Your bank, a check printer, or an office supply store can all sell you checks, but prices and speed vary widely
The fastest way to get checks is to order them directly from your bank—most banks offer this service through their website or by phone, and you can usually choose standard or expedited delivery. If your bank's prices are high or you want more design options, third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart often cost less per box. Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot stock checks in-store for same-day pickup, though their per-check cost is usually the highest. The choice depends on how soon you need them, how much you want to spend, and whether you care about customization.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can print checks on its website or by phone, usually within 7 to 14 business days for standard delivery or 2 to 3 days for expedited service.
- Third-party printers like Deluxe, Walmart, and Costco typically charge 50 cents to $1.50 per check, compared to $1 to $3 per check through most banks.
- Office supply stores sell checks in-store for immediate pickup but charge the most per check, usually $1.50 to $3.
- You will need your bank account number, routing number, and signature to order checks from any source.
Ordering checks through your bank
Most banks let you order checks through their online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. Log into your account, look for a "order checks" or "supplies" link, and select your quantity and style. Your bank will print your account number and routing number on the checks automatically. Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days; expedited delivery (if available) costs extra and takes 2 to 3 days.
Bank-ordered checks are convenient because they arrive with your correct account details already printed, and you do not have to worry about compatibility issues. The downside is cost: most banks charge $1 to $3 per check, which means a box of 200 checks can run $200 to $600. Some banks waive the fee for premium account holders or offer a small number of free checks per year—ask your bank what it offers.
Third-party check printers and retailers
Deluxe is the largest independent check printer in the United States. You order online, provide your bank details, and checks arrive in 5 to 7 business days. Prices start around 50 cents per check for basic styles and go up with customization. Deluxe also offers same-day digital checks and other payment tools.
Walmart and Costco both sell checks online and in-store. Walmart's online orders ship in 5 to 10 business days and cost roughly $0.75 to $1 per check. Costco members can order online or at the print center in-store; prices are similar. Both require you to provide your bank account and routing number during checkout.
Amazon sells checks from multiple printers (including Deluxe) and can deliver within 2 to 3 days with Prime. Prices vary by seller but typically fall in the $0.50 to $1.50 per check range.
The main advantage of third-party printers is lower cost and more design options. The main risk is that you must enter your bank details on a third-party website—make sure the site uses encryption (look for "https://" in the URL) and has a privacy policy you trust. All major retailers and Deluxe are established companies with security measures in place, but smaller or unfamiliar printers carry more risk.
Office supply stores for same-day pickup
Staples, Office Depot, and similar stores stock blank check stock in-store and can print your account details on-site. You walk in, provide your bank account and routing number, and pick up checks the same day or within a few hours. This is the fastest option if you need checks urgently.
The trade-off is cost: office supply stores typically charge $1.50 to $3 per check, making a box of 200 checks cost $300 to $600. You also have fewer design options than online printers. Call ahead to confirm the store has checks in stock and can print your account number before you go.
What information you need to order checks
No matter where you order, you will need your bank account number and routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any existing check, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service. Your account number appears on the bottom of existing checks as well, usually after the routing number.
You will also need to provide a signature for the checks. Most printers ask you to upload an image of your signature or sign a form they mail to you before printing. Some allow you to skip this step, but unsigned checks are not valid for payment.
If you are ordering checks for a business account, you may need to provide the business name, an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and authorization from the account holder. Ask your bank or the printer what documents they require.
Comparing cost and delivery time
| Source | Cost per check | Standard delivery | Expedited option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank | $1–$3 | 7–14 business days | 2–3 days (extra fee) |
| Deluxe | $0.50–$1.50 | 5–7 business days | 2–3 days (extra fee) |
| Walmart | $0.75–$1 | 5–10 business days | Not available |
| Costco | $0.75–$1 | 5–7 business days | In-store print (same day) |
| Office Depot / Staples | $1.50–$3 | Same day (in-store) | N/A |
Security and fraud concerns when ordering online
Ordering checks online means sharing your bank account number with a third party. This is generally safe with established retailers and printers, but take these precautions: use a secure internet connection (not public WiFi), verify the website URL starts with "https://", and check that the company has a privacy policy explaining how it handles your data. Never order checks from an email link or pop-up ad—go directly to the company's website instead.
If you are worried about fraud, order from your bank directly or from a large, well-known retailer like Walmart or Costco. These companies have fraud detection systems and are regulated by banking authorities. Smaller or unfamiliar printers may be legitimate, but the risk is higher.
Once your checks arrive, store them in a secure place and do not leave blank checks lying around. If checks go missing or are stolen, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can flag your account and watch for unauthorized check activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do checks take to arrive if I order from my bank?
Standard delivery is usually 7 to 14 business days. If you need them faster, most banks offer expedited delivery for an extra fee, which takes 2 to 3 business days. Some banks also offer rush delivery for same-day or next-day printing, though this is less common.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes. You can order checks as soon as your account is active and you have an account number and routing number. Your bank may require you to wait a few business days after opening the account, but most allow orders immediately. Call your bank if you are unsure.
What if I need checks today?
Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot can print checks in-store the same day. Costco also offers same-day printing at its print center. You will pay more per check, but you walk out with checks in a few hours. Call ahead to confirm the store has the supplies and can print your account number.
Are checks from third-party printers as valid as checks from my bank?
Yes. As long as your account number, routing number, and signature are printed correctly, checks from any printer work the same way. Banks do not care where the check came from—they only care that the routing and account numbers are correct.
Can I order checks online if I do not have a computer?
Yes. You can call your bank or visit a branch in person to order checks by phone. You can also visit an office supply store or Costco in person and order at the counter. All of these options let you order without using a computer yourself.