Your bank, a check printer, or an office supply store can all sell you checks

The simplest place to buy checks is directly from your bank. When you open a checking account, your bank usually offers to print your first order at no cost or a low fee. You can order more checks through your bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. This is the safest route because the checks are printed to your exact account specifications — your account number, routing number, and bank details are already correct.

If your bank's checks are expensive or slow to arrive, you have two other main options: third-party check printers and office supply stores. Third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint often charge less than banks and deliver faster. Office supply chains like Staples and Office Depot also sell checks, though availability varies by location. All of these require you to provide your account information yourself, which adds a small risk of error — but if you enter the details correctly, the checks work exactly like bank-printed ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank prints checks with your account information built in, making them the safest option even if they cost more.
  • Third-party check printers typically charge less per check and deliver in three to seven business days instead of one to two weeks.
  • You must provide your own account and routing numbers when ordering from printers or office supply stores, so double-check before submitting.
  • Checks from any legitimate source work the same way once printed correctly — the source does not affect how a bank processes them.

Ordering checks directly from your bank

Most banks let you order checks online through their website or mobile app. Log into your account, look for a "order checks" or "check services" link (usually under account settings or services), and follow the prompts. You will see options for check style, quantity, and delivery speed. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks; expedited delivery costs more and takes three to five business days.

If you prefer not to order online, call your bank's customer service number or visit a branch in person. A representative can walk you through the options and answer questions about cost. Some banks charge a flat fee per box (usually $10 to $20), while others charge per check. A few banks include one free box with a new account or as part of premium checking packages — ask whether you may have access to.

The main advantage of ordering from your bank is accuracy. Your account number and routing number are already in the system, so there is no chance of a typo. If something goes wrong with the order, you can walk into a branch and speak to someone who has direct access to your account.

Third-party check printers and their costs

Companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint print checks for less than most banks charge. Prices vary, but you can often find checks for $0.05 to $0.15 per check when you order in bulk — a box of 200 checks might cost $10 to $30 instead of $20 to $40 at a bank. Delivery is usually faster too: three to seven business days instead of one to two weeks.

To order from a third-party printer, you provide your account number, routing number, and bank name. The printer uses this information to format your checks correctly. You can find these numbers on the bottom left of any check you already have, or by logging into your bank's website. Before you submit your order, print out the preview or screenshot it and compare every digit to your actual account information — one wrong number means the checks will not work.

Costco members can order checks through Costco's website at a discount. Deluxe and Vistaprint both operate independently and do not require membership. All three offer design options if you want personalized checks with a logo or custom colors, though plain checks are cheaper.

Office supply stores and local options

Staples and Office Depot both sell checks in-store and online, though not all locations carry them. Availability depends on your area and the store's current inventory. Prices are usually comparable to third-party printers — somewhere between $15 and $35 per box of 200 — and you can pick up an order in-store within a few days if you need checks quickly.

Some local print shops and copy centers (like UPS Store locations) can also print checks if you bring them your account information. This is useful if you need checks the same day or within 24 hours, though the cost per check is usually higher than ordering online. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and ask what information you need to bring.

What information you need before ordering

Whether you order from your bank or a third party, you will need your account number and routing number. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific checking account. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you already have, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number.

If you do not have a check to reference, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you — write them down and read them back to confirm.

You will also need to decide how many checks you want. A standard box contains 200 checks. If you rarely write checks, one box may last you a year or more. If you write checks frequently, order two boxes at once to avoid running out.

How long checks take to arrive and what to do while you wait

Standard delivery from a bank usually takes one to two weeks. Third-party printers typically deliver in three to seven business days. Expedited options exist but cost extra — usually $10 to $20 more per order.

If you need to write a check before your new ones arrive, ask your bank for a temporary solution. Some banks will print a few checks for you at a branch while you wait for your order. Others will issue you a cashier's check or let you transfer money electronically instead. Call your bank and explain the situation — they have handled this before.

Once your checks arrive, inspect them before using them. Make sure your account number and routing number are correct, your name and address are spelled right, and the checks are not damaged. If something is wrong, contact the printer or your bank when ready and request a replacement order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use checks from any printer, or do they have to come from my bank?

Checks from any legitimate printer work the same way once they are printed correctly with your account and routing numbers. Your bank does not care where the checks came from — they only care that the numbers are accurate. Third-party checks are just as valid as bank-printed checks.

What if I make a mistake when ordering and give the wrong account number?

The checks will not work. When someone tries to deposit or cash a check with the wrong account number, it will be rejected. Contact the printer or your bank right away and order a replacement. Most printers will reprint at no cost if the error was yours, though some charge a small fee.

Do I need checks if I have online banking and a debit card?

Many people use checks rarely or not at all. But some situations still require them: paying rent or utilities, sending money by mail, or paying a business that does not take cards. If you write fewer than five checks a year, one box may last you several years, so the cost is minimal.

Are personalized checks with my name and logo safe to order online?

Yes, as long as you order from a reputable printer. Your name and account number are already on regular checks, so adding a logo does not create a security risk. Stick to established companies like Deluxe, Costco, Vistaprint, or your bank. Avoid unknown websites offering unusually cheap checks.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes. If the account is in two names, both names usually appear on the checks. When you order, specify that it is a joint account and provide both names in the order they should appear. Your bank or printer will format them correctly.