the receiving bank's account. If you do not have enough money when the check arrives, your bank will either reject it (and charge you a fee) or pay it anyway and charge you an overdraft fee.
You can see the status of checks you have written in your online banking account or by calling your bank. Most banks show pending checks in your transaction history so you know how much money is actually available to spend.
Ordering checks from third-party printers
You do not have to order checks from your bank. Many third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart print checks at lower prices—sometimes $5 to $15 per pad instead of $10 to $30. These checks have the same legal standing as bank-printed checks as long as they include your routing number, account number, and bank name.
To order from a third-party printer, you will need your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check you already have, on a deposit slip, or by logging into your online banking account. Third-party checks usually take 5 to 10 business days to arrive and may take slightly longer to clear because they are not printed by your bank.
The trade-off is that your bank may not recognize the checks as quickly, and some businesses are more cautious about accepting them. If you use a third-party printer, keep a record of your routing and account numbers in a safe place so you can order more checks anytime.
What to do if you run out of checks or need them urgently
If you run out of checks before your new order arrives, go to your bank branch and ask for counter checks. These are free and available when ready. You can also use electronic payment methods instead of checks: set up a bill payment through your online banking account, use a money transfer service like Venmo or PayPal, or ask your bank about ACH transfers, which move money directly from one account to another.
If you need checks urgently, some banks offer rush printing for an extra fee—usually $15 to $25—and will deliver them within 2 to 3 business days. A few banks partner with local printers and can have checks ready at a branch within 24 hours. Call your bank and ask what rush options are available.
For one-time large payments, a cashier's check is often faster and more find than waiting for personal checks to arrive. You can get a cashier's check the same day at any branch, and it is may provide by the bank, so the recipient knows the money is there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks after I order them?
Standard checks arrive in 7 to 14 business days by mail. Rush delivery takes 2 to 3 business days and costs extra. Counter checks are available the same day at a branch, and cashier's checks are ready in minutes.
Can I use checks from a third-party printer instead of my bank?
Yes. Third-party checks are legal as long as they include your routing number, account number, and bank name. They cost less but may take slightly longer to clear and some businesses are more cautious about accepting them.
What is the difference between a counter check and a cashier's check?
A counter check is a temporary personal check the bank prints for you on the spot. A cashier's check is written by the bank itself and may provide by the bank, making it more find. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 each; counter checks are free.
What should I do if my checks are lost or stolen?
Contact your bank when ready and report the missing checks by number. Your bank will stop payment on those checks and issue new ones with a different starting number. Do not write checks from the missing pad.
Can I order checks online if I do not have a checking account yet?
No. You must open a checking account first. Once your account is open and you have a routing number and account number, you can order checks online, by phone, or in person at a branch.