Most major online retailers do not accept personal checks, but some smaller merchants and specialty stores still do

Personal checks are rare in online shopping because they create friction: the merchant has to wait for the check to arrive by mail, deposit it, and wait for it to clear—a process that takes 5 to 10 business days. During that time, the merchant has no may provide the check will not bounce. For this reason, most large retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy) stopped accepting checks online years ago and now require credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.

Some smaller merchants, specialty retailers, and niche sellers still accept checks as an option at checkout. These are typically businesses that already handle paper mail regularly—antique dealers, used book sellers, farm supply companies, and custom order businesses. A few subscription services and membership organizations also accept checks by mail as an alternative to automatic card payments.

If you want to pay by check online, your best approach is to look for a "payment methods" or "checkout options" page on the retailer's website before you place an order. If checks are not listed, contact the merchant directly by phone or email to ask whether they accept them by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Large online retailers almost never accept personal checks; they require credit cards, debit cards, or digital payment methods at checkout.
  • Smaller merchants, specialty retailers, and subscription services are more likely to accept checks sent by mail, though you will need to confirm this before ordering.
  • If you pay by check, expect the merchant to wait 5 to 10 business days for the check to clear before processing your order or shipment.
  • Some merchants will hold your order until the check clears; others may cancel it if payment does not arrive within a set timeframe.
  • Checks sent through the mail carry the risk of loss or delay, so use tracking or delivery confirmation if the merchant requires it.

How to learn about a store accepts checks by mail

Start by visiting the store's website and looking for a "Payment Methods," "Checkout," or "Contact Us" page. Many retailers list all accepted payment options in one place. If checks are not mentioned, scroll to the footer of the website—some smaller businesses hide payment details there.

If you cannot find the information online, call or email the merchant directly. Ask three specific questions: Do they accept personal checks? Do you mail the check to a physical address, or is there a different process? How long do they wait for the check to clear before they ship or process the order? A merchant's answer to the third question will tell you whether a check is practical for your purchase.

Be aware that some merchants accept checks only for certain types of orders—for example, a subscription service might accept checks for annual memberships but not for one-time purchases. Others may accept checks only if you call to place the order by phone rather than through their website.

The timeline when you pay by check online

The process moves slowly because of how the banking system handles checks. Here is what typically happens:

  1. You mail the check to the merchant's address (1 to 3 business days for delivery).
  2. The merchant receives and deposits the check (may wait a day or two to batch deposits).
  3. The check clears through the banking system (3 to 5 business days, sometimes longer).
  4. The merchant confirms payment and processes your order (1 to 2 business days).
  5. The merchant ships your item (timing varies by retailer).

In total, you are looking at 10 to 14 business days from the time you mail the check until the merchant ships your order. Some merchants will begin processing your order as soon as they receive the check, even if it has not cleared yet. Others will wait until the check fully clears. Ask the merchant which approach they use before you send payment.

If the check bounces—because of insufficient funds or a closed account—the merchant will contact you to request payment by another method. You will also face a bounced check fee from your own bank, typically $25 to $35. The merchant may charge an additional fee for the bounced check, and they may cancel your order.

Risks of mailing a check for an online purchase

Checks sent through the mail can be lost, delayed, or stolen. If a check goes missing, you will not know for several weeks—by which time the merchant may have cancelled your order. If someone steals the check from the mail, they can alter the payee name or amount and try to cash it, though banks are trained to catch this.

To reduce risk, use a tracking method when you mail the check. The U.S. Postal Service offers Certified Mail with Return Receipt, which gives you proof of delivery. This costs a few dollars extra but protects you if the merchant later claims they never received the check. Keep the receipt and tracking number until the merchant confirms they have deposited the check.

Another risk is that the merchant may go out of business or close their account before the check clears. If this happens, the check will be returned to you, but it may take weeks. For this reason, avoid paying by check to merchants you are unfamiliar with or those with poor online reviews.

Alternatives to checks for online shopping

If you do not have a credit or debit card, you have several faster options than checks. A debit card linked to your bank account works like a credit card at checkout and clears immediately. If you do not have a debit card, you can request one from your bank at no cost.

A prepaid card (such as a Visa or Mastercard gift card) can be used at any online retailer that accepts cards. You load money onto the card at a store or online, and then use it like a regular card. Prepaid cards do not require a credit check or bank account.

Digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay let you link your bank account or card once and then pay at checkout without entering card details each time. Many online retailers accept at least one digital wallet option.

Bank transfers (also called ACH transfers) are accepted by some online retailers, particularly subscription services and membership organizations. You authorize the merchant to pull money directly from your bank account. This is faster than a check and does not require a card.

Subscription services and membership sites that may accept checks

Some subscription services and membership organizations still accept checks as a payment option, usually by mail. These include certain magazine subscriptions, membership clubs, and annual service renewals. However, most have moved to automatic card payments or digital wallets.

If you are setting up a subscription or membership and want to pay by check, look for a "payment options" section during signup. If checks are not listed, contact customer service and ask whether you can mail a check instead of providing a card. Some will allow it; others will require a card or digital payment method.

Be aware that if you pay by check for a subscription, the merchant may not automatically renew your subscription when it expires. You may need to send another check manually, or they may ask you to provide a card for future renewals. Confirm this before you commit to paying by check.

What to include when you mail a check for an online order

When you mail a check to a merchant, include a note with your order details. Write your name, order number (if you have one), email address, and phone number on a separate piece of paper. This helps the merchant match the check to your order when it arrives.

Make the check payable to the exact legal name of the business, not a shortened version or the owner's name. If you are unsure of the correct name, call the merchant or check their website. A check made out to the wrong name may not be deposited.

Mail the check to the address the merchant provided for payments. Do not mail it to a general customer service address unless the merchant specifically says to. Some businesses have a separate lockbox or accounting address for payments. Using the wrong address delays delivery and may cause confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay by check at checkout on a store's website?

Almost never. Online checkout systems do not have a "check" option because checks must be mailed and take days to clear. If a store accepts checks, you will need to mail the check to a physical address after placing your order, or call the store to arrange payment by phone.

What happens if my check bounces?

Your bank will charge you a bounced check fee (typically $25 to $35). The merchant will also likely charge a fee and may cancel your order. The merchant may contact you to request payment by another method. Avoid this by ensuring you have sufficient funds before mailing the check.

Is it safe to mail a check to an online store?

Checks can be lost or stolen in the mail, though banks are trained to catch altered checks. To protect yourself, use Certified Mail with Return Receipt when mailing a check. Keep the tracking number until the merchant confirms they received and deposited it.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Once the merchant deposits the check, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days to clear through the banking system. Add 1 to 3 days for mail delivery and 1 to 2 days for the merchant to process the order, and you are looking at 10 to 14 business days total from when you mail the check until the order ships.

What if the store says they do not accept checks?

Use a debit card, prepaid card, digital wallet (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay), or bank transfer instead. These methods are faster than checks and work at nearly all online retailers. If you do not have any of these options, contact your bank about getting a debit card.