Yes, Discover offers checks, but you order them yourself through the bank
Discover checking accounts come with check-writing capability, but the bank does not send you checks automatically when you open the account. You have to order them. Discover lets you request checks through your online banking portal, and they arrive at your address within 7 to 10 business days. There is a fee for each box of checks — Discover charges around $15 per box of 50 checks, though the exact price can vary. You can also order checks from a third-party printer and use your Discover account number, which is sometimes cheaper, but you need to make sure the routing and account numbers are correct.
Most people who use Discover checking do not write many checks. The account is built for digital payments: transfers, bill pay, debit card use, and mobile deposits. If you only need checks occasionally, ordering one box at a time makes sense. If you write checks regularly, the per-box cost adds up, and you might want to compare it to a traditional bank that includes checks in the account setup.
Key Takeaways
- Discover does not send checks with a new checking account; you must order them through your online banking portal or from a third-party printer.
- Checks ordered through Discover typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days and cost around $15 per box of 50 checks.
- You can order checks from an outside printer using your Discover routing number and account number, which may be cheaper than ordering directly from the bank.
- If you write checks frequently, the per-box cost may make Discover checking less economical than a bank that includes checks in the account.
How to order checks through Discover's online portal
Log into your Discover checking account on the Discover website or mobile app. Look for the "Checks" or "Order Checks" option, usually found in the account settings or services menu. Click through to the check ordering page, where you will see options for check style, quantity, and delivery address. Discover will show you the price before you confirm the order.
Enter or confirm the address where you want the checks mailed. Discover ships to the address on file for your account. If you need checks sent somewhere else, you may need to update your mailing address temporarily or contact Discover customer service. After you place the order, you will receive a confirmation email with an estimated delivery date. Most orders arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery can take longer depending on your location and mail volume.
Ordering checks from a third-party printer
You are not required to order checks from Discover. Third-party check printers like Costco, Sam's Club, Vistaprint, and Walmart often charge less per box — sometimes $5 to $10 instead of $15. To use an outside printer, you need your routing number (Discover's routing number is 011000015) and your account number (the number on your Discover debit card or in your account settings). The printer will print these numbers on the bottom of each check in magnetic ink.
Before you order from an outside printer, confirm that they can print checks for an online bank. Some printers have restrictions or require additional verification. Also double-check the routing and account numbers you provide — a mistake here means the checks will not work. Once you place the order with a third-party printer, delivery times vary but are often similar to Discover's timeline, sometimes faster.
What to do if you need checks urgently
If you need a check within a few days, ordering through Discover or a third-party printer will not work — both take at least a week. Your options are limited. You can ask Discover customer service whether they offer expedited check printing, though this is uncommon and may carry a higher fee. Some banks offer this service, but Discover typically does not.
A faster alternative is to use a digital payment method instead. Discover's bill pay feature lets you send money to almost any person or business within 1 to 3 business days at no cost. If you need to pay someone who only accepts checks, you can also write a personal check from another account if you have one, or ask the recipient whether they accept a bank transfer, ACH payment, or debit card instead. These options are faster and often more secure than mailing a physical check.
Fees and costs to expect
Discover charges approximately $15 per box of 50 checks when you order directly through the bank. The exact fee may vary slightly, so check your account before confirming an order. There are no additional shipping fees — the cost of delivery is included in the per-box price. If you order multiple boxes at once, you pay the per-box fee for each one.
Third-party printers typically charge $5 to $12 per box, making them cheaper if you order in bulk. However, some printers charge shipping separately, so read the total cost before you buy. If you only need one box of checks every few years, the savings may not be worth the extra step of finding and verifying a third-party printer. If you write checks regularly, the savings add up quickly.
When checks make sense with Discover checking
Discover checking works best for people who rarely write checks. The account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and includes unlimited bill pay and transfers. If you write one or two checks per month, ordering a box once a year is practical and affordable. If you write checks multiple times per week, Discover checking may not be the right fit — a traditional bank that includes checks in the account setup will cost less overall.
Discover also does not offer starter checks (temporary checks printed at the branch) or instant check printing. If you need checks the same day, Discover is not an option. For most people who use Discover, checks are a backup payment method, not the primary one. The account is designed around digital payments, and that is where Discover's strengths lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive checks from Discover?
Checks ordered through Discover's online portal typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Third-party printers may have similar or faster timelines depending on the vendor. Neither option is fast enough if you need checks within a few days.
Can I use checks from another bank with my Discover account?
No. Checks must be printed with your Discover routing number and account number to work. Using checks from a different bank will not draw from your Discover account and may be considered fraud.
What is Discover's routing number for ordering checks?
Discover's routing number is 011000015. You will need this if you order checks from a third-party printer. Always verify this number with Discover before placing an order to make sure it has not changed.
Is there a cheaper way to get checks for my Discover account?
Yes. Third-party printers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Vistaprint often charge $5 to $12 per box instead of Discover's $15. Make sure the printer can print checks for an online bank and that you provide the correct routing and account numbers.
What if I do not want to write checks at all?
You do not have to order checks. Discover's bill pay and transfer features can send money to almost anyone without a check. For payments to people, you can use a peer-to-peer transfer app or ask the recipient whether they accept a bank transfer instead.