The most direct way to get a check

If you have a bank account, you can order checks directly from your bank. Call the phone number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking account and look for "order checks" in the menu. Your bank will print your name, account number, and routing number on the checks and mail them to you — usually within 5 to 10 business days. There is normally a small fee per box, ranging from a few dollars to around $15 depending on the bank and the style of check you choose.

If you do not have a bank account yet, you will need to open one first. A bank or credit union can set up a checking account in one visit, usually with just a government ID and a small opening deposit. Once your account is open, you can order checks the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions print checks with your account information and mail them to you within one to two weeks for a small fee.
  • You can order checks by phone, in person at a branch, or through your online banking account.
  • Third-party check printers like Deluxe or Costco often cost less than ordering directly from your bank.
  • If you need checks urgently, some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee, or you can buy temporary checks at a branch while you wait.
  • If someone is sending you a check, you will need a bank account to deposit it — you cannot cash a check made out to you without one.

Ordering checks from a third-party printer

You do not have to order checks from your bank. Third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart also print checks and often charge less. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to place an order — both appear on the bottom left of any check your bank has already given you, or you can call your bank and ask.

Third-party printers typically take 7 to 14 business days to deliver and may offer more design options than your bank. The trade-off is that your bank may take slightly longer to process a check from an unfamiliar printer, though this is rare. Make sure the printer you choose is MICR-encoded — this means the numbers at the bottom are printed in a special magnetic ink that banks can read. Any legitimate check printer will use MICR encoding.

Getting checks faster if you need them soon

If you need to write a check within the next few days, ask your bank about temporary checks or counter checks. These are blank checks the bank prints on the spot at a branch, usually for free or a small fee. They work exactly like regular checks but do not have your name or account number pre-printed. You write in your account number by hand, and the recipient can deposit or cash them normally.

Some banks also offer expedited check printing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — and will mail checks to you within 2 to 3 business days instead of the standard 5 to 10. Call your bank's customer service line to ask if this option is available on your account.

Receiving a check from someone else

If someone is sending you a check, you will need a bank account to deposit it. You cannot cash a check made out to your name without one — most places that cash checks (like check-cashing stores) charge a fee and require ID, and some will not cash checks at all if they are not from a major bank.

Once you have a bank account, depositing a check is straightforward. You can take it to a branch and hand it to a teller, use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back, or mail it to the address on the back of your debit card. The bank will usually credit the money to your account within 1 to 3 business days, though it may take longer if the check is from a small or out-of-state bank.

What information you need to order checks

To order checks from your bank or a third-party printer, you will need:

  • Your bank account number
  • Your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank)
  • Your full legal name as it appears on your account
  • Your mailing address

Your account number and routing number both appear at the bottom of any check your bank has already issued. If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service number and ask for both numbers — they can read them to you over the phone. When you order, double-check that your name and address are spelled correctly, because the printer will use exactly what you provide.

Understanding check fees and costs

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per box of checks, and a box usually contains 25 checks. Some banks offer the first box free when you open a new account. Credit unions often charge less than traditional banks — sometimes $3 to $8 per box.

Third-party printers like Deluxe and Costco typically undercut bank prices, especially if you order in bulk. Costco members can sometimes order checks for $5 to $10 per box. Walmart and other retailers also offer check printing, usually at similar prices to third-party printers. If you write checks rarely, the cost difference may not matter much, but if you order several boxes a year, shopping around can save you money.

What to do if your checks arrive damaged or with errors

If your checks arrive with misspelled information, the wrong account number, or physical damage, contact the printer when ready. Banks and third-party printers will usually reprint and reship at no charge if the error was theirs. If you made the error when you ordered, you may have to pay for a reprint.

Keep the damaged checks and the original packaging until the replacement arrives. The printer may ask you to return the defective batch or provide photos as proof. Do not use checks with errors — they will not clear your bank and may cause confusion with the recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks after I order them?

Standard delivery is 5 to 10 business days from your bank, or 7 to 14 days from a third-party printer. Expedited options can shorten this to 2 to 3 days for an extra fee. Temporary checks from a branch are available when ready.

Can I order checks online if I do not have a bank account yet?

No. You need an active bank account with a routing number and account number to order checks. Open an account at a bank or credit union first, then order. Some banks let you open an account online, but you will still need to wait for your account to be fully set up before ordering checks.

What if I lose my checkbook before I use all the checks?

Contact your bank right away and report the lost checks. The bank can flag your account so that if someone tries to cash a check from that book, it will be rejected. You will need to order a new box. If you are worried about fraud, ask your bank whether you should close the account and open a new one.

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

You can use checks from any printer as long as they are MICR-encoded with your correct routing number and account number. Your bank does not care where the checks come from — they only care that the numbers are correct. Third-party printers are often cheaper and just as reliable.

What if someone sends me a check but I do not have a bank account?

You will need to open a bank account to deposit it. Some check-cashing stores will cash a check for a fee without an account, but they charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount and may refuse certain checks. Opening a bank account is usually faster and cheaper in the long run.