Your checks are drawn from whichever account you designated when you ordered them
When you order checks from your bank, you choose which account they pull from at the time of purchase. The account number printed on each check determines where the money comes out when someone deposits or cashes it. If you ordered checks for your savings account, they will draw from savings. If you ordered them for checking, they will draw from checking. The bank does not automatically route checks to one account or the other — you control this choice when you place the order.
Most people order checks for their checking account because that is where regular spending money sits. But some people keep their primary funds in savings and use checks less often, so they order checks tied to savings instead. Either way, the account number on the check is what matters. When the check clears, the bank looks at that number and pulls the money from that specific account.
Key Takeaways
- The account number printed on your checks determines which account the money comes from when the check is deposited or cashed.
- You select the account when you order checks, so you control whether they draw from checking or savings.
- If you want checks for a different account, you must order a new set of checks tied to that account number.
- Reordering checks usually takes five to ten business days if you order online or by phone, or longer if you order in person at a branch.
- Some banks charge a small fee to order checks, while others include a certain number free each year.
How to order checks for a different account
If you have both a checking and savings account and want checks for the one you did not originally choose, you will need to order a new set. Call your bank's customer service line, visit your local branch, or log into your online banking portal — most banks let you order checks through any of these channels. You will tell them which account you want the checks drawn from, and they will print a new set with the correct account number.
When you place the order, confirm the account number out loud or on screen before you submit. A mistake here means checks that draw from the wrong account, and fixing it requires ordering yet another set. Some banks print the account number on the order form so you can verify it matches what you intended.
The new checks will arrive in five to ten business days if you order online or by phone. In-branch orders sometimes take longer. Until they arrive, you can still use the old checks if they are for an account you still want to use, but they will continue to draw from the original account.
What happens if you use checks from the wrong account
If you accidentally use a check drawn from your savings account when you meant to use one from checking, the money still comes out — just from the wrong place. The person or business that receives the check will not know or care which account it came from. They will deposit or cash it, and your bank will process it against the account number printed on the check.
This can create problems if your savings account does not have enough money to cover the check, or if you were counting on that money to stay in savings. You would then have an overdraft on your savings account, which may trigger overdraft fees. The best fix is to transfer money from checking to savings to cover the check, or to contact your bank and ask them to reverse the transaction if it has not yet cleared.
Going forward, keep the two sets of checks in separate places so you do not grab the wrong one by accident. Some people label them or keep one set at home and one at work.
Fees and timing for ordering checks
Most banks charge between $10 and $25 per box of checks, though some offer a certain number free each year as part of your account. A few banks no longer charge for checks at all. Call your bank or check your account agreement to find out what you pay.
If cost is a concern, you can also order checks from third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, or online check printing services. These are often cheaper than ordering directly from the bank — sometimes half the price — and they will print checks for any account number you provide. The process is the same: you give them the account number, they print the checks with that number, and the checks draw from that account when used.
Third-party checks take the same amount of time to arrive as bank-ordered checks, usually five to ten business days. Make sure you have the correct account number before you order, because the printer will print whatever number you give them.
Stopping old checks if you switch accounts
If you ordered checks for one account but now want to use a different account entirely, you do not have to do anything with the old checks unless you are worried about someone using them. If the old account is still open and active, the checks will still work. If you closed the account, any checks written against it will bounce.
If you want to make sure old checks cannot be used — for example, if you lost a checkbook or are concerned about fraud — you can call your bank and ask them to flag those checks as cancelled. The bank will note the check numbers in their system, and if someone tries to deposit one, it will be rejected. This does not cost anything and takes a few minutes on the phone.
You do not need to physically destroy old checks, but many people do for peace of mind. Shredding them is a safe option if you have a shredder.
Switching between accounts without ordering new checks
If you want to move money between your checking and savings accounts but do not want to order new checks, you have other options. You can transfer money online through your bank's website or app, by phone with customer service, or at an ATM if your bank has one. These transfers are free and usually happen the same day or next business day.
You can also use a debit card, which draws from whichever account you designate when you set it up, and you can change that designation anytime. Many people use their debit card for everyday purchases instead of checks, which avoids the need to order checks at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks for both my checking and savings account at the same time?
Yes. You can place two separate orders, one for each account, or ask your bank if they can process both in a single order. Each set will have the correct account number printed on it. Keep them separate so you do not mix them up.
What if I ordered checks but changed my mind about which account to use?
If the checks have not shipped yet, call your bank right away and ask them to cancel the order and reissue for the correct account. If they have already shipped, you can still order a new set for the other account. The first set will still work if you want to keep it as a backup.
Do I need to tell my bank which account my checks are for, or does it figure it out?
The account number printed on the check tells the bank everything it needs to know. You do not need to notify anyone. When someone deposits or cashes the check, the bank reads the account number and pulls the money from that account automatically.
Can I use checks from a closed account?
No. If you close an account, any checks written against it will be rejected when someone tries to deposit or cash them. If you still have checks from a closed account, you can shred them or throw them away.
Is it cheaper to order checks from a third-party printer or from my bank?
Third-party printers are usually cheaper, sometimes by half. Compare prices from Costco, Walmart, or online check printers against what your bank charges. The checks work the same way regardless of where you order them.