Getting a check from your bank
You can get a check from your bank in three ways: order a new checkbook from your bank or a third-party printer, withdraw cash at a teller window and write a personal check yourself, or ask your bank to issue a cashier's check (a check drawn on the bank's own account instead of yours). The fastest option depends on whether you need the check immediately or can wait for delivery, and whether you need the check to carry the bank's may provide of payment.
Most people order checks online or by phone and receive them in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you need a check today, you can visit a branch in person and request a cashier's check, which the teller will print and hand you on the spot. Personal checks you write yourself take longer to clear but cost nothing extra; cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 per check and clear faster because the bank guarantees the funds.
Key Takeaways
- Ordering checks online from your bank or a third-party printer takes 5 to 10 business days and costs $10 to $30 per box of 25 checks.
- A cashier's check is printed by the bank itself, costs $5 to $15, and clears the same day or next business day because the bank guarantees payment.
- You can get a cashier's check in person at any branch during business hours without ordering ahead.
- Personal checks you write yourself are free but take 3 to 5 business days to clear, and the recipient sees your account number on the check.
Ordering checks online or by mail
Most banks let you order checks through their website or mobile app. Log in, find the "order checks" or "supplies" section, choose your design and quantity, and pay the fee—usually $10 to $30 per box of 25 checks. The bank will mail them to the address on file, and they arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for an extra fee, which cuts the time to 2 to 3 business days.
You can also order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart, which are often cheaper than ordering through your bank. You will need your routing number and account number, both printed at the bottom of any check you already have. Third-party printers typically charge $5 to $15 per box and ship in the same timeframe as banks.
If you have lost or run out of checks and do not want to wait, ask your bank whether they can print temporary checks at a branch. Some banks will print a small number of checks on the spot for a fee, though this is less common than it used to be.
Getting a cashier's check at the bank
A cashier's check is a check the bank writes on its own account and signs with an authorized officer's signature. Because the bank guarantees the funds, cashier's checks clear faster and are accepted in situations where personal checks are not—such as large real estate transactions, security deposits, or when the recipient does not know you. You do not need to have checks ordered; you simply walk into any branch and ask for one.
Bring your ID and the amount you want the check for. Tell the teller who the check should be made out to. The teller will verify you have enough money in your account, deduct the amount plus the fee (usually $5 to $15), and print the check. You walk out with it in minutes. The recipient can deposit or cash it the same day or the next business day.
Cashier's checks cannot be stopped or reversed once issued, so make sure you have the payee name spelled correctly before the teller prints it. If you make a mistake, the bank will void that check and issue a new one, usually for another fee.
Writing personal checks yourself
If you already have checks, you can write one yourself at no extra cost. Fill in the date, the payee name, the amount in numbers and words, sign it, and hand it over. The recipient deposits or cashes it, and the check clears your account in 3 to 5 business days (sometimes longer depending on the bank and the amount).
Personal checks are free but carry risks. Your account number and routing number are printed on every check, which means the recipient sees them. If the check is lost or stolen, someone could use that information to attempt unauthorized withdrawals. Also, if you do not have enough money in your account when the check is deposited, it will bounce, and you will owe a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee—usually $25 to $35—plus the recipient may charge you a returned check fee.
Differences between personal checks and cashier's checks
| Feature | Personal Check | Cashier's Check |
|---|---|---|
| Who writes it | You | The bank |
| Cost | Free (if you have checks) | $5 to $15 per check |
| Time to get it | Immediate (if you have checks) | Minutes (at a branch) |
| Time to clear | 3 to 5 business days | Same day or next business day |
| Bank may provide | No | Yes |
| Can be stopped | Yes (stop payment order) | No (cannot be reversed) |
| Accepted for large transactions | Often not | Yes |
What to do if you lose a check or need to cancel it
If you wrote a personal check and want to stop it, contact your bank and request a stop payment order. You will need the check number, the amount, the payee name, and the date you wrote it. The bank will charge a fee (usually $25 to $35) and will block the check from clearing. The stop payment order lasts a set period—typically six months—after which the check expires and cannot be cashed anyway.
If you lose a cashier's check, contact your bank immediately. Because the bank issued it, they have a record. You will need to sign an indemnity form (a legal document stating you lost it and will not cash it twice) and may have to wait 90 days to make sure no one else tries to cash it. After that period, the bank will issue a replacement. This process takes time and may involve a fee.
If a check you received bounces, the bank will return it to the person who deposited it, and that person will be charged a returned check fee. If you wrote the check, your bank will charge you an NSF fee. Contact the recipient and arrange to pay them by another method or issue a new check once you have enough funds.
When to use each type of check
Use a personal check for everyday payments like rent, utilities, or paying a friend back—situations where the recipient knows you and does not need the money to clear immediately. Personal checks are free if you already have them, and they give you a paper record of the payment.
Use a cashier's check when the recipient requires proof the funds are may provide, such as for a down payment on a house, a security deposit, or a large purchase from someone you do not know. Cashier's checks also clear faster, which matters if the recipient needs the money quickly. Some landlords and sellers will not accept personal checks for large amounts, so ask ahead if you are unsure.
Use cash if you need the money to change hands immediately and do not need a paper record. Use electronic transfer (ACH, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer app) if the recipient has a bank account and you want the money to arrive within hours or days without writing a check at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to order checks from my bank?
Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. Many banks offer rush delivery for an extra fee, which reduces the time to 2 to 3 business days. Third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco ship on the same timeline. If you need a check today, visit a branch and request a cashier's check instead.
Can I get a check printed at the bank if I do not have any checks?
Yes, you can get a cashier's check printed at any branch in minutes. You can also ask whether your bank prints temporary checks on the spot, though this service is less common. Some banks will print a small number of personal checks at a branch for a fee, but this varies by bank.
What happens if I write a check but do not have enough money in my account?
The check will bounce when the recipient tries to deposit it. Your bank will charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, usually $25 to $35. The recipient may also charge you a returned check fee. You can prevent this by requesting a stop payment order, but you will still owe the bank's fee.
Is a cashier's check safer than a personal check?
Yes. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank, so the recipient knows the funds are available. Personal checks can bounce if you do not have enough money. However, cashier's checks cannot be stopped once issued, so make sure the payee name is correct before the teller prints it.
Can someone use my account number if they see it on a check?
Your account and routing numbers are printed on every personal check. While most people will not misuse this information, it is theoretically possible for someone to attempt unauthorized withdrawals. If you are concerned, monitor your account regularly and contact your bank if you see suspicious activity.