Where to order checks and what to expect
You can order checks directly from your bank, from third-party check printers, or through your bank's online banking portal. Most banks offer all three routes. Ordering from your bank is the simplest path if you want to avoid comparison shopping, though third-party printers are usually cheaper. The entire process takes one to two weeks for delivery, sometimes longer if you choose slower shipping.
Your bank's website almost always has a link to order checks in the account settings or services section. If you cannot find it, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask for the check ordering department. They will either process the order over the phone or send you a link. You will need your account number and routing number, both printed on the bottom left of any check you already have.
If you do not have a check to reference, log into your online banking account and look for account details or account information — your routing number and account number are listed there. Some banks also print this information on statements.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or customer service line is the fastest way to order checks, and the order usually arrives in one to two weeks.
- Third-party check printers like Costco Checks, Deluxe, and Walmart Checks cost less per box than ordering through your bank, though delivery takes slightly longer.
- You will need your account number and routing number to place any order, both of which appear on existing checks or in your online banking account.
- Checks ordered from your bank and checks ordered from approved third-party printers work identically — the difference is price and speed, not function.
- If you order checks from an unapproved printer or provide your account information to an unknown source, your bank may refuse to honor them.
Ordering through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Reorder Checks." This is usually in the account settings, services menu, or under a heading like "Manage Account." Click the link and you will be prompted to choose a check style, quantity, and delivery speed.
Most banks offer standard checks (plain white with your name and address printed), designer checks (with colors or patterns), and duplicate checks (with a carbon copy for your records). Standard checks are cheapest and arrive fastest. Designer checks cost more and may take longer. Duplicate checks cost more still but are useful if you need a record of what you wrote and when.
You will also choose how many boxes to order — typically 100, 200, or 250 checks per box — and select standard or expedited shipping. Standard shipping usually costs nothing and takes one to two weeks. Expedited shipping costs extra and takes three to five business days. Complete the order and your checks will ship to the address on file for your account.
Ordering from third-party check printers
Third-party printers charge less per box than banks do, sometimes by half. The most common options are Costco Checks, Deluxe, Walmart Checks, and Vistaprint. You do not need to be a Costco member to order from Costco Checks — you can order online at costchecks.com. Deluxe and Vistaprint operate their own websites. Walmart Checks are ordered through Walmart.com.
To order from a third-party printer, you will need the same information: your account number, routing number, and the address you want printed on the checks. You will also choose check style and quantity. Delivery typically takes five to ten business days, slightly longer than bank ordering. Checks from these printers work exactly like bank-ordered checks — your bank will process them normally as long as the routing and account numbers are correct.
Before ordering from any third-party printer, confirm that your bank accepts checks from that printer. Most banks accept checks from major printers like Deluxe and Costco Checks. Call your bank's customer service line or check their website for a list of approved printers. If you order from an unapproved source, your bank may refuse to process the checks or may delay processing while they verify the account information.
What information you need before ordering
Gather your account number and routing number before you start. Both appear on the bottom of any existing check: the routing number is the first set of numbers on the left, and the account number is the second set. If you do not have a check, log into your online banking account and find the account details or account information section — both numbers are listed there.
You will also need the address you want printed on the checks. This is usually the address on file for your account, but you can request a different address if you have moved or want checks mailed to a different location. Some banks and printers will print a business address or a P.O. box if you request it, though this varies by institution.
If you are ordering checks for a joint account, both account holders' names can be printed on the checks. The person placing the order does not have to be the account owner — anyone with access to the online banking account or the account number can order checks. However, some banks require the primary account holder to authorize the order before it ships.
How long checks take to arrive and what to do while you wait
Standard shipping takes one to two weeks from the time you place the order. Expedited shipping takes three to five business days and costs extra. The clock starts when your order is confirmed, not when you place it — if you order on a Friday, the processing time may not begin until Monday.
While you wait, you can still pay bills and transfer money using your bank's bill pay service, your debit card, or peer-to-peer transfer apps. You do not need physical checks to access your money or make payments. If you need to write a check before your order arrives, ask your bank if they can print temporary checks or issue you a counter check — a blank check printed by the bank that you can use immediately.
Once your checks arrive, inspect them before using them. Verify that your name, address, account number, and routing number are all correct. If anything is wrong, contact the printer or your bank immediately. Most printers will reprint an order at no charge if there is an error on their end.
Cost differences between banks and third-party printers
Bank-ordered checks typically cost between $15 and $30 per box of 100 checks, depending on the bank and check style. Designer checks cost more, sometimes $25 to $40 per box. Duplicate checks cost $20 to $35 per box.
Third-party printers usually charge $5 to $15 per box of 100 standard checks. Costco Checks and Walmart Checks are among the cheapest options. Deluxe and Vistaprint offer more design options but charge more per box. If you order multiple boxes or choose expedited shipping, the total cost rises, but third-party printers remain cheaper than banks in most cases.
The trade-off is delivery time: banks often ship faster, and third-party printers take longer. If you need checks urgently, bank ordering may be worth the extra cost. If you can wait a week or two, third-party printers save money.
What to do if you lose checks or need to reorder quickly
If you lose a box of checks or run out before your reorder arrives, contact your bank immediately. Ask if they can issue a counter check — a temporary check printed by the bank that you can use right away. Counter checks are usually free and work like regular checks, though some merchants may be unfamiliar with them.
You can also use your bank's bill pay service to pay bills without checks, or use your debit card or a peer-to-peer app to send money to individuals. If you absolutely must have checks within days, order expedited shipping from a third-party printer — this is faster than waiting for bank-ordered checks and cheaper than ordering from the bank.
If you suspect your checks have been stolen or misused, contact your bank immediately. Report the missing checks and ask the bank to flag your account. Most banks will not hold you responsible for fraudulent checks if you report them promptly, though the bank may close your account and issue you a new one with a new account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks if my account is new?
Yes. Most banks allow you to order checks as soon as your account is open and active, which usually takes one business day. If you cannot find the check ordering option in your online banking account, call your bank and ask — they may need to activate the feature manually for new accounts.
Do I have to use checks ordered from my bank?
No. You can order from any third-party printer your bank approves. Most banks accept checks from major printers like Deluxe, Costco Checks, and Walmart Checks. Call your bank or check their website for a list of approved printers before ordering from an unfamiliar source.
What if I order checks and then close the account?
Checks ordered before you close the account will still work as long as the account remains open. If the account is closed before the checks arrive, contact the printer or your bank to cancel the order. If checks arrive after the account is closed, do not use them — they will be rejected.
Can I order checks for a business account?
Yes. The process is the same as for personal accounts. You will need your business account number and routing number. Some banks offer business-specific check styles and may require additional verification before processing the order.
How do I know if my checks are real?
Checks ordered from your bank or an approved third-party printer are real and will be processed normally. If you ordered from an unapproved source or provided your account information to someone you do not trust, contact your bank before using the checks. Your bank can verify whether the checks are legitimate.