What you need to know about ordering one check at a time
Most banks will not sell you a single check. They sell checks in boxes of 25, 50, or 100, and that is the minimum order. If you need just one check, your options are limited: ask your bank for a counter check (a temporary check they print on the spot), use a cashier's check or certified check instead, or order a full box and keep the rest.
Counter checks are the fastest route. You walk into a branch, tell the teller you need a check, and they print one right there using your account information. It takes five minutes. The check looks different from your regular checks — it says "counter check" or "teller check" on it — but it works the same way and clears through the same system.
If the person or business you are paying will not accept a counter check, a cashier's check is your backup. The bank prints it on their own paper, guarantees the funds, and the recipient knows the money is good. You pay a fee, usually $5 to $15, and you get one check.
Key Takeaways
- Counter checks printed by a teller at your branch are free and take minutes, but some businesses may refuse them because they look different from regular checks.
- A cashier's check costs $5 to $15 and is may provide by the bank, so recipients trust it more than a counter check.
- If you order a box of checks from your bank or a third-party printer, you will have extras left over, so only do this if you expect to write more checks later.
- Online check printing services like Deluxe or Costco Checks sell smaller quantities than banks do, but still not single checks.
Counter checks: free but with limits
A counter check is a temporary check the bank prints for you on demand. You go to a branch, ask for one, and the teller pulls up your account, prints the check with your routing number and account number, and hands it to you. No order form, no waiting, no fee.
The catch is appearance. A counter check has "counter check" or "teller check" printed on it, and it does not look like a regular personal check. Some landlords, utilities, and government agencies will not accept them. Employers almost never do. But for a one-time payment to a business or individual who does not care what the check looks like, a counter check works fine.
You can get a counter check the same day you need it, as long as the branch is open. If you need it after hours or on a weekend, you are out of luck until the next business day.
Cashier's checks: may provide but not free
A cashier's check is printed by the bank on the bank's own paper, and the bank guarantees the funds. The recipient knows the money is already set aside and cannot bounce. This makes it the right choice when you are paying a landlord, a government agency, or anyone else who needs proof the money is real.
You pay a fee for this service. Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. You can get one the same day at any branch, and it takes about ten minutes. The bank will ask you how much the check should be for, who it should be made out to, and they will print it on the spot.
Cashier's checks are also useful when you do not have a checkbook at all — if you just opened an account or lost your checks, a cashier's check is faster than waiting for a new box to arrive.
Ordering a full box and keeping the extras
If you order checks from your bank, the minimum is usually 25 checks. Some banks sell boxes of 50 or 100. The cost ranges from $15 to $40 per box depending on the bank and the style of check you choose. Ordering takes a few days to a week, and the checks arrive by mail.
This only makes sense if you think you will write more checks in the future. If you truly need just one check and never write checks otherwise, paying for a box of 25 is wasteful. But if you write checks occasionally — to pay contractors, send rent, or handle other payments — ordering a box means you have checks on hand when you need them.
Some banks let you order checks online through your account. Others require you to call or visit a branch. Ask your bank what the process is and how long delivery takes.
Third-party check printers and smaller quantities
Companies like Deluxe, Costco Checks, and Walmart Checks sell personal checks in smaller quantities than most banks do. Deluxe sells boxes as small as 50 checks. Costco sells boxes of 100 but at a lower price than banks charge. Walmart Checks also offers 100-check boxes.
None of these services sell single checks either. They all have a minimum order. But if you are willing to order online and wait for delivery, you may pay less per check than your bank charges. The tradeoff is time — delivery usually takes 7 to 14 days.
These printers also let you customize the look of your checks with logos or different colors, which banks usually do not. If you want checks that look a certain way, a third-party printer may be worth the wait.
When to use each option
| Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You need a check today and do not have any | Counter check | Free, instant, works for most payments |
| The recipient will not accept a counter check | Cashier's check | may provide by the bank, looks official, accepted everywhere |
| You write checks regularly or expect to later | Order a box from your bank | Cheaper per check in the long run, your regular checks |
| You want cheaper checks and can wait | Third-party printer | Lower cost, more design options, 7–14 day delivery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a counter check clear like a regular check?
Yes. A counter check has your routing number and account number printed on it, so it processes through the banking system the same way. The only difference is appearance — it says "counter check" on it. The recipient's bank will accept it and deposit it normally.
Can I get a counter check if I do not have my debit card or ID?
You will need to prove you own the account. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to answer security questions about your account. If you cannot prove you own it, the bank will not print a counter check. Call your branch first to ask what documents they need.
How much does a cashier's check cost?
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some banks charge more for large amounts. Call your bank or check their website to find out the exact fee. Credit unions often charge less than banks do.
Can I order a single check online?
No major bank or check printer sells single checks online. Your only options for one check are a counter check from your bank (free, in person) or a cashier's check (paid, in person). Both require a visit to a branch.
What if my bank does not have a branch near me?
If your bank is online-only, you cannot get a counter check or cashier's check in person. Call the bank and ask if they can mail you a cashier's check or if they have a partner branch you can visit. Some online banks work with other banks' branches for this purpose.