You don't need checks to open or use a checking account, but some banks still require them or charge extra if you don't order them

Most banks will open a checking account without requiring you to order checks. You can deposit money, pay bills online, use a debit card, and transfer funds without ever writing a check. However, some banks bundle checks into their account setup or charge a fee if you decline them. A few older banks or credit unions still treat checks as a standard part of the account and may push back if you say you don't want them.

The real question is whether you need checks for the way you actually pay people. If you pay rent to a landlord who only takes checks, or if you send money to someone without a bank account, then yes—you'll need them. If you pay everything online, through apps, or with your debit card, you probably don't.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open and use a checking account without ordering checks; debit cards and online transfers handle most payments.
  • Some banks include checks in the standard account package or charge a small fee if you decline them at signup.
  • Checks are necessary only if you need to pay someone who doesn't accept digital payments or doesn't have a bank account.
  • If you do need checks later, you can order them from your bank, a third-party printer, or an online service at any time.
  • Declining checks at signup saves money and reduces paper waste, but won't limit your account access or features.

What banks actually require at account opening

When you open a checking account in person or online, the bank will ask whether you want to order checks. Most will let you say no without penalty. You'll provide your name, address, and initial deposit, and the account opens the same day or within one business day.

Some banks—particularly regional or community banks—include a starter pack of 25 checks in the account setup at no extra charge. If that's the case, you'll receive them in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You don't have to use them, and you can throw them away if you never need them.

A small number of banks charge a fee (usually $5 to $15) if you decline checks. This is rare and usually happens at banks that still view checks as a core service. If a bank tries to charge you for not ordering checks, that's a sign the bank may not be a good fit for your needs—consider opening an account elsewhere instead.

When you actually need checks

Checks are still necessary in a few real situations. If your landlord accepts only checks for rent, you need them. If you're paying a contractor, small business, or individual who doesn't have a payment app or bank transfer setup, a check may be the only option. Some government offices, courts, and older businesses still prefer checks over electronic payments.

If you have a child or elderly relative who doesn't use digital banking, sending a check by mail is often simpler than explaining how to set up a transfer. Some people also write checks to themselves to move money between their own accounts at different banks, though a transfer is usually faster.

If you're not sure whether you'll need checks, the safest move is to decline them at signup. You can order them later if a situation comes up—it takes 5 to 10 business days and costs $10 to $30 for a box of 100, depending on your bank and the check design.

How to order checks if you change your mind

If you open an account without checks and later decide you need them, you have three options. First, order them directly from your bank through online banking or by calling customer service. Your bank will print your name, account number, and routing number on the checks and mail them to you.

Second, use a third-party check printer like Costco, Walmart, or online services such as Deluxe or CheckSmart. These are often cheaper than ordering through your bank ($5 to $15 per box instead of $15 to $30) and sometimes arrive faster. You'll need your account number and routing number, which you can find on your bank's website or on any deposit slip.

Third, if you need a check urgently and can't wait for mail delivery, some banks offer temporary check images you can print at home, or they can issue a cashier's check on the spot at a branch. This costs $5 to $10 but solves the problem the same day.

The cost of checks if you order them regularly

If you write checks often, the cost adds up. A box of 100 checks from your bank typically costs $15 to $30. A box of 100 from a third-party printer costs $5 to $15. If you write 20 checks a month, you'll use a box every five months, which means $15 to $90 per year depending on where you order.

This is one reason many people have switched to digital payments. A debit card, online bill pay, or a money transfer app costs nothing and works instantly. If you're writing more than a few checks a month, it's worth asking whether the people you're paying would accept a different method—most will if you ask.

Banks that don't require checks and banks that do

Online banks and newer financial institutions almost never require checks. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no check requirement and won't push you to order them. Many of these banks don't even offer checks as an option, or they charge extra if you want them.

Traditional banks and credit unions vary. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open an account without checks, though they may include a starter pack. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to include checks in the standard package or to encourage you to order them.

If you're choosing a bank and checks are a concern, ask the bank directly before opening the account: "Can I open a checking account without ordering checks?" A bank that says yes and means it is usually a good sign they're flexible about how you want to bank.

Digital alternatives that replace checks

For most payments, you have faster and cheaper options than checks. Online bill pay, built into most checking accounts, lets you pay utilities, credit cards, and subscriptions directly from your bank account. Money transfer apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App work for person-to-person payments. ACH transfers move money between bank accounts in one to three business days and cost nothing.

If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, a money order from the post office or Walmart costs $1 to $2 and arrives in a few days. A cashier's check from your bank costs $5 to $10 and is more secure than a personal check because it's may provide by the bank.

For rent or large payments, ask your landlord or payee whether they accept ACH transfers, online payment portals, or credit card payments. Many do, and it's faster and safer than mailing a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my debit card work for everything a check does?

No. A debit card works for in-person and online purchases, but you can't use it to mail a payment or to pay someone who doesn't have a card reader. For those situations, you need a check, money order, or bank transfer. Most everyday payments—utilities, subscriptions, rent—can be set up as automatic transfers or paid online, so a debit card covers most of what people actually do.

Can I use online bill pay instead of checks?

Yes, for most bills. Online bill pay lets you schedule payments to utilities, credit cards, insurance companies, and other businesses directly from your bank account. It's free, faster than checks, and you can set it up in minutes. The only time you need a check is when the payee doesn't accept electronic payments or when you're paying an individual.

What if I need a check urgently?

Call your bank and ask about same-day or next-day options. Some banks can print a temporary check image you can use immediately, or they can issue a cashier's check at a branch within hours. If your bank can't help, visit a third-party check printer or your bank's branch in person. Expect to pay $5 to $15 for expedited service.

Do I lose any account features if I don't order checks?

No. Declining checks doesn't affect your debit card, online banking, bill pay, transfers, or any other account feature. You have full access to everything. The only thing you can't do is write a check, which you can always order later if you need to.

Are checks safer than digital payments?

Checks have different risks than digital payments. A check in the mail can be lost or stolen, and a forged check can take weeks to dispute. Digital payments are instant and traceable, but they require you to share your account number or use an app. For most people, digital is faster and safer. Use checks only when the payee requires them.