Your bank is usually the cheapest and fastest source for checks
Order checks directly from your bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks print and mail checks within 7 to 10 business days at no cost or for a small fee ($10 to $25 per box). Your bank has your account number and routing number already, so there is nothing to get wrong. If you need checks urgently, some banks offer rush printing for an extra charge — usually $15 to $30 for delivery in 2 to 3 business days.
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or log into your online banking portal to find the check order link. Most banks let you choose the design and quantity (usually 25, 50, or 100 checks per box). You will pay when you place the order, and the checks arrive at your mailing address on file.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank prints checks for $10 to $25 per box and delivers them in 7 to 10 business days with no risk of account number errors.
- Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and Deluxe offer lower prices per box but require you to enter your account details manually.
- Rush printing through your bank costs $15 to $30 extra but gets checks to you in 2 to 3 business days if you need them urgently.
- Online check printers ship nationwide and often have the lowest per-box prices, but delivery takes 5 to 7 business days.
- Never order checks from an unknown website or seller — use only your bank, major retailers, or established check printing companies.
Third-party retailers: lower cost, more choices
Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club print checks for $5 to $15 per box — roughly half what banks charge. You order in person or online, provide your account and routing number, and pick up or receive checks by mail. The trade-off is that you enter your banking details yourself, so double-check the account number and routing number before confirming your order. A mistake here means unusable checks and a reorder.
Costco typically has the lowest prices and the widest design selection. Walmart offers similar pricing and faster in-store pickup in some locations. Both require you to be a member or shopper at that retailer. If you do not have a membership, the bank route is simpler.
Online check printing companies
Companies like Deluxe, Vistaprint, and Checks Unlimited ship checks nationwide and often undercut retail prices — sometimes $3 to $8 per box for standard designs. You order online, enter your account details, and receive checks by mail in 5 to 7 business days. Delivery is slower than in-store pickup, but the cost savings can add up if you order multiple boxes.
These companies also offer specialty designs, leather check covers, and duplicate or triplicate check options that your bank may not stock. Read reviews before ordering from a company you do not recognize. Stick to established names with long track records — Deluxe has been printing checks since 1915, and Vistaprint is owned by Cimpress, a large printing company.
Comparing speed and cost across your options
| Source | Cost per box | Delivery time | How to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank | $10–$25 | 7–10 business days | Online, phone, or in branch |
| Bank rush printing | $25–$40 | 2–3 business days | Online or phone |
| Costco | $5–$15 | 5–7 business days (mail) or same day (pickup) | In store or online |
| Walmart | $7–$15 | 5–7 business days (mail) or same day (pickup) | In store or online |
| Deluxe or Vistaprint | $3–$10 | 5–7 business days | Online only |
What information you need before you order
Have your account number and routing number ready. Your account number is on the bottom left of any existing check or in your online banking portal. Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of a check, just before your account number. If you do not have a check, call your bank or log in online to find both numbers.
You will also need to choose the quantity (most orders start at 25 checks per box), select a design if options are available, and confirm your mailing address. Some banks and retailers ask for your phone number or email to send tracking information. Double-check the account number and routing number one more time before submitting — a typo means the checks will not work with your account.
Avoiding scams and ordering from the wrong place
Order only from your bank, a major retailer you know, or an established check printing company with a long history. Do not order from a website that appears in a random search result, offers an unusually low price, or asks you to wire money or use a gift card. Scammers sometimes create fake check printing sites that steal your banking information or send blank checks.
If you receive a call or email offering to sell you checks, hang up or delete it. Your bank will never cold-call you to sell checks — you initiate the order. If you are unsure whether a website is real, call your bank and ask for the official check printing vendor or website.
What to do if you need checks right now
If you need to write a check today and do not have any, ask your bank about rush printing or emergency check options. Some banks can print a single check or a small batch at a branch within hours. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and what the fee is.
If your bank cannot help, visit Costco or Walmart in person and order checks for same-day or next-day pickup. This is faster than mail delivery but costs more than ordering online. For truly urgent situations, ask the person you are paying whether they can accept a bank transfer, ACH payment, or money order instead — these clear much faster than a mailed check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks from my bank online without going to a branch?
Yes. Log into your online banking portal and look for "order checks" or "check services" in the menu. Most banks let you order, pay, and track delivery entirely online. If you cannot find the option, call the number on your debit card and ask customer service to walk you through it.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number when ordering from Costco or Walmart?
The checks will print with the wrong account number and will not work with your bank account. You will have to order a new box with the correct number. Always verify your account number and routing number twice before confirming an order, especially when ordering from a third party.
Are online check printing companies safe to give my banking information to?
Established companies like Deluxe and Vistaprint are safe — they have been printing checks for decades and handle millions of orders. Stick to companies with long track records and good reviews. Never order from a site you cannot verify or that asks you to pay by wire transfer or gift card.
How much does it cost to order checks from my bank?
Most banks charge $10 to $25 per box of 25 to 100 checks. Some banks offer the first box free or at a discount. Call your bank or check your account terms to find out what they charge. Rush printing costs extra — usually $15 to $30 for delivery in 2 to 3 business days.
Can I use temporary checks while I wait for my order to arrive?
Yes. Ask your bank for temporary checks (also called counter checks) while your printed checks are on the way. These are usually free and arrive immediately at a branch. They work the same way as regular checks but may have a different appearance. Some banks limit how many you can order at once.