Your bank is usually the fastest and safest place to order checks
Order checks directly from your bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Your bank already has your account number and routing number on file, so the order is straightforward and the checks arrive pre-printed with your account details. Most banks charge between $10 and $30 per box of 100 checks, though some accounts include free checks as a benefit.
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) or log into your online banking portal to find the check ordering option. Many banks let you choose the delivery speed: standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days, while expedited options cost more but arrive in 2 to 3 days. If you need checks urgently, ask whether your bank offers next-business-day delivery.
Ordering from your bank also means the checks are printed on secure stock with your bank's security features already built in, which reduces the risk of fraud or counterfeiting. The bank verifies your identity before processing the order, so there is no risk of someone else ordering checks on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank is the safest source because they verify your identity, pre-print your account details, and use secure check stock.
- Most banks charge $10 to $30 per box of 100 checks, with delivery taking 7 to 10 business days for standard orders.
- Third-party check printers like Deluxe and Costco offer lower prices but require you to enter your account information manually and take longer to arrive.
- If you need checks in 1 to 2 days, ask your bank about expedited shipping or visit a branch to request an emergency check.
- Never order checks from an unknown website or seller, and do not share your account number with anyone except your bank or a printer you have verified.
Third-party check printers cost less but take longer
Companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint print checks at lower prices than most banks—sometimes 50 percent less—but the process is slower and requires more steps from you. You enter your bank account number, routing number, and personal details into their website yourself, and the checks take 10 to 15 business days to arrive. These printers do not verify your identity the way your bank does, so there is a small added risk if your account information is intercepted.
Costco members can order checks through Costco's website or in-warehouse kiosk, and the price is often the lowest available. Deluxe is one of the largest check printers in the country and works with many banks as a partner, so some banks actually outsource their check printing to Deluxe anyway—you may end up with a Deluxe-printed check either way. Vistaprint and other online printers offer customization options like different colors or designs, which your bank usually does not.
The trade-off is clear: you save money but wait longer and handle your account information yourself. If you are not in a hurry and want to minimize cost, a third-party printer works. If you need checks quickly or prefer not to enter your account details online, your bank is the better choice.
Emergency checks and temporary solutions when you need them fast
If you need to write a check today or tomorrow, visit your bank branch in person and ask for an emergency check. Many banks can print a single check on the spot or within a few hours, though they may charge a fee ($5 to $15) and require you to be present with your ID. Some banks limit how many emergency checks you can get this way, so ask what their policy is.
Another option is a starter check, which your bank may provide for free when you open an account. Starter checks are temporary checks printed on plain stock without your name or account details pre-printed—you fill in your account number by hand. They are valid and work just like regular checks, but they look less professional and some businesses are reluctant to accept them. If you have starter checks left from when you opened your account, use those while you wait for your regular checks to arrive.
If you absolutely cannot wait and your bank has no emergency option, ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept electronic payment instead—ACH transfer, wire transfer, or a digital wallet payment. Most will, and it is faster and safer than a check anyway.
What information you need before you order
Have your account number and routing number ready before you start an order. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any existing check, or call your bank to ask. Your account number is on the bottom of your checks or in your online banking portal. Some banks also ask for your phone number and address to verify your identity.
If you are ordering from a third-party printer, double-check that you have entered your routing number and account number correctly before you submit the order. A single digit wrong means the checks will not work. Your bank will catch errors before printing, but third-party printers may not, and you will end up with unusable checks and a delay while you reorder.
If you have recently moved, update your address with your bank before ordering. The checks will be mailed to the address on file, and if it is outdated, they may be returned to the printer or lost in the mail.
Costs and what affects the price you pay
Bank check prices vary widely depending on the bank and the account type. A standard box of 100 checks costs $10 to $30 at most banks, but some banks charge $40 or more. Premium or business accounts sometimes include free checks as a benefit, so check your account terms before you pay.
Expedited shipping adds $5 to $15 to the order, depending on how fast you need them. Next-business-day delivery is the most expensive option and is not available from all banks. Duplicate checks (a copy of each check you write) cost more than single-copy checks and are rarely necessary unless you need a record for accounting purposes.
Third-party printers like Costco and Deluxe often run promotions—buy one box and get a second at a discount, or free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Sign up for their email list or check their website before you order to see if a discount is running. Your bank does not usually offer these promotions, so if price is your main concern, compare the third-party price to your bank's price before you decide.
Security and fraud protection when ordering checks
Order checks only from your bank's official website or phone number, or from a printer you have verified independently. Do not click a link in an email claiming to be from your bank—scammers send fake emails that look like they come from banks and direct you to a fake website where they steal your account information. If you receive an email about check ordering, go directly to your bank's website by typing the address yourself or calling the number on your debit card.
Never share your account number or routing number with anyone except your bank or a check printer you have contacted yourself. Scammers sometimes pose as check printers or bank employees and ask for this information over the phone or email. Your bank will never ask you for your account number via email or unsolicited phone call—they already have it.
If you suspect fraud or someone has ordered checks on your account without permission, call your bank immediately. Banks can cancel undelivered check orders and issue you new account numbers if necessary. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to stop the checks before they are used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do checks take to arrive from my bank?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Expedited options take 2 to 3 days and cost extra. Some banks offer next-business-day delivery for an additional fee. Call your bank to ask what speeds are available on your account.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes. Most banks let you order checks immediately after opening an account. You may receive starter checks in the meantime, which you can use while you wait for your regular checks to arrive.
What if I made a mistake on my check order?
Contact your bank or printer as soon as you realize the error. If the checks have not been printed yet, they can usually cancel and reprint with the correct information. If they have already shipped, you may have to reorder and pay for a second box.
Do I have to order checks from my bank, or can I use any printer?
You can use any printer, but your bank is safest because they verify your identity and use secure stock. Third-party printers are cheaper but slower and require you to enter your account details yourself.
Can someone else order checks on my account?
Not if you order through your bank, because they verify your identity. If you order through a third-party printer, someone with your account number and routing number could potentially place an order. Protect this information the way you protect your password.