Banks are not required to include free checks when you open a checking account
Most banks stopped including complimentary checkbooks with new accounts years ago. Whether you get checks depends on the bank, the account type you chose, and sometimes whether you ask. Some banks offer them only to premium account holders or customers who meet a minimum balance. Others charge a fee to order checks at all, even on the first order. A few still include a starter set, but you have to request it during signup or shortly after.
The reason is simple: checks cost money to print, and fewer people use them now. Banks shifted that cost to customers to keep account fees down elsewhere. If you need checks, you have three main ways to get them: order through your bank, order from a third-party printer, or use alternatives like mobile transfers or bill pay.
Key Takeaways
- Banks are not obligated to provide free checks with a new account, and most stopped doing so to reduce costs.
- Some account types—usually premium or high-balance accounts—still include a starter checkbook, but you may need to request it.
- Ordering checks through your bank typically costs $15 to $40 per box, depending on the bank and check style.
- Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and online services often charge less than banks for the same checks.
- If you rarely use checks, bill pay and mobile transfers may eliminate the need to order them at all.
How to learn about your bank offers free checks
Log into your online banking portal or mobile app and look for a "order checks" or "checks and deposit items" section. Most banks display the cost and options there. If you do not see it, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.
Ask specifically whether your account type includes a free starter set. Some banks offer this only if you request it within 30 days of opening the account, so timing matters. If you opened the account more than a month ago, you may have missed the window, but it never hurts to ask—some banks will make an exception.
If your bank does not offer free checks at all, they will tell you the cost to order. Write down the price per box and the number of checks per box so you can compare it to other options.
Ordering checks through your bank versus third-party printers
Ordering through your bank is the most straightforward route: you can do it online, by phone, or in branch, and the checks arrive with your account number and routing number already printed. The downside is cost. Most banks charge $15 to $40 per box of 25 checks, depending on the bank and whether you choose standard or decorative designs.
Third-party printers often undercut banks significantly. Costco sells checks for around $10 to $15 per box if you have a membership. Walmart's check printing service costs roughly $12 to $20 per box. Online printers like Checks Unlimited, Deluxe, and Sam's Club offer similar pricing and sometimes run promotions. The trade-off is that you have to enter your account information yourself, which adds a step but is straightforward.
| Source | Typical Cost Per Box | Ordering Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | $15–$40 | Online, phone, or branch |
| Costco | $10–$15 (membership required) | In-store or online |
| Walmart | $12–$20 | In-store or online |
| Online printers | $10–$25 | Online only |
If you choose a third-party printer, double-check that you enter your routing number and account number correctly. A mistake there means the checks will not work. Most printers provide a preview before you pay, so review it carefully.
When you might not need checks at all
Before you order, consider whether you actually need them. Many people open checking accounts but rarely write checks. If you pay most bills online through your bank's bill pay feature, send money to friends through Venmo or Zelle, and use your debit card for in-person purchases, you may never need a physical check.
Bill pay is built into most checking accounts and costs nothing. You can schedule payments to almost any business—utilities, insurance, rent, loan payments—directly from your bank's website or app. The bank prints and mails the check on your behalf, or sends the payment electronically. This works for recurring bills and one-time payments alike.
Mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App let you send money to individuals instantly. If you need to pay a landlord, contractor, or family member, these are often faster than writing a check and mailing it.
The only time you truly need a physical check is when someone will not take payment any other way—some landlords, some government agencies, and some older businesses still require them. If that applies to you, order a small box (25 checks) rather than a large one to avoid waste.
What to do if you need checks urgently
If you need a check within a few days, ordering online will not work—most printers take 7 to 14 business days for delivery. Your options are limited but real.
Visit a branch of your bank in person and ask whether they can print a counter check on the spot. A counter check is a temporary check printed by the bank at the teller window. It has your account and routing number but no check number, and it looks different from a standard check. Not all businesses or individuals will accept it, but many will. There is usually no charge, or a small fee of $1 to $5.
If your bank cannot print a counter check, ask whether they offer expedited shipping on regular checks. Some banks will rush an order for an extra fee—typically $10 to $20 on top of the check cost. This cuts delivery time to 3 to 5 business days.
If neither option works, ask the person or business you need to pay whether they can take a different form of payment temporarily—a bank transfer, credit card, or mobile payment. Many will work with you if you explain the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free checks if I switch banks?
Some banks offer free starter checks as a new-customer incentive, but it varies. When you open an account, ask the banker or check the account terms. If free checks are not mentioned, they probably are not included. A few online banks and credit unions still offer them, so it is worth asking before you commit to a bank.
What if I ordered checks and they arrived with the wrong account number?
Contact the printer or your bank immediately. If the error is their fault, they will reprint and ship new checks at no charge. Do not use the incorrect checks—they will not clear. Keep the bad checks in case you need proof of the error for a dispute.
Do I need to order checks from my specific bank, or can any checks work?
Any checks work as long as your account number and routing number are printed correctly. You do not have to order from your bank. Third-party printers are cheaper and just as valid. The only requirement is that the routing number and account number match your actual account.
Will my bank charge me a monthly fee if I do not order checks?
No. Not ordering checks does not affect your account or trigger any fees. Many people never order checks and have no problems. You only pay if you choose to order them.
How long do checks take to arrive?
Standard delivery through banks or third-party printers takes 7 to 14 business days. Expedited shipping (if available) takes 3 to 5 business days and usually costs extra. Counter checks from a bank branch arrive immediately but may not be accepted everywhere.