You can order checks directly from your bank, through a third-party printer, or pick up starter checks at the branch
The fastest way to get checks is usually to order them online through your bank's website or mobile app — most banks let you do this in minutes, and checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need them faster, you can visit your bank branch in person and ask for a starter checkbook, which they often hand you the same day or within 24 hours. A third option is to order from a check printer that is not affiliated with your bank, which is usually cheaper but takes longer.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the checks, whether you want custom designs, and how much you are willing to spend. Starter checks from the bank are the most expensive per check but arrive fastest. Online orders through your bank cost less and give you more design options. Independent printers are the cheapest but may take two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you order checks online through their website or app, and they arrive in 7 to 10 business days at a cost of $15 to $30 per box.
- Starter checks from your bank branch arrive within 24 hours but cost $20 to $40 per box because you are paying for speed.
- Third-party check printers cost $8 to $15 per box but take 2 to 3 weeks and require you to enter your bank routing and account numbers yourself.
- You will need your account number and routing number to order checks, whether you order through your bank or a printer.
- If you lose or damage checks before using them, contact your bank immediately to report them and request a stop payment on those check numbers.
Ordering checks online through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Reorder Checks" — the exact wording varies by bank. Click it and you will see options for check style, quantity, and delivery speed. Most banks offer standard checks, duplicate checks (which create a carbon copy as you write), and checks with your address or logo printed on them.
Select the style you want, choose how many boxes you need (usually sold in boxes of 25 or 50), and review the price. Your bank will show you the total cost before you confirm. Payment is deducted from your account automatically. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee — usually $5 to $10 more.
If your bank does not offer online ordering, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask to order checks by phone. A representative will take your information and process the order for you.
Getting starter checks at your bank branch
Walk into any branch of your bank with your debit card or account number and tell a teller you need a starter checkbook. Starter checks are blank checks with your name and account information already printed, and the bank keeps them on hand for situations where you need checks immediately. Most branches can hand you a small book of 10 to 25 checks on the spot, though some may need 24 hours to prepare them.
Starter checks cost significantly more than ordered checks — typically $20 to $40 per small book — because you are paying for the convenience of getting them the same day. They are not customized and do not have your address or any design elements, just your name, account number, and routing number printed in the standard format.
This option is best if you have just opened an account, lost your checks, or need to write a check within the next day or two. After you receive your starter checks, order regular checks online to replace them at a lower cost.
Ordering from a third-party check printer
Companies like Costco Checks, Walmart Checks, and Deluxe offer checks at a lower price than banks — usually $8 to $15 per box of 50 checks. You order online, enter your bank's routing number and your account number, and the printer ships the checks to you. Delivery takes 2 to 3 weeks because the printer has to produce and mail them.
Third-party printers often have more design options than banks, including custom colors, images, and layouts. If you want checks that look different from the standard format, this is where to find them. However, you are responsible for entering your banking information correctly — if you make a mistake, the checks will not work, and you will have to reorder.
Before you order from a third-party printer, confirm that your bank accepts checks from that printer. Most banks do, but some have restrictions. Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to verify.
What information you need to order checks
Whether you order through your bank or a third-party printer, you will need your account number and your bank's routing number. Your account number is the number assigned to your specific checking account — you can find it on your debit card, a previous check, or by logging into your bank's website. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. You can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
If you are ordering through your bank's website or app, the system usually fills in this information automatically, so you do not have to enter it yourself. If you are ordering from a third-party printer or by phone, you will need to provide both numbers manually.
How much checks cost and what affects the price
The cost of checks varies based on where you order them, how many you order, and how fast you need them. Starter checks from your bank are the most expensive at $20 to $40 per small book. Regular checks ordered through your bank cost $15 to $30 per box of 50. Third-party printers charge $8 to $15 per box of 50. Expedited shipping adds $5 to $15 to any order.
Customization also affects price. Checks with your address printed on them cost the same as plain checks. Checks with a custom design, logo, or image cost more — sometimes $20 to $40 per box. Duplicate checks (which create a carbon copy) cost slightly more than single checks.
If you order a large quantity at once, some printers offer a discount. Ordering four boxes instead of one might reduce the per-box cost by 10 to 20 percent. Compare prices across your bank and at least one third-party printer before you order to find the best deal for your situation.
What to do if your checks are lost, stolen, or damaged
If your checks arrive and you notice they are damaged, torn, or misprinted, contact your bank or the printer immediately. Most will reprint and reship them at no charge. Keep the damaged checks so you can show them to the bank if asked.
If your checks are lost or stolen before you use them, call your bank right away and report the missing check numbers. Your bank can place a stop payment on those checks, which prevents anyone from cashing them even if they find or steal them. Stop payments usually cost $25 to $35 per check and remain in effect for six months. After that, you can renew the stop payment if the checks still have not been found.
If you suspect someone has used one of your missing checks, report it to your bank and the police. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge if fraud is confirmed, though this process can take 30 to 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks from the bank?
Starter checks from your branch arrive within 24 hours. Checks ordered online through your bank arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Third-party printers take 2 to 3 weeks. Expedited shipping can cut online orders down to 3 to 5 business days but costs extra.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes. If your bank has not yet mailed you checks, ask for a starter checkbook at the branch or order online. Some banks mail checks automatically within a few days of opening an account, so check your mail first.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number when ordering from a third-party printer?
The checks will not work because they will have the wrong bank information printed on them. Contact the printer immediately and explain the error. Most will reprint and ship corrected checks at no charge if you catch the mistake before they ship.
Do I have to order checks through my bank?
No. You can order from any third-party printer as long as they print your correct routing number and account number. Your bank accepts checks from any printer, not just their own.
Can I get checks the same day?
Only starter checks from your bank branch arrive the same day or within 24 hours. All other options take at least 3 to 10 business days. If you need a check immediately, ask your bank about wire transfer or cashier's check options instead.