Getting checks from your bank is straightforward: you request them through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch, and the bank prints and mails them to you within 7 to 14 business days.
Most banks include a certain number of free checks with your account each year, though some charge per box. You can order standard checks printed with your account number and routing number, or upgrade to designer checks or duplicate checks (which create a carbon copy). The bank will not mail checks to you automatically—you have to request them.
Checks are still used for rent, insurance premiums, charitable donations, and payments to contractors or small businesses that do not accept digital transfers. They are slower than ACH or wire transfers (typically 3 to 5 business days to clear) but they create a paper trail and work when the recipient has no email or bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Order checks through your bank's website, app, or by calling customer service—most banks process orders within one business day.
- Standard checks usually arrive within 7 to 14 business days; expedited shipping costs extra but can deliver in 2 to 3 days.
- Your bank prints your account number, routing number, and name on the checks automatically; you fill in the date, payee, and amount when you write them.
- Checks take 3 to 5 business days to clear after the recipient deposits them, so do not assume the money has left your account immediately.
- If you lose a check or it is stolen, contact your bank right away to put a stop payment on it, which usually costs $25 to $35.
How to order checks through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Reorder Checks," or "Check Services." Some banks put this under Account Services or Settings. You will see options for the number of checks per box (usually 25, 50, or 100), the style (standard, duplicate, or designer), and delivery speed.
If you cannot find the option online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can process your order over the phone and confirm your mailing address. Some banks also let you order checks in person at a branch, though this is slower than online ordering.
When you order, the bank will ask you to confirm the name and address printed on the checks. Make sure this matches your account registration. If you have recently moved and updated your address with the bank, the checks will be mailed to your new address by default.
What happens between ordering and receiving your checks
After you place an order, the bank sends it to a printing vendor, which typically takes one business day. The printer then produces your checks and ships them to you. Standard delivery usually takes 7 to 14 business days from the order date; expedited options (2 to 3 days) cost extra, often $15 to $25 per box.
You can track your order through your bank's website or app if the bank offers that feature. Not all banks do, so if you do not see a tracking option, call customer service to ask for an estimated delivery date. If your checks do not arrive within the promised timeframe, contact the bank to investigate.
While you wait for your checks to arrive, you can still make payments using your debit card, ACH transfer, bill pay through your bank's website, or peer transfer apps like Venmo or PayPal. You do not need to have physical checks on hand to pay bills.
Understanding check costs and free check allowances
Many banks include a certain number of free checks per year as part of your account—often one box (25 checks) or two boxes per year. After you use your free allotment, additional boxes typically cost $8 to $15 per box for standard checks. Designer checks, duplicate checks, and expedited shipping all carry additional fees.
Some online banks and credit unions offer free checks with no limit, while others charge for every box. If you write many checks, compare the check costs across banks when you are deciding where to keep your account. A bank that charges $12 per box adds up quickly if you order four boxes a year.
If you have a premium or high-balance account tier, your bank may waive check fees entirely. Ask your bank whether you may have access to for any fee waivers based on your account type or balance.
How to write and deposit a check
When you receive your checks, they will already have your name, account number, and routing number printed on them. To write a check, fill in the date in the top right corner, write the recipient's name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, write the dollar amount in the box on the right, and write out the amount in words on the line below the recipient's name. Sign the check in the bottom right corner.
The recipient deposits the check at their bank by taking a photo through their mobile app (mobile deposit) or by handing it to a teller at a branch. The receiving bank scans the check and sends it through the clearing system, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days. During that time, the money is still in your account—it does not leave until the check clears.
Do not write a check for more money than you have in your account. If a check bounces (the bank rejects it because there are insufficient funds), your bank will charge you an overdraft or returned check fee, usually $25 to $35, and the recipient's bank may charge them a fee as well.
What to do if a check is lost, stolen, or not cashed
If you lose a check or suspect it has been stolen, contact your bank immediately and ask to put a stop payment on that check. You will need to provide the check number, the date you wrote it, the recipient's name, and the amount. The bank will flag that check so it cannot be cashed. Stop payments usually cost $25 to $35 and remain in effect for six months to a year, depending on your bank.
If a check you wrote has not been cashed after 30 to 60 days, you can also request a stop payment and then reissue the check or use a different payment method. Some recipients hold checks for a while before depositing them, so confirm with them before stopping payment.
If someone cashes a check you did not authorize, report it to your bank as fraud. The bank will investigate and may reverse the transaction, though this can take several weeks. In the meantime, the money may still be deducted from your account, so contact your bank to ask about a provisional credit while they investigate.
Alternatives to ordering physical checks
If you only need to pay one or two people by check, you do not have to order a full box. Many banks offer bill pay through their website or app, which lets you send a check electronically—the bank prints and mails it on your behalf. This usually takes 5 to 7 business days and costs nothing.
For peer-to-peer transfers, use apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle, which move money instantly or within one business day and cost nothing if both people have accounts. For business payments, ACH transfer (through your bank's bill pay system) is free and takes 1 to 3 business days. Wire transfers are faster (same day or next day) but cost $15 to $50.
If you rarely write checks, ordering a single box every few years may be more practical than maintaining a supply. If you write checks frequently, ordering in bulk (two or three boxes at a time) reduces the number of times you have to reorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks after I order them?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days from the order date. Expedited options cost extra and deliver in 2 to 3 days. The bank processes your order within one business day, then the printer produces and ships the checks.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes. You can order checks as soon as your account is open and your account number is assigned. Some banks let you order checks during the account opening process itself.
What if I write a check and the recipient never cashes it?
The money stays in your account indefinitely. If you want to reclaim it, contact your bank and request a stop payment on that check, which costs $25 to $35. After that, you can reissue the payment using a different method or ask the recipient why they have not cashed it.
Do I have to use the checks my bank prints, or can I order from a third party?
You can order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than bank checks. However, make sure the printer has your correct routing number and account number, as errors can cause checks to bounce or be rejected.
What happens if someone forges my signature on a check?
Report it to your bank as fraud immediately. The bank will investigate and may reverse the transaction, though this takes time. You are generally protected from forged checks under the Uniform Commercial Code, but you must report it promptly—usually within 30 days of receiving your statement.