Your bank, a check printer, or an online service can all print checks for you—the choice depends on speed, cost, and how many you need
You have three main routes: order through your bank directly, use a third-party check printer, or order online from a service that specializes in checks. Your bank is the slowest and usually the most expensive. Third-party printers and online services are faster and cheaper, but you need to make sure the checks will work with your account—most will, but it's worth confirming before you order.
The real decision is whether you need checks in a few days or can wait a week or two, and whether you want to pay a premium for convenience. If your bank is your only option because you need checks when ready, expect to pay $15 to $30 for a small box. If you have time, you can cut that in half or more.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can print checks but typically charges $15 to $30 per box and takes five to seven business days, or longer if you order in person.
- Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Sam's Club charge $5 to $15 per box and deliver in three to five business days.
- Online check services like Checks Unlimited and Walmart Checks often offer the first box free or heavily discounted and deliver in five to seven business days.
- You need your routing number, account number, and bank name to order from any printer other than your bank; your bank statement has all three.
- Checks ordered from third-party printers work exactly like bank-printed checks and clear through the same system.
Ordering checks directly from your bank
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to order. You'll need your account number, which is on your debit card or any statement. The bank will print your name, address, account number, and routing number on the checks. Delivery takes five to seven business days by mail, sometimes longer depending on the bank's processing time.
Cost varies by bank. Most charge $15 to $30 for a box of 100 checks. Some banks offer one free box per year to certain account holders, so ask before you pay. If you need checks within two business days, some banks can print them in-branch, but this is rare and usually costs more.
The advantage is simplicity: your bank handles everything and guarantees the checks will work with your account. The disadvantage is cost and speed. Use this route only if you need checks urgently or your bank offers them free.
Third-party check printers: Deluxe, Costco, and Sam's Club
Deluxe is the largest independent check printer in the United States. You order online at deluxe.com, by phone at 1-800-328-0304, or through their mobile app. Delivery takes three to five business days. A box of 100 checks costs $5 to $12 depending on the design and any promotions running. Deluxe often runs discounts for first-time orders.
Costco prints checks for members only. Order online at costco.com or in-store. A box of 100 checks costs around $8 to $10. Delivery is five to seven business days. Costco checks are printed by Deluxe but sold under the Costco brand.
Sam's Club works the same way: members only, online or in-store ordering, $8 to $10 per box, five to seven business days. Sam's Club also uses Deluxe as the printer.
To order from any of these, you'll need your routing number, account number, and bank name. Find these on a check you already have, or on your bank statement. All three printers verify your information with your bank before printing, so the checks will work exactly like bank-printed checks.
Online check services: Checks Unlimited, Walmart, and others
Checks Unlimited (checksunlimited.com) is one of the oldest online check printers. They often offer the first box free or at a steep discount—sometimes as low as $1 with a coupon code. Subsequent boxes cost $8 to $15. Delivery is five to seven business days. They also sell check registers, deposit slips, and other supplies.
Walmart Checks (walmartchecks.com) offers similar pricing: first box discounted or free, then $8 to $12 per box. Delivery is five to seven business days. You can also order in-store at some Walmart locations, though online is faster.
Other services include Carousel Checks, Costco Checks (if you're not a member), and Bradford Exchange. Pricing and delivery times are similar across all of them: $5 to $15 per box, five to seven business days. Many run promotions for first-time customers, so search for coupon codes before you order.
Like Deluxe, all of these services need your routing number, account number, and bank name. They verify the information with your bank and print the checks to your specifications. The checks are legal and work in every way like checks printed by your bank.
What information you need before you order
Whether you order from your bank or a third party, you'll need three pieces of information: your routing number, your account number, and your bank name. If you have a check already, all three are printed on the bottom of the check in magnetic ink. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left, the account number is the second set of digits, and the bank name is printed at the top.
If you don't have a check, open your most recent bank statement. The routing number and account number are usually listed there. If not, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. Have your account number ready when you call.
Some printers also ask for your phone number and email address so they can confirm your order and send tracking information. This is normal and safe.
Speed comparison and when to use each option
| Option | Cost per box | Delivery time | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank | $15–$30 | 5–7 business days | You need checks urgently or your bank offers them free |
| Deluxe | $5–$12 | 3–5 business days | You want the fastest delivery at a low price |
| Costco or Sam's Club | $8–$10 | 5–7 business days | You're a member and want a reliable, low-cost option |
| Checks Unlimited or Walmart | $1–$15 (first box often free or $1) | 5–7 business days | You want the lowest first-time price and don't mind waiting |
If you need checks within two business days, Deluxe is your best bet. If you can wait five to seven days, Checks Unlimited or Walmart will save you the most money on your first order. If you're a Costco or Sam's Club member, ordering through them is convenient and reasonably priced. If your bank offers free checks, use that option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will checks from a third-party printer work with my bank account?
Yes. Third-party printers verify your routing number and account number with your bank before printing. The checks are printed to the same standards as bank-printed checks and clear through the same system. Your bank has no preference where the checks come from.
What if I order checks and then close my account?
Undelivered checks will be cancelled by the printer if you contact them before they ship. If the checks have already shipped, contact your bank and ask them to flag your account so checks are rejected. Once you close the account, any checks written on it will bounce.
Can I order checks for a joint account?
Yes. You'll need the routing number and account number for the joint account. Both account holders' names can be printed on the checks if you request it. Check with your bank or printer about how they handle joint account orders.
How long do checks take to arrive after I place the order?
Third-party printers usually take three to seven business days from the time you order. Your bank takes five to seven business days. Delivery time starts after the printer confirms your order, which is usually the same day. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days.
Is it safe to give my account number to a third-party check printer?
Yes. Check printers are regulated and have been in business for decades. They need your account number to print the checks correctly. They don't have access to your funds—they only print the checks. If you're concerned, order from an established printer like Deluxe, Costco, or Checks Unlimited.