You can request a check from your checking account through your bank, and it arrives as a physical piece of paper you can mail or hand to someone

A check is a written order that tells your bank to pay money from your account to whoever you name on it. You write the check yourself, sign it, and give it to the person or business you owe money to. When they deposit or cash it, your bank pulls the funds from your checking account and sends the money to them. This is different from a debit card or online transfer — the check is a physical document that takes a few days to clear.

Most banks include a checkbook with your account when you open it, or you can order checks through your bank's website or by phone. Some banks charge a small fee for checks (usually $10 to $30 per box of 25 or 50), while others include them free. You can also order checks from third-party printers, which are often cheaper than ordering directly from your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank provides checks as part of your checking account, either included in your starter kit or available to order at any time.
  • Writing a check requires the recipient's name, the amount in numbers and words, the date, and your signature — nothing more.
  • Checks typically take three to five business days to clear after the recipient deposits them, so plan ahead if you need the payment to reach someone quickly.
  • You can order replacement checks from your bank or from cheaper third-party printers like Costco, Vistaprint, or Deluxe.
  • Your bank statement shows every check you write and when it cleared, so you have a record of all payments.

How to write and use a check

Writing a check is straightforward. Start at the top left where it says "Pay to the order of" and write the name of the person or business receiving the money. On the same line to the right, write the dollar amount in numbers (for example, $150.00). Below that, write out the amount in words (One hundred fifty dollars). Fill in the date in the top right corner.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner — your signature must match the one your bank has on file. In the memo line at the bottom left, you can write what the check is for (rent, invoice #1234, etc.), but this is optional. Once you sign it, the check is ready to give to the recipient. Do not sign a blank check or leave the amount blank.

The recipient can deposit the check into their own bank account, cash it at a bank or check-cashing service, or mail it to someone else. Your bank will not process the check until the recipient deposits or cashes it, so the money stays in your account until then.

When checks clear and how to track them

After the recipient deposits your check, it typically takes three to five business days to clear. This means your bank receives the check, verifies the funds are there, and transfers the money to the recipient's bank. During this time, the check shows as pending in your account. Once it clears, it appears as a completed transaction on your statement.

You can track your checks through your bank's online portal or mobile app. Most banks show the check number, the amount, the date it was written, and the date it cleared. Some banks also show the recipient's bank name or the location where it was cashed. If you need to know whether a specific check has cleared, log into your account and search by check number or amount.

If you write a check and the recipient never deposits it, the money remains in your account indefinitely. Some banks will notify you if a check is outstanding for a very long time, but you are responsible for keeping track of checks you have written.

Ordering checks from your bank or elsewhere

If your bank did not include checks with your account or you have run out, you can order more. Log into your online banking portal and look for "order checks" or "reorder checks" — most banks have this option in the account settings or services menu. You can also call your bank's customer service line and request checks over the phone. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks.

Your bank may charge $10 to $30 per box, depending on the bank and the style of checks you choose. Some banks offer free checks to certain account holders or waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance. If cost is a concern, third-party check printers like Costco, Vistaprint, Deluxe, and Sam's Club often charge less than half what banks charge. These printers use your routing number and account number (which you can find on your current checks or in your bank's online portal) to print checks that work exactly the same way.

When you order checks, you will need to provide your name, address, and account number. Make sure the address matches what your bank has on file. Checks printed with the wrong address or account number will not work.

What happens if you write a check you cannot cover

If you write a check for more money than you have in your account, the check will bounce. This means the recipient's bank will reject it because the funds are not there. Your bank will charge you an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35) and may charge the recipient's bank a fee as well. The recipient will also be notified that the check bounced and may charge you a returned-check fee.

Bouncing a check can damage your relationship with the person or business you owe money to and may be reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database that some banks check before opening new accounts. To avoid this, only write checks when you know the money is in your account. If you are unsure of your balance, check your online banking portal or call your bank before writing the check.

If a check bounces, contact the recipient as soon as possible and offer to pay them back immediately using a different method, such as a debit card, bank transfer, or cash. Many recipients will work with you if you act quickly and take responsibility.

Stopping payment on a check

If you write a check and then change your mind or realize you made a mistake, you can ask your bank to stop payment on it. This is called a stop payment order. Contact your bank by phone or through your online portal and provide the check number, the amount, the date you wrote it, and the recipient's name. Your bank will place a hold on that check number so it cannot be cashed or deposited.

Stop payment orders usually cost $25 to $35 and take effect within one business day. The order remains in effect for six months, after which it expires. If the recipient tries to deposit the check after you have stopped payment, their bank will reject it. However, if they already deposited it before you stopped payment, the transaction may have already cleared and your bank cannot reverse it.

Stop payment is useful if you lose a check, write one by mistake, or need to cancel a payment. However, it is not a substitute for keeping track of the checks you write. Always know who you gave a check to and when, so you can stop payment quickly if needed.

Digital alternatives to paper checks

If you want to send money without writing a physical check, your bank offers other options. Online bill pay lets you schedule payments directly from your checking account through your bank's website or app — the bank prints and mails a check on your behalf or transfers the money electronically. Bank transfers (also called ACH transfers) move money directly from your account to someone else's account in one to three business days. Mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle let you send money to friends or family instantly or within a few hours.

These methods are faster than paper checks and leave a digital record. However, some businesses and individuals still prefer or require checks, especially for large payments like rent or contractor work. Checks also work if the recipient does not have a bank account or does not use digital payment apps. The choice depends on who you are paying and how quickly they need the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within three to five business days after the recipient deposits them. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. Some banks clear checks faster, and some checks take longer depending on the recipient's bank and the amount. You can check your online banking portal to see when a specific check cleared.

Can I cancel a check after I have given it to someone?

Yes, you can place a stop payment order with your bank, which costs $25 to $35 and takes effect within one business day. However, if the recipient already deposited the check before you stopped payment, your bank may not be able to reverse it. Act quickly if you need to cancel a check.

What if I lose my checkbook?

Contact your bank immediately and ask them to cancel all outstanding checks in that book. You can order a new checkbook from your bank or a third-party printer. If you are worried someone may have found your checks and used them, you can also place a stop payment order on the entire series of check numbers.

Do I have to use checks if I have a checking account?

No. Checks are optional. You can use your debit card, online bill pay, bank transfers, or mobile payment apps instead. However, some landlords, utilities, and contractors only accept checks, so it is useful to have them available even if you do not use them often.

Can I deposit a check into my checking account?

Yes. You can deposit a check that someone gave you into your own checking account by visiting your bank in person, using a mobile deposit app (which lets you photograph the check), or mailing it to your bank. The check will clear within three to five business days, and the money will be added to your account.