Getting checks from your bank

You can order checks directly from your bank through their website, mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks let you order during online banking or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card. The bank prints and mails them to you, usually within 7 to 14 business days, though some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee.

You do not need to visit a branch to order checks. In fact, ordering online is the fastest and cheapest way. Your bank already has your account information and mailing address on file, so the process takes just a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Order checks through your bank's website, app, or by phone—you do not need to go to a branch.
  • Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days; expedited options cost more but arrive faster.
  • You can customize checks with your name, address, and account number, or order plain checks with just your account details.
  • Some banks charge a flat fee per box of checks; others include a certain number free each year with your account type.
  • If you need checks urgently, ask your bank about same-day or next-day printing, or request a temporary check from a teller.

Ordering checks online through your bank

Log into your online banking portal and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Reorder Checks." This is usually under Account Services or a similar menu. Click it, and the bank will show you options: standard checks, duplicate checks (which create a carbon copy as you write), or specialty designs. Select the quantity—checks typically come in boxes of 50 or 100—and confirm your name, address, and account number.

The bank will show you the cost before you finish. Standard checks usually cost between $10 and $30 per box, depending on your bank and the style you choose. Some banks waive the fee for certain account types or if you order a minimum number of boxes. After you confirm, the bank sends your order to their printing vendor, and you will receive the checks by mail within the timeframe they display.

Ordering by phone or at a branch

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to order checks. They will verify your identity, confirm your mailing address, and walk you through the options. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to start an order. Either way, the process is the same: the bank collects your information and sends it to the printer.

Ordering by phone or in person takes longer than online because you depend on the bank's processing time before the order reaches the printer. If you are in a hurry, ask whether the bank can expedite the order or print checks same-day at the branch. Some banks keep blank check stock and can print a small number on the spot, though this is less common now.

How long checks take to arrive

Standard delivery is 7 to 14 business days from the time your bank processes the order. This includes printing time plus mail delivery. The exact timeline depends on your bank's printer and your location. If you order on a Friday, the clock usually starts Monday.

If you need checks sooner, ask about expedited printing. Many banks offer 3 to 5 business day delivery for an extra $5 to $15 per box. A few banks offer next-day or same-day printing if you order before a certain time in the morning, though this is rare and costs more. If you need a check immediately, ask a teller for a temporary check—a plain check printed on the spot with your account number. You can use it the same day, though some merchants are reluctant to accept them.

Customizing your checks

When you order, you can add your name, address, and phone number to the checks. Most banks print this information in the top left corner. You can also choose the color of the ink and the layout. Some banks offer designs—logos, patterns, or images—though these cost more and take longer to print.

Do not customize checks unless you have a specific reason. Plain checks with just your name and account number are cheaper, arrive faster, and work everywhere. If you are ordering for a business, you may want your business name and address instead of your personal information. Tell the bank which name should appear on the checks when you order.

What to do if you need checks right away

If you cannot wait 7 to 14 days, you have three options. First, ask your bank whether they offer expedited printing—some do, and it costs $10 to $20 extra. Second, request a temporary check from a teller at your branch. This is a plain check printed on the spot, valid immediately, though not all banks offer this service anymore. Third, ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept electronic payment instead—ACH transfer, wire transfer, or a bill payment through your bank's bill pay service.

If you are paying a bill, your bank's bill pay feature is usually faster and more reliable than mailing a check. You can set it up in online banking and schedule the payment for a specific date. The bank mails the check on your behalf, or in some cases, pays electronically. This takes 1 to 3 business days and costs nothing.

Reordering checks and managing your supply

Most banks let you reorder checks through the same online portal where you ordered the first time. Your account information is already saved, so you just select the quantity and confirm. Some banks send you a reorder form in the mail with your checks, or they may send you a postcard when your supply is running low.

Keep track of how many checks you have left. If you use checks regularly, order a new box when you have about 20 checks remaining. This gives you time to receive the new box before you run out. If you use checks rarely, one box may last you a year or more, so do not order more than you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for checks?

Most banks charge $10 to $30 per box of checks. Some accounts include free checks or a certain number free per year. Check your account terms or call your bank to see whether you may have access to for free checks. If you do not use checks often, the cost may not be worth it—consider using bill pay or electronic transfer instead.

What if my address changes after I order checks?

If your address changes before the checks arrive, contact your bank immediately. They may be able to redirect the order or cancel it and reprint with the new address. If the checks arrive at your old address, you can still use them—the address on the check does not affect whether the bank honors it. Update your address in online banking so future orders go to the right place.

Can I order checks from a different printer instead of my bank?

Yes. Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart print checks and usually charge less than banks. You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a deposit slip or in online banking. Third-party checks work the same way as bank-printed checks. However, some banks discourage this because they lose the fee, so check your account agreement first.

What if I lose checks before I use them?

Contact your bank and report the lost checks. Provide the check numbers if you know them. The bank will flag those checks so they cannot be cashed if someone finds them. You may need to order a new box with different check numbers. If someone cashes a lost check without your permission, report it as fraud and the bank will investigate.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes. When you order, tell the bank which name or names should appear on the checks. You can print both account holders' names, just one name, or a business name if the account is for a business. All account holders can use the checks, regardless of whose name is printed on them.