Yes, most banks will order checks for you when you open an account, but timing and cost vary
When you open a checking account, the bank does not automatically include checks in the box. You have to request them, either during the account setup or afterward. Most banks offer checks as an add-on service — some charge a fee per box, some include a certain number free with new accounts, and some waive the fee entirely if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
The bank will not hand you checks on the day you open the account. Checks are printed to order with your name, account number, and routing number, so they take time to arrive by mail. Standard delivery is usually 7 to 10 business days from the time you order. If you need checks faster, some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee, which can cut that down to 3 to 5 business days.
You can also order checks through third-party printers like Deluxe or Current, which sometimes cost less than ordering through the bank. These printers work with your bank's routing and account information and deliver the same official checks. The trade-off is that you have to manage the order yourself rather than doing it through your bank's website or app.
Key Takeaways
- Checks do not come automatically with a new checking account — you must request them from your bank or a third-party printer.
- Standard check delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited options exist but cost extra.
- Some banks include a free box of checks for new accounts, while others charge per box or waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance.
- You can order checks directly from your bank's website or app, or from independent printers like Deluxe, which may offer lower prices.
- Until your checks arrive, you can use your debit card, online transfers, or bill pay to move money without writing a physical check.
How to order checks when you open your account
During the account opening process, most banks ask whether you want to order checks. If you say yes, they collect the information they need — your name spelling, address, and any design preferences — and send the order to their printer. This usually happens the same day or within one business day. You will see the order confirmation in your account or receive an email with tracking information.
If you do not order checks during setup, you can order them later through your bank's website or mobile app. Log into your account, look for a "Checks" or "Order Supplies" section, and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm your address and choose your check style. The bank will then process the order and mail the checks to your address on file.
When you order, pay attention to the cost. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per box of 25 checks. Others offer the first box free or include checks if you set up direct deposit within 30 days of opening the account. A few banks, particularly online-only banks, do not offer checks at all — they assume you will use digital payments instead.
Costs and what different banks charge
Check pricing depends on the bank and the type of account. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge $10 to $20 per box of 25 checks, though they often waive the fee for new accounts or premium account tiers. Credit unions frequently charge less — $5 to $10 per box — or include checks free with membership.
Online banks have different models. Some, like Ally and Charles Schwab, offer checks free or at a low cost because they want to keep customers engaged. Others, like Chime and Varo, do not offer checks at all and direct you to third-party printers if you need them.
Third-party printers like Deluxe, Current, and Checks Unlimited often undercut bank prices, especially if you order in bulk. A box of 25 checks from Deluxe might cost $8 to $12, and they sometimes run promotions. The catch is that you have to enter your bank's routing number and your account number manually, so double-check before you submit the order — a mistake there means the checks will not work.
How long checks take to arrive
Standard check delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the order date. The bank or printer sends them by mail, so the timeline depends partly on your location and the postal service. If you order on a Monday, you might see them by the following Monday or Tuesday. If you order on a Friday, the clock does not start until Monday.
If you need checks sooner, ask your bank about expedited printing. Many banks offer 3 to 5 business day delivery for an extra $10 to $20. Some third-party printers also offer rush options. This is useful if you have bills due or a situation where you need a physical check right away, but it is not cheap.
While you wait for checks to arrive, use your debit card, online bill pay, or bank transfers to pay bills and move money. Most utilities, landlords, and service providers accept online payments now, so you may not need checks as urgently as you think.
Ordering checks from a third-party printer instead of your bank
You do not have to order checks from your bank. Third-party printers like Deluxe, Current, Checks Unlimited, and Costco (if you have a membership) all print checks that work with any bank account. The checks look and function identically to bank-ordered checks — they have your name, address, account number, and routing number printed on them.
The main advantage is cost. Third-party printers often charge 20 to 40 percent less than banks, especially if you order multiple boxes at once. They also run frequent promotions and discounts. The main disadvantage is that you have to enter your routing number and account number yourself, which means there is a small risk of error if you copy the numbers wrong.
To order from a third-party printer, log into their website, enter your bank's routing number (found on your bank's website or your debit card), your account number (from your account statement or online banking), and your personal information. Review the order carefully before submitting. The printer will mail the checks to your address within the timeframe you select.
What to do if you need to write a check before yours arrive
If someone asks you for a check and your checks have not arrived yet, you have a few options. The simplest is to ask whether they accept a bank transfer, debit card, or online payment instead. Most people and businesses do now, and it is faster and safer than a physical check.
If a physical check is required, you can visit your bank branch and ask for a cashier's check or certified check. These are checks issued by the bank itself, drawn on the bank's account, and they carry the bank's may provide. They cost $5 to $15 each, but they clear immediately and are accepted everywhere. You will need to bring your ID and know the exact amount and payee name.
Another option is to ask the person or business whether they can wait for your checks to arrive. Most will, especially if you explain that you just opened the account. If the payment is urgent, the cashier's check route is usually faster and more reliable than waiting for your personal checks to print and arrive.
Banks that do not offer checks
Some banks, particularly online-only and mobile-first banks, do not offer checks at all. Chime, Varo, Revolut, and a few others have decided that checks are outdated and that their customers do not need them. If you open an account with one of these banks and later realize you need checks, you will have to order from a third-party printer.
Before you open an account, check the bank's website or call customer service to confirm whether checks are available. If checks are important to you — for example, if you pay rent by check or write checks to family members — choose a bank that offers them. If you rarely or never write checks, an online bank without check support is usually fine and often cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order checks when I open my account?
No. Checks are optional. If you do not think you will use them, you can skip ordering them and save the fee. You can always order them later if you change your mind. Many people now use debit cards, online transfers, and bill pay instead of checks.
Can I use my account before my checks arrive?
Yes. Your account is active and ready to use as soon as it opens. You can use your debit card, set up bill pay, make transfers, and deposit money immediately. Checks are just one way to move money — they are not required to use the account.
What happens if I order checks with the wrong address?
Contact your bank or the printer right away and ask them to cancel the order if it has not been printed yet. If it has already been printed and mailed, you may be able to have it redirected or reordered with the correct address. Some banks will reprint checks free if the error was theirs; others may charge a fee.
Are checks from third-party printers as good as checks from the bank?
Yes. Third-party checks are printed with the same information and work identically to bank-ordered checks. Banks do not print their own checks — they use printers too. The only difference is price and where you order from.
How many checks should I order?
Most people order one box of 25 checks at a time. If you write checks frequently, you might order two or three boxes. If you rarely write checks, one box might last you a year or more. You can always order more later if you run out.