How to order 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 choose the quantity, design, and delivery speed when you order. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks; expedited delivery costs more but arrives in three to five business days. Your bank will print your account number, routing number, and address on the checks automatically.

The cost varies by bank and check style. Basic checks typically cost between $10 and $30 per box of 100, though some banks offer the first order free or at a discount for new accounts. Specialty designs, larger quantities, or rush delivery will increase the price. Ask your bank whether they charge a fee at all—some do not.

You do not need to wait for checks to arrive to start using your account. You can pay bills and transfer money using your bank's online bill pay, mobile app, or debit card while your checks are being printed and shipped.

Key Takeaways

  • Order checks through your bank's website, app, phone line, or branch—most banks offer all four methods.
  • Standard checks arrive in one to two weeks; expedited options cost more but arrive faster.
  • Basic checks cost $10 to $30 per box of 100, though some banks waive the fee for first orders.
  • You can pay bills and send money without waiting for physical checks to arrive by using online bill pay or your debit card.
  • Your bank prints your account and routing numbers on the checks; you only need to fill in the payee, amount, and date.

Ordering checks online or through your bank's app

Log into your bank account on the website or mobile app and look for a "Order Checks" or "Reorder Checks" link, usually under account services or settings. Select the account you want checks for, then choose your quantity (most banks sell in boxes of 25, 50, or 100), check design, and delivery speed. Review the cost and confirm your mailing address—checks will be sent there, not to your bank branch.

After you place the order, your bank will send a confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use that number to check delivery status. Some banks allow you to cancel or modify an order within a few hours of placing it; after that, the order goes to print and cannot be changed.

Ordering checks by phone or at a branch

Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your statement) and ask to order checks. A representative will ask which account you want them for, how many boxes, and your preferred design and delivery speed. They will confirm your mailing address and process the payment.

You can also walk into any branch of your bank and ask a teller to order checks for you. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can pull up your account. This method works well if you want to ask questions about design options or delivery timing in person, or if you prefer not to order online.

What information appears on your checks

Your bank prints the following information on every check automatically: your name and address (as it appears in your account), your account number, your bank's routing number, and a check number that increments with each check. The routing number and account number are printed in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) format at the bottom of the check so that automated sorting machines can read them.

You fill in the rest: the date, the name of the person or business you are paying (the payee), the amount in numbers and words, and your signature. Do not leave any of these fields blank, and make sure the amount in words matches the amount in numbers—if they differ, the amount in words is legally what the check is worth.

Expedited and specialty check options

If you need checks faster than standard delivery, most banks offer rush or expedited shipping for an additional fee—usually $10 to $25 extra. Checks arrive in three to five business days instead of one to two weeks. Some banks also offer same-day or next-day delivery for a higher fee, though this is less common.

You can also customize the appearance of your checks: choose colors, add a logo or image, or select different fonts and layouts. Specialty designs cost more than plain checks and may take longer to print. If you need checks urgently, stick with standard design and expedited shipping rather than waiting for a custom design to be printed.

What to do if you need checks before they arrive

Do not wait for physical checks to arrive to pay bills or send money. Use your bank's online bill pay feature to schedule payments directly from your account to any business or person. You can set up a one-time payment or recurring payments (like for a monthly utility bill), and the bank sends the money electronically or by check on your behalf.

You can also use your debit card, mobile payment apps (like Venmo or Zelle if your bank supports them), or ACH transfers to move money. These methods are faster than mailing a check and work for most payments. Ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept these methods before you assume you need a physical check.

Reordering checks and managing check stock

When you are running low on checks, order your next box before you run out completely. Most banks let you reorder through the same channels as your first order—online, app, phone, or branch. Some banks send you a reorder form in the mail with your first box of checks; you can mail that form back with payment, though online ordering is usually faster.

Keep track of your check numbers so you know which checks you have written and which are still outstanding. If a check gets lost or damaged before you mail it, do not use it—destroy it and write a new one. If a check you mailed never reaches the recipient, you can stop payment on that check (your bank may charge a fee, typically $25 to $35) and issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get checks the same day I order them?

Same-day delivery is rare and expensive. Most banks offer expedited delivery in three to five business days for $10 to $25 extra. If you need to pay someone immediately, use online bill pay, a debit card, or a mobile payment app instead of waiting for checks to arrive.

What if my address or name changes after I order checks?

If your order has not yet been printed, call your bank immediately to cancel or modify it. If the checks have already been printed and shipped, you can still use them—the account number and routing number are what matter for processing, not the address. Update your address in your account for future orders.

Do I have to order checks from my bank, or can I order them elsewhere?

You can order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than bank checks. However, make sure the printer includes your correct routing number and account number in MICR format. Incorrect routing or account numbers will cause checks to bounce or be misprocessed.

What happens if I write a check but the recipient never cashes it?

The money stays in your account. Uncashed checks do not expire immediately, but most banks will not honor a check that is more than six months old. If someone says they lost a check you wrote, you can stop payment on it and issue a replacement, though your bank may charge a fee.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes. Both names will appear on the checks. When you order, specify that it is a joint account, and your bank will print both account holders' names. Either account holder can order checks, and either can sign checks when they are used.