Discover Bank does not offer check ordering through its website or mobile app
Discover Bank is an online-only bank and does not provide a checking account product. Because Discover does not issue checking accounts, there is no way to order checks through Discover itself. If you have a Discover savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit (CD), you cannot write checks against those accounts.
If you need to write checks, you will need a checking account at a different bank. Many banks — both online and traditional — offer checking accounts with check ordering as part of the service. Some banks include free checks with a new checking account, while others charge a fee per box.
Key Takeaways
- Discover Bank does not offer checking accounts, so you cannot order checks through Discover.
- You will need to open a checking account at a different bank if you want to write checks.
- Many online banks and traditional banks offer checking accounts with check ordering options.
- Some banks charge for checks while others include them free with a new account.
- You can order checks directly from your bank's website, by phone, or through third-party check printers once you have a checking account.
Why Discover does not offer checking accounts
Discover operates as an online-only bank focused on savings products and credit cards. The company does not maintain physical branches and does not offer the full range of services that traditional banks provide. Checking accounts require infrastructure for processing checks, managing debit cards, and handling frequent transactions — services Discover has chosen not to build.
Discover's business model centers on savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and credit products. If you currently bank with Discover and need checking services, you can keep your Discover accounts open and open a checking account elsewhere, or you can switch to a bank that offers both savings and checking.
Where to open a checking account if you need checks
You have two main routes: online banks and traditional banks. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime offer checking accounts with check ordering, often at lower fees than traditional banks. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer checking accounts at physical locations and online.
When comparing checking accounts, look at monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, overdraft policies, and whether checks are included or cost extra. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per box of checks, while others include them free. A few online banks waive check fees entirely if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
How to order checks once you have a checking account
Most banks let you order checks through their website or mobile app. Log into your account, look for a "order checks" or "supplies" section, and select the check style you want. You will enter the number of boxes, confirm your account and routing numbers are correct, and pay any applicable fee. Delivery usually takes 7 to 14 business days.
If you prefer not to order through your bank, you can use third-party check printers like Costco Checks, Deluxe, or Vistaprint. These printers often charge less than banks do and offer more design options. You will need your account number and routing number, which you can find on your bank's website or on a deposit slip.
What to do if you need checks urgently
If you need checks before a standard order arrives, some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee — usually $15 to $25 for 2 to 3 business day delivery. A few banks also offer temporary check options: you can print checks from your computer at home using special paper and software, though this is less common now.
Another option is to ask your bank for a cashier's check or money order if you need to pay a specific bill or person. These are issued by the bank itself and do not require a checking account. You pay a small fee per check — usually $5 to $10 — and the bank prints it on the spot or within a few hours.
Keeping your Discover accounts while opening a checking account elsewhere
You do not have to close your Discover savings account or other products to open a checking account at another bank. Many people maintain accounts at multiple banks for different purposes: a high-yield savings account at Discover, a checking account at an online bank for everyday spending, and perhaps a money market account elsewhere.
If you do decide to switch entirely away from Discover, you can transfer your money out before closing the account. Discover will not charge you a fee to close an account. Make sure you have redirected any automatic deposits or payments before you close, so money does not go to an account that no longer exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Discover to pay bills if I do not have checks?
Yes. Discover savings accounts can pay bills through bill pay if your bank offers it, though Discover's bill pay service is limited. You can also transfer money from Discover to another bank account and pay from there, or use your debit card or online payment systems like Venmo or PayPal.
Do I lose money by keeping both a Discover account and a checking account elsewhere?
Not necessarily. Discover's savings accounts often pay higher interest rates than checking accounts at other banks. You can keep your money in Discover's high-yield savings and transfer it to your checking account when you need it. This way you earn more interest while still having access to checks and debit card payments.
What if my bank charges for checks and I do not want to pay?
Use a third-party check printer like Costco Checks or Deluxe, which are often cheaper than banks. Some online banks waive check fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. You can also ask your bank if they have a no-fee checking account option.
Can I write checks from my Discover savings account?
No. Discover savings accounts do not come with checks or check-writing privileges. Savings accounts are designed for storing money and earning interest, not for frequent transactions like paying bills with checks.