Yes, you can write checks with most internet checking accounts

Most online banks issue physical checks to account holders at no extra cost. You order them through your online banking portal, they arrive by mail in 7 to 14 days, and you write and mail them the same way you would from any other checking account. The main difference is that you cannot walk into a branch and get checks immediately — you have to plan ahead.

Some online banks charge for checks, though this is less common. A few banks, like Ally and Charles Schwab, include checks free. Others charge $10 to $25 per box of 50 checks. A small number of online-only banks do not offer checks at all, so if check-writing matters to you, confirm this before opening an account.

The process of writing a check from an internet account works exactly like writing one from a traditional bank. You fill in the payee name, amount, date, and your signature. The recipient deposits it at their bank, and the funds clear from your account. Your bank's routing number and account number appear on the checks, just as they do on checks from any other bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Most internet banks issue checks free or for a small fee, and they arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days of ordering.
  • You write and mail checks from an internet account exactly as you would from a traditional bank — the process is identical once you have the physical checks.
  • Some online banks charge per box of checks, so compare costs before opening an account if you write checks regularly.
  • A few online banks do not offer checks at all, so confirm this feature is available before signing up.
  • You can track check clearing through your online banking portal, just as you would with any other bank.

How to order checks from your internet bank

Log into your online banking portal and look for a "Order Checks" or "Manage Checks" link, usually under account settings or services. You will select the style of checks you want (standard, duplicate, or business), confirm your account and routing numbers, and enter a shipping address. Most banks let you choose how many boxes to order at once.

Delivery takes 7 to 14 business days from the time you place the order. Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee — typically $10 to $15 for 3 to 5 business days. If you need checks urgently, ask your bank whether they can print temporary checks that you can use immediately while you wait for the physical ones to arrive.

Once your checks arrive, verify that your name, address, account number, and routing number are printed correctly before you use them. If anything is wrong, contact your bank right away and request a replacement box.

Checks from internet banks clear the same way as any other checks

When someone deposits a check you wrote from your internet account, it goes through the same clearing process as a check from a brick-and-mortar bank. The recipient's bank sends it through the Federal Reserve's check clearing system, and the funds are deducted from your account. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days, though it can take longer if the check is deposited at a different bank or on a weekend.

You can track when a check clears by logging into your online banking portal. Your transaction history will show the check amount, the date it was deposited, and the date it cleared. Some banks let you view an image of the front and back of the check once it has cleared, which is useful if you need proof of payment.

If a check you wrote bounces because you do not have enough funds, your bank will charge an overdraft fee — usually $25 to $35 — just as they would for any other transaction. The recipient may also charge you a returned check fee.

When internet banks do not offer checks

A small number of online banks do not issue physical checks at all. These banks typically focus on savings accounts or money market accounts rather than checking accounts. If you need to pay someone by check, you have a few workarounds.

You can transfer money to a traditional bank account and write a check from there. You can also use a bill pay service through your internet bank to send a check on your behalf — the bank prints and mails the check to the payee. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days and may cost $1 to $3 per check. A third option is to use a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal to send money directly to the person, though this only works if they have an account with that service.

Costs and fees for checks from internet banks

Most internet banks include checks free with your account. Charles Schwab, Ally, and Discover all offer free checks. Some banks charge per box — typically $10 to $25 for 50 checks. A few charge a flat annual fee for check-writing privileges, usually $5 to $10 per year.

If you write many checks, the cost adds up. A person who orders four boxes of checks per year at $15 per box pays $60 annually. If you write only a few checks per year, the cost is minimal. Compare check costs across banks when you are deciding where to open an account, especially if check-writing is important to you.

Expedited shipping for checks usually costs $10 to $15 and cuts the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. Duplicate checks — which create a carbon copy as you write — cost more than standard checks, typically $5 to $10 extra per box.

What to do if you need a check urgently

If you need to write a check but your ordered checks have not arrived yet, contact your bank and ask about temporary check options. Some banks can print checks immediately through their online portal that you can use right away, or they can issue a temporary check number that you can write on a blank piece of paper. Ask your bank what they offer before you assume you cannot write a check.

Another option is to use your bank's bill pay service to send a check on your behalf. You provide the payee's name and address, the amount, and the date you want the check sent. The bank prints and mails it, and it usually arrives within 3 to 7 business days. This costs $1 to $3 per check at most banks.

If the payment is urgent and the recipient accepts electronic transfers, ask whether you can send money via ACH transfer or wire instead. These methods are faster than mailing a check and do not require you to have physical checks on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks from an internet bank?

Standard delivery is 7 to 14 business days from the date you order. Expedited shipping cuts this to 3 to 5 business days for an extra fee of $10 to $15. Some banks offer temporary checks that you can use immediately while you wait for the physical ones to arrive.

Do internet banks charge more for checks than traditional banks?

Pricing varies. Many internet banks offer free checks, while others charge $10 to $25 per box. Traditional banks often charge similar amounts or more. Compare costs across the banks you are considering before opening an account.

Can I use my internet bank's bill pay to send a check instead of ordering physical checks?

Yes. Most internet banks let you use bill pay to send a check on your behalf. You provide the payee's address and amount, and the bank prints and mails the check. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days and costs $1 to $3 per check.

What if I write a check from my internet account and the recipient never deposits it?

The funds remain in your account until the check is deposited or the check expires. Checks are typically valid for 180 days from the date written, though some banks honor them longer. After that time, the recipient cannot deposit it, and the money stays yours.

Can I stop payment on a check from an internet bank?

Yes. Contact your bank and provide the check number, amount, and payee name. Most banks charge $25 to $35 to stop payment on a check. You must request this before the check clears, so act quickly if you need to stop a payment.