Yes, you can write checks from Upgrade checking, but with limits
Upgrade checking accounts come with check-writing capability, but not in the way a traditional bank works. You get a debit card for everyday purchases and ATM withdrawals, but physical checks are not included in the standard account package. If you need to write checks, you have to request them separately, and Upgrade charges a fee for the service.
The process is straightforward: log into your Upgrade account online or through the mobile app, request checks, and they arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, because Upgrade is a fintech company rather than a traditional bank, check ordering and management work differently than they do at Chase or Bank of America. You should understand these differences before you commit to using checks regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade checking accounts support check writing, but you must order checks separately and pay a fee for them.
- Checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive after you order them through your account.
- Upgrade does not offer unlimited free checks like many traditional banks do, so check writing is better for occasional use than frequent use.
- Your routing number and account number appear on your checks just like any other bank, and the checks clear through the standard banking system.
How to order checks from your Upgrade account
Open your Upgrade app or log into your online account and navigate to the settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Order Checks" or "Check Services." Upgrade will show you the available check designs and the cost per box. You select the quantity you want, confirm your mailing address, and submit the order.
Upgrade prints and mails the checks to the address on file for your account. The entire process happens within the app—you do not call customer service or visit a branch. Once you place the order, you can track the status in your account, though Upgrade does not provide a specific tracking number like a shipping carrier would.
What the checks cost and how many you get
Upgrade charges for checks by the box, and the cost varies depending on the design you choose. A standard box typically contains 25 checks. Specialty designs or rush delivery options may cost more. Unlike many traditional banks that offer free checks to checking account holders, Upgrade treats checks as an optional service with a separate fee.
If you write checks frequently, the per-check cost can add up. For occasional check writing—paying rent, sending a payment to a contractor, or writing a check to a family member—the cost is usually reasonable. If you write more than a few checks per month, you may want to compare this cost against what you would pay at a traditional bank or through a third-party check printing service.
The routing and account numbers on your checks
Your Upgrade checks include your routing number and account number, just like checks from any other bank. Upgrade's routing number is 084106001. Your account number is the unique identifier assigned to your specific checking account. These numbers allow the checks to clear through the standard banking system when someone deposits or cashes them.
You can find both numbers in your Upgrade app under account details, or you can look them up on any deposit you have already made to the account. If you need to provide these numbers to set up direct deposit or automatic payments before your checks arrive, you do not have to wait for the physical checks to come in the mail.
How long checks take to clear
Once someone deposits or cashes a check you write, it clears through the standard banking system. This typically takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the bank that receives the check and the time of day the deposit is made. Upgrade does not control this timeline—the receiving bank does.
If you write a check and the funds are not yet in your account, the check may bounce. Upgrade does charge overdraft fees if this happens, so make sure you have sufficient funds before you write a check. Unlike some banks that offer overdraft protection or grace periods, Upgrade's overdraft policy is straightforward: insufficient funds result in a fee.
Alternatives if you do not want to order physical checks
If you need to send money to someone but do not want to wait for checks to arrive or pay the fee, Upgrade supports several other methods. You can use your debit card for online payments, transfer money directly to another bank account if you have the recipient's routing and account numbers, or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Many billers and service providers also accept online bill pay directly from your Upgrade account. This is often faster than mailing a check and does not require you to order checks at all. If you only need to write a check occasionally, one of these alternatives may be more practical than maintaining a supply of physical checks.
What to do if your checks do not arrive
Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received them, log into your Upgrade account and check the order status. If the status shows "delivered" but you have not received the package, contact Upgrade customer support through the app or website.
Upgrade can reorder checks and send them to a different address if the original shipment was lost or went to an old address. They can also cancel an order if you change your mind before the checks ship. Keep in mind that reordering adds another 7 to 10 days to the timeline, so plan ahead if you know you will need checks on a specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write checks immediately after opening an Upgrade checking account?
No. You must order checks first, and they take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If you need to write a check right away, use a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or peer-to-peer payment app instead. Plan ahead if you know check writing will be part of your routine.
Do I have to order checks, or can I just use my debit card?
You do not have to order checks at all. Your Upgrade debit card works for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Checks are optional and only necessary if you specifically need to write them. Many people use Upgrade without ever ordering a single check.
What happens if I write a check and do not have enough money in my account?
The check will bounce, and Upgrade will charge you an overdraft fee. Make sure your account has sufficient funds before you write a check. Unlike some banks, Upgrade does not offer overdraft protection that automatically covers the shortfall.
Can someone else use my Upgrade checks?
Checks are tied to your account and should only be used by you. If someone else writes checks from your account without permission, that is fraud. Keep your checks secure and report any unauthorized use to Upgrade immediately.
Is there a limit to how many checks I can order?
Upgrade does not publish a hard limit on check orders. You can order multiple boxes if you need them, though each order incurs a separate fee. For high-volume check writing, a traditional bank with free checks may be more cost-effective.