Your bank is usually the fastest and safest place to order checks

Most people order checks directly from their bank—either online through your account portal, by phone to the customer service number on your card, or in person at a branch. Your bank prints checks tied to your specific account number and routing number, so there is no risk of ordering the wrong format. Turnaround is typically 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee.

If you need checks urgently and your bank cannot deliver them fast enough, you have two other routes: third-party check printers that your bank authorizes, or independent check printing companies. Both work, but they carry different trade-offs in cost, speed, and the steps you need to take to set them up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's check ordering service is the default option and requires only your account login or a phone call to customer service.
  • Third-party printers authorized by your bank (often listed in your online banking portal) print checks faster and sometimes cheaper than the bank itself.
  • Independent check printing companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart offer lower prices but require you to enter your account details manually, which carries slightly higher fraud risk.
  • Expedited printing costs extra at most providers but can cut turnaround from 10 days to 2 to 3 days if you need checks when ready.
  • Never order checks from a company that contacts you unsolicited or asks you to pay upfront in cash or wire transfer.

Ordering through your bank's website or app

Log into your online banking account and look for a "Order Checks" or "Check Services" link, usually under account management or settings. You will see options for check style (single, duplicate, or triplicate copies), quantity, and delivery speed. The bank will show you the cost upfront—standard orders typically run $15 to $30 per box of 100 checks, depending on your bank and the style you choose.

Enter your delivery address (which must match your account address or a verified secondary address), confirm your account number and routing number are correct, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email with an order number. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited options (2 to 3 days) usually cost $10 to $20 extra. Some banks offer free standard shipping if you order a certain quantity or maintain a minimum balance.

Ordering by phone or at a branch

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Have your account number, routing number, and the address where you want checks delivered ready. The representative will walk you through style and quantity options, confirm pricing, and process the order. This takes about 10 minutes and results in the same timeline as online ordering.

If you prefer in-person service, visit a branch with your ID and account information. A teller can place the order on the spot, show you sample check styles, and answer questions about delivery. Branch staff can sometimes expedite orders or waive fees for customers with good standing, so it is worth asking if you are in a hurry.

Third-party printers your bank recommends

Many banks partner with check printing companies and list them in your online banking portal or on your account statements. These printers are pre-authorized by your bank and already have your account details on file, so ordering is as straightforward as logging in through their website and selecting your options. Turnaround is often faster than the bank itself—sometimes 3 to 5 business days—and prices are frequently lower.

Look for a link labeled "Order Checks" or "Check Printing" in your online banking menu, or call your bank and ask which third-party printer they use. You will be directed to that company's website, where you can review styles and pricing before you commit. Because the printer is already connected to your bank, there is no extra security risk.

Independent check printing companies

Companies like Deluxe, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club print checks at lower prices than banks—sometimes as low as $5 to $10 per box—and offer faster turnaround if you pay for expedited shipping. You order online, enter your account number and routing number manually, select your style, and pay. Delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days for standard orders, or 2 to 3 days for expedited.

The trade-off is that you are entering sensitive account information into a third-party system rather than your bank's find portal. These companies are legitimate and use encryption, but the risk is slightly higher than ordering directly from your bank. Use only well-known printers with established track records. Never order from a company you found through an unsolicited email or pop-up ad, and never pay by wire transfer or cash.

What to check before you place an order

Confirm your account number and routing number are correct before submitting. A single digit wrong will result in checks that bounce or are rejected by the recipient. Your routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of a check or statement; your account number is the longer code next to it. If you are unsure, log into your online banking or call your bank to verify.

Check the delivery address. Checks must go to an address associated with your account or a verified secondary address. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the bank, the system should reflect that automatically. If you want checks sent to a different address (a business location, a PO box, or a relative's house), contact your bank first to confirm they will allow it.

Review the check style options and make sure you understand what you are ordering. Single checks have one copy; duplicate checks have a carbon copy for your records; triplicate checks add a third copy for the recipient. Most people use single checks. Specialty styles (larger fonts, colored backgrounds, logo printing) cost more and take longer to print.

Expedited and specialty options

If you need checks in 2 to 3 days, most banks and third-party printers offer expedited shipping for $10 to $25 extra. Some banks also offer rush printing (24 to 48 hours) for an additional premium, though this is rare and usually available only to customers with high account balances or premium account tiers.

If you need checks even faster, some banks can issue temporary checks or counter checks at a branch—these are blank checks printed on the spot that you can use when ready while you wait for your permanent checks to arrive. Ask a teller whether this option is available and whether there is a fee. This is a genuine emergency option, not a standard service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order checks if I just opened my account?

Yes. Most banks allow you to order checks as soon as your account is active and your account number is assigned. This usually happens within one business day of opening. If you cannot find the check ordering option in your online banking, call customer service—they can place the order manually while your account is still new.

What if I order checks and then close the account?

Checks printed with a closed account number will be rejected if anyone tries to cash them. If you close your account before checks arrive, contact the printer or your bank when ready and cancel the order if possible. If checks have already shipped, you can request they be returned or destroyed, though some companies charge a fee.

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

You can use any legitimate check printer, but your bank must have authorized the routing and account number. Never order checks from an unauthorized source or a company that contacts you unsolicited. Stick to your bank, bank-authorized printers, or well-known national companies like Deluxe or Walmart.

Why are bank checks more expensive than third-party printers?

Banks typically charge more because they handle the entire process in-house and offer faster turnaround and direct customer support. Third-party printers operate at lower margins and pass savings to you. Both are safe; the choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and convenience or lower cost.

Can I reorder the same checks without entering my information again?

Yes. If you order through your bank or a bank-authorized printer, your account information is saved and you can reorder with a few clicks. Independent printers may also save your information if you create an account, but you can choose not to let them store it for security reasons.