Where to get a copy of your check
You can get a copy of a check in two ways: from your bank (if you wrote it or deposited it) or from the other person's bank (if someone else wrote it to you). Your own bank is almost always faster and cheaper. Most banks let you order copies through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch. Some charge a fee per copy—usually $2 to $5—though a few banks include a certain number of free copies each year.
If you need the copy urgently, call your bank's customer service line and ask if they can email or fax it the same day. Many banks can do this for recent checks (usually from the past 60 to 90 days). For older checks, expect to wait 5 to 10 business days after you place the order.
If the check is very old—more than a year or two—your bank may no longer have it on file. In that case, you can ask the other bank (the one that issued the check to you, or the one where the person who wrote it has an account) to retrieve it, though this takes longer and may cost more.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can provide a copy of any check you wrote or deposited within the past 60 to 90 days, usually for $2 to $5 per copy.
- Online banking is the fastest route for recent checks; call your bank's customer service if you need it the same day.
- Checks older than one or two years may no longer be in your bank's system and require a request to the other bank involved.
- You will need the check number, the date it was written, and the amount to speed up the search.
Ordering through your bank's website or app
Most banks let you order check copies directly from their online banking portal or mobile app. Log in, find the transaction history or account statements section, and look for an option like "order check copy," "get a copy of this check," or "request check image." Click on the check you need and follow the prompts to confirm the amount and date.
The bank will usually show you a preview of the check image on screen before you submit the order. Review it to make sure it is the right one—check the date, amount, and payee name. Once you confirm, the bank will either email you a PDF, mail you a physical copy, or both, depending on what you chose.
If your bank does not offer this option online, move to the phone or branch method below. Some smaller banks and credit unions have not yet added this feature to their digital platforms.
Calling your bank to request a copy
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need a copy of a specific check. Have ready the check number, the date it was written, the amount, and the name of the person or business it was written to or from.
Ask whether they can email or fax the copy to you the same day, or whether it will be mailed. If you need it urgently for a legal matter, dispute, or proof of payment, say so—some banks will prioritize the request or waive the fee. The representative will confirm your mailing address or email and tell you when to expect it.
Visiting a branch in person
Walk into any branch of your bank with your ID and ask to speak to a teller or customer service representative. Tell them you need a copy of a check and provide the check number, date, amount, and payee. They can often print a copy on the spot or within a few hours if the check is recent.
This method is useful if you need the copy immediately and your bank is nearby. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about the check or your account in real time. Bring your ID—the bank will not provide the copy without verifying your identity.
What information you need to provide
To speed up your request, gather these details before you contact your bank:
- The check number (printed in the top right corner of the check)
- The date the check was written
- The amount of the check
- The name of the person or business the check was written to (the payee)
- The name of the person or business the check was written by (the payer), if you are requesting a copy of someone else's check
If you do not have all of this information, your bank can still search, but it will take longer. Provide as much as you can remember.
Fees and how long it takes
Most banks charge $2 to $5 per check copy. Some banks offer a small number of free copies per year (often 2 to 5) as part of your account type. A few banks do not charge at all. Call your bank or check your account agreement to find out their policy.
Timing depends on how you order and how old the check is. Email or fax delivery for recent checks (within 60 to 90 days) usually takes the same day or the next business day. Mailed copies typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Very old checks (more than a year old) may take 2 to 3 weeks because the bank has to retrieve them from archive storage.
When the other bank has the check
If you need a copy of a check someone else wrote to you, and your bank cannot find it, you can contact the bank that issued the check. You will need to know which bank it is—usually printed on the check itself. Call that bank's customer service and explain that you need a copy of a check drawn on their account.
The issuing bank will ask for the same information: check number, date, amount, and the name of the account holder who wrote it. They may charge a higher fee (sometimes $10 or more) and take longer (2 to 4 weeks) because they have to pull the check from their archive. Some banks will only provide this information to the account holder who wrote the check, not to the person who received it, so be prepared for that possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I get a copy of a check?
Most banks keep check images for 60 to 90 days in their active system. For older checks, they can usually retrieve them from archive storage for up to 5 to 7 years, though this takes longer and may cost more. After that, the check is typically destroyed and cannot be recovered.
Can I get a copy of a check if I do not have the check number?
Yes. Provide the date, amount, and payee name, and your bank can search for it. The search will take longer, and if multiple checks match those details, the bank may ask you to narrow it down or may provide all matching checks.
What if my bank says they do not have the check?
If the check is very old or was processed by a different bank, it may no longer be in your bank's system. Contact the other bank involved—the one that issued the check or the one where it was deposited. You can also ask your bank for the routing number and account number of the other bank to make the request easier.
Do I need to pay a fee if I need the copy for a legal dispute?
Some banks will waive or reduce the fee if you explain that the copy is needed for a legal matter, tax issue, or fraud investigation. Call and ask—the worst they can say is no. Have documentation of the dispute or issue ready to show the bank if they ask.
Can I get a copy of a check that bounced?
Yes. A bounced check is still a check, and your bank will have a record of it. Order a copy the same way you would for any other check. The copy will show that it was returned unpaid, which can be useful as proof if you are trying to collect the money or resolve a dispute.