You can order checks from your bank, but you are not required to
No. Your bank cannot force you to order checks. You can use your debit card, online bill pay, ACH transfers, or any other payment method your bank offers without ever ordering a single check. If your bank charges a fee for checks, you can decline to buy them and use free alternatives instead.
That said, some situations still call for a check: paying a contractor who does not take cards, sending money to someone who has no bank account, or paying a bill to an organization that does not accept electronic payments. If you need checks occasionally, you have options beyond your bank's check order form.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank cannot require you to order checks; you can pay bills and transfer money without them.
- Checks cost money when ordered through your bank, but third-party check printers often charge less.
- Online bill pay and ACH transfers are free through most banks and work for most recurring payments.
- If you need checks rarely, ordering a small box from a third-party printer costs less than ordering through your bank.
- Some situations—paying contractors, sending cash to unbanked people, or paying organizations without online payment—still require checks.
When your bank charges for checks
Most banks charge for checks when you order them. The cost varies: some charge $10 to $15 per box of 25 checks, others charge $20 or more. A few banks include one free box per year or offer free checks to customers who maintain a high balance, but this is not standard.
The fee is optional because you do not have to order checks. If you do not write checks, you do not pay the fee. Your bank cannot charge you for checks you do not use, and they cannot force you to order them as a condition of keeping your account open.
Free alternatives to checks for most payments
Online bill pay is free at nearly every bank. You log in, enter the biller's name and address, choose an amount and date, and your bank sends the payment electronically or by check on your behalf. This works for utilities, credit cards, insurance, mortgage payments, and most other recurring bills. The payment usually arrives within one to three business days.
ACH transfers (also called bank transfers) are free and move money directly from your account to another person's bank account. You need their routing number and account number, which they can give you or you can find on a check they have written. ACH transfers typically take one to three business days and work well for paying rent, splitting bills with roommates, or sending money to family.
Debit cards work for any merchant that accepts cards—grocers, utilities that allow card payments online, contractors, and most service providers. There is no fee to use your debit card, and the payment is often instant or same-day.
When you actually need checks
Checks are still necessary in a few situations. Some contractors, landlords, or small businesses do not accept cards or electronic payments and will only take a check. If you are paying someone who has no bank account, a check is one of the few ways to send them money (though a money order is another option). Some organizations—certain government offices, some insurance companies, or older businesses—do not have online payment systems and require a mailed check.
If you write checks infrequently, you do not need to order them through your bank. A box of 25 checks from a third-party printer like Costco Checks, Deluxe, or Sam's Club often costs $5 to $10, compared to $15 to $25 through your bank. You can order online and have them shipped to your home in a few days.
How to order checks outside your bank
Third-party check printers need your routing number and account number (both appear on the bottom left of any check your bank has issued) and your name and address. You can order online from Costco Checks, Deluxe, Sam's Club, or other printers. Turnaround is usually five to ten business days for standard delivery, though expedited options are available for a higher fee.
The checks work exactly like bank-ordered checks. They clear through the same system and your bank will process them the same way. The only difference is the cost and where you ordered them from.
What happens if you never order checks
Nothing. You can maintain a bank account indefinitely without ever ordering a check. Your debit card, online bill pay, and ACH transfers handle nearly all payment situations. Your bank will not close your account or charge you a penalty for not ordering checks.
If someone asks you for a check and you do not have one, you can explain that you do not use checks and offer an alternative: a debit card payment, an ACH transfer if they have a bank account, a money order, or a wire transfer. Most people and organizations will accept one of these options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my bank force me to order checks?
No. Your bank cannot require you to order checks as a condition of keeping your account. You can refuse to order them and use other payment methods instead. If your bank tries to charge you for checks you did not order, contact them and ask for a refund.
Will my bank account close if I do not order checks?
No. Banks do not close accounts because customers do not order checks. You can use your account for years without ever ordering a single check, and your bank will not penalize you for it.
Are third-party checks as safe as bank checks?
Yes. Checks from third-party printers work the same way as checks ordered through your bank. They clear through the same system, and your bank processes them identically. The only difference is where you ordered them and what you paid.
What if someone will only accept a check?
You have two options: order a small box of checks from a third-party printer (usually cheaper than your bank), or ask if they accept a money order instead. Money orders are available at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices for a small fee and work for one-time payments.
Do I need checks to set up direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit requires your routing number and account number, which you can find online in your bank's app or website, or by calling customer service. You do not need to order checks to get this information.