Wells Fargo offers free checks to most checking account holders, but you have to order them yourself

Wells Fargo does not automatically send you checks when you open an account. You must order them, and the bank will provide a certain number of free checks per year depending on your account type. Most standard checking accounts come with one free box of 25 checks annually. Premium accounts like Wells Fargo Platinum Checking may include more. If you exceed your free allotment or want checks before your annual reset, you pay per box — typically $10 to $15 depending on the style and quantity you choose.

The free checks are plain, standard designs. If you want personalized checks with your name, address, or a custom design, those are paid orders even if you have free checks remaining. You can order through your online banking portal, by phone, or by mail, and delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Wells Fargo checking accounts include one free box of 25 checks per year; premium accounts may include more.
  • You must order checks yourself through online banking, phone, or mail — Wells Fargo does not send them automatically.
  • Free checks are plain designs only; personalized or specialty checks cost extra regardless of your free allotment.
  • Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so order early if you need checks by a specific date.
  • If you exceed your free checks, you can purchase additional boxes at the bank's current pricing.

How to order checks online through Wells Fargo

Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and look for the "Manage Debit Card & Checks" or "Order Checks" option, usually found under Account Services or a similar menu. Click on the account you want checks for, then select "Order Checks." The system will show you how many free checks you have left for the year and let you choose a plain design. Confirm your mailing address, review the order, and submit.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Wells Fargo will mail the checks to the address on file for your account. If you need them sent somewhere else, you may be able to change the address during checkout, but verify this before confirming the order. You can track your order status by logging back into online banking within a few days — the system usually updates to show "In Production" or "Shipped."

Ordering checks by phone or mail

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you want to order checks. Have your account number and the address where you want them mailed ready. A representative will confirm how many free checks you have left, walk you through design options, and process the order over the phone. This method is slower than online ordering but useful if you have questions or need checks sent to an address different from your account address.

To order by mail, write to Wells Fargo Check Reorder, P.O. Box 5308, Sioux Falls, SD 57117. Include your account number, the number of boxes you want, your mailing address, and a note that you are ordering free checks. Mail takes longer — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus 7 to 10 days for delivery — so use this method only if you have time.

Understanding your free check allotment and what happens when you run out

Your free checks reset on your account anniversary date, not January 1. If you opened your account in March, your free checks reset each March. Wells Fargo tracks this automatically, and your online banking portal shows how many free boxes remain in your current year. One box equals 25 checks, so if you use checks frequently, you may exhaust your allotment before the year ends.

Once you run out of free checks, you can still order more, but you will pay. Standard check pricing varies by design and quantity but typically ranges from $10 to $15 per box of 25. You can order paid checks through the same online portal, by phone, or by mail. Some customers choose to switch to digital payment methods like bill pay or transfers to avoid the cost of additional checks, but if you need them, the bank will process the order.

Personalized and specialty checks cost extra even with free checks remaining

Your free annual checks come in plain designs — usually a simple blue or black layout with your name and account number printed. If you want checks with a custom design, photo, or special theme, those are considered specialty checks and cost extra. The price depends on the design complexity and quantity, but expect to pay $15 to $30 or more per box.

Personalized checks with your address, phone number, or other custom details also cost extra. If you want to use your free checks, stick with the standard plain option. If you prefer a personalized or specialty design, you will need to pay out of pocket, and your free checks remain available for a future order of standard checks.

Delivery time and what to do if checks arrive damaged or late

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time Wells Fargo processes your order. Processing itself usually takes 1 to 2 business days, so from the moment you submit your order online, expect 8 to 12 business days total. If you need checks urgently, some banks offer expedited delivery for an extra fee, but Wells Fargo's standard free checks do not have this option — you would need to pay for expedited service.

If your checks arrive damaged, torn, or with printing errors, contact Wells Fargo customer service with your order confirmation number and photos of the damage. The bank will reorder them at no charge. If checks arrive significantly late — more than 14 business days after you placed the order — call customer service to report the delay. They can investigate with the printer and may issue a replacement order or credit to your account.

Alternatives if you do not want to use checks

Wells Fargo offers several ways to pay bills and transfer money without writing checks. Bill Pay, available through online banking, lets you schedule payments to almost any business or person directly from your account. Transfers between your own Wells Fargo accounts are instant. Peer-to-peer transfers through services like Zelle are free and fast for sending money to other people.

If you rarely write checks, you may not need to order them at all. Many people use their debit card, online bill pay, or mobile transfers for nearly all transactions and keep a small supply of checks for rare situations like security deposits or insurance payments. If you fall into this category, you can skip the check order and use your free checks only when you genuinely need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my free checks if I do not use them before the year ends?

Yes. Your free checks reset on your account anniversary, and unused free checks do not carry over. If you have free checks remaining and your anniversary is approaching, order them before the reset date if you think you might use them. After the reset, your allotment refreshes, but any unused boxes from the previous year are gone.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes. If the account is joint, both account holders' names can appear on the checks if you choose. When you order, specify whose name should print on the checks or request both names. The free check allotment applies to the account itself, not to individual holders, so you share one free box per year regardless of how many people own the account.

What if I want checks mailed to a different address than my account address?

You can usually change the mailing address during the order process, either online or by phone. Verify the new address carefully before submitting — if Wells Fargo mails checks to the wrong place, you will need to contact them to reorder. For security, the bank may require you to confirm the alternate address by phone before processing.

Can I order checks if I have a savings account instead of checking?

No. Checks are only available for checking accounts. Savings accounts do not come with check-writing privileges. If you need to write checks, you will need to open a Wells Fargo checking account or use a different payment method like transfers or bill pay from your savings account.

How much do checks cost if I buy them outside of Wells Fargo?

Third-party check printers like Costco, Sam's Club, or online vendors often charge less than banks — sometimes $5 to $10 per box. However, you must verify that the printer can produce checks compatible with your Wells Fargo account number and routing number. Order from a reputable printer and allow extra time for delivery. Many people use third-party printers for their second and third boxes to save money.