Where to order checks and what to expect

You can order checks directly from your bank, from a third-party check printer, or sometimes through your bank's online portal. Most banks offer this service for free or a small fee—usually $10 to $25 per box of 100 checks. The fastest route is your bank's website if they have an ordering system set up; the cheapest is often a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which can cost half what your bank charges.

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited options exist—some banks offer 3-day delivery for an extra fee, and a few will print checks same-day at a branch if you need them urgently. Before you order, make sure your account is fully open and your routing number and account number are active; banks won't print checks for accounts still in setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website is usually the fastest way to order checks, and many banks include the first box free or at a low cost.
  • Third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint often charge less than banks but take the same 7 to 10 days to arrive.
  • You will need your routing number and account number, both of which appear on your debit card or in your online banking portal.
  • If you need checks within days, ask your bank whether they offer same-day printing at a branch or expedited shipping for a fee.
  • Temporary checks or a debit card can cover most payments while you wait for printed checks to arrive.

Ordering through your bank's website or app

Log into your online banking account and look for a "Order Checks" or "Check Services" link, usually under Account Services or Settings. You will be asked to confirm your account number and routing number (both appear on the bottom left of any check your bank may have sent you, or in your account details). Select the check style you want—most banks offer basic designs at no extra cost, with premium designs costing a few dollars more per box.

Enter a mailing address and review the order before submitting. Your bank will show you the total cost and estimated delivery date. Once confirmed, you should receive an order confirmation email. If your bank does not have an online ordering system, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone in customer service; they can place the order over the phone and mail the checks to you.

Using a third-party check printer

Companies like Deluxe, Vistaprint, and Costco print checks and mail them directly to you, bypassing your bank entirely. You will need your routing number and account number to place the order. These printers typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than banks—a box of 100 checks might cost $6 to $12 instead of $15 to $25. Delivery is still 7 to 10 business days for standard shipping.

The trade-off is that you are responsible for entering your account information correctly; if you make a mistake, the checks will be printed wrong and unusable. Double-check your routing and account numbers before submitting. Most third-party printers also offer design customization at no extra charge, which banks often charge for. If you use a third-party printer, your bank will still accept the checks—there is no requirement to use your bank's checks.

What information you need before ordering

You will need two pieces of information: your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your bank and is the same for all customers at that bank. Your account number is unique to you. Both appear on the bottom of any check, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number.

If you have not received a check yet, find these numbers in your online banking portal or mobile app—they are usually listed under Account Details or Account Information. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you. Do not guess or estimate; a single wrong digit will make your checks unusable.

Temporary checks and alternatives while you wait

If you need to pay a bill or write a check before your order arrives, ask your bank for temporary checks (also called counter checks). These are plain, numbered checks the bank prints on the spot, usually at no cost. They work exactly like regular checks and are accepted everywhere. Most banks will print a small pad of 10 to 25 temporary checks while you wait.

Another option is to use your debit card, online bill pay through your bank's website, or a money transfer service like Venmo or PayPal for payments. Many bills can be paid online without a check at all. If you absolutely need a physical check and cannot wait, ask whether your bank offers same-day check printing at a branch location.

Expedited and same-day options

Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee—typically $15 to $25 for 3-day delivery. A few large banks like Chase and Bank of America will print checks same-day at certain branch locations if you order online and pick them up within hours. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask whether this option is available to you.

Same-day printing is usually limited to basic check designs and may require you to order before a certain time of day (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). If your bank does not offer same-day printing, temporary checks remain your fastest option—you can have them in hand within an hour of visiting a branch.

Reordering checks and managing your supply

Most people reorder checks when they are down to their last 25 or so, which gives them time for delivery before they run out. You can order as many boxes as you want at once; buying in bulk sometimes costs less per box. If you order too many and your account number changes (which happens if you close and reopen the account), you will have unusable checks, so do not stock up excessively.

Keep track of your check numbers as you use them. When you reorder, you can request that the new checks start at a higher number so there is no overlap. Your bank or printer will ask you what number to start at; if you do not specify, they will usually start at 1001 or continue from where the last order left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use checks from my bank, or can I use any printer?

You can use checks from any printer as long as your routing number and account number are correct. Banks do not require you to buy their checks. Third-party printers are often cheaper and work just as well.

What if I order checks and then close my account?

Checks printed with a closed account number will be rejected by the bank. If you close your account before checks arrive, contact the printer or your bank immediately to cancel the order. If checks have already shipped, you may be able to request a refund or reorder with a new account number.

Can I get checks the same day?

Some banks offer same-day printing at branch locations, but this is not universal. Temporary checks are faster—most banks will print them on the spot at no cost. Call your bank to ask whether same-day check printing is available in your area.

How much do checks usually cost?

Banks typically charge $10 to $25 per box of 100 checks. Third-party printers usually cost $6 to $12 per box. Many banks include the first box free or at a discount for new accounts, so ask when you open your account.

What if I make a mistake when ordering and enter the wrong account number?

Checks printed with the wrong account number will not work. Contact the printer or your bank as soon as you realize the error to cancel the order. You will likely have to place a new order with the correct information and may lose the cost of the first order.