Most banks will send you checks, but you have to ask for them
When you open a checking account, the bank does not automatically mail you a checkbook. You have to request one, either during account setup or afterward through your bank's website, app, or by calling customer service. Some banks charge a small fee for the first order (usually $5 to $15), while others include it free. Reorders almost always cost money.
The reason banks stopped including checks by default is simple: fewer people use them. Debit cards, online bill pay, and mobile payment apps handle most transactions now. Banks assume you will not need checks unless you tell them otherwise, so they wait for you to ask.
If you do need checks, ordering takes about 7 to 10 business days for standard delivery. Expedited options exist but cost more. Some banks let you print checks from your account immediately if you have an urgent need, though this feature varies by institution.
Key Takeaways
- You must request a checkbook from your bank after opening an account; it will not arrive automatically.
- The first order of checks may be free or cost $5 to $15 depending on your bank and account type.
- Standard check delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you know you will need them.
- Many banks offer online bill pay and mobile payment options as alternatives to writing checks.
- Some banks allow you to print checks at home or access temporary check numbers while waiting for physical checks to arrive.
When banks charge for checks and when they don't
Whether you pay for checks depends on your bank and your account type. Premium or high-balance checking accounts often include free check orders, while basic accounts typically charge. Some online banks charge for every order; others include a certain number of free orders per year.
The cost per box of checks (usually 25 or 50 checks) ranges from $5 to $20. Reordering is almost never free, even if your first order was. If you write many checks, the cost adds up. A few banks offer unlimited free check orders to customers who maintain a minimum balance or pay a monthly fee, so it is worth asking during account setup what your specific account includes.
Credit unions often have lower check costs than traditional banks, and some include a free initial order. If check writing is important to you, comparing check costs between institutions can be part of your decision about where to bank.
How to order checks after you open your account
The easiest way to order checks is through your bank's website or mobile app. Log in, look for a section labeled "Order Checks," "Manage Checks," or "Check Services," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your account number, choose a check design (if options are available), and select delivery speed. The order usually goes through in minutes.
If you cannot find the option online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can place the order over the phone and answer questions about cost and timing. Some banks also let you order checks in person at a branch, though this is less common now.
When you order, you will see the total cost and estimated delivery date before you confirm. Standard delivery is usually free or included; expedited options (3 to 5 business days) cost extra. Once you place the order, you can track it through your bank's website or app, just like a package.
What to do if you need checks before they arrive
If you need to write a check before your order arrives, some banks offer temporary solutions. Many provide temporary check numbers that work immediately—you can write checks using these numbers while waiting for your printed checks. Ask your bank whether this option is available on your account.
Another option is to print checks at home using your bank's online check printing service, if offered. You print them on special check stock paper (which you buy separately) and sign them by hand. This works for urgent needs but is slower than using a debit card or online bill pay for most transactions.
The fastest alternative is to use your bank's bill pay feature to pay bills directly, or use a mobile payment app like Venmo or Zelle to send money to people. These methods work instantly or within one business day and do not require checks at all.
Checking accounts that include checks versus those that don't
| Account Type | First Order of Checks | Reorder Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic checking (traditional bank) | $5–$15 | $10–$20 per box | Most common; cost varies by bank |
| Premium checking | Free | Free or $5–$10 | Usually requires higher balance or monthly fee |
| Online bank checking | $5–$15 | $10–$20 per box | Checks cost more because bank has lower overhead elsewhere |
| Credit union checking | Free or $5 | $5–$15 per box | Often cheaper than banks; varies by credit union |
| Student checking | Free or $5 | $5–$15 per box | Some include free checks as a benefit |
Why fewer people use checks and what to use instead
Check usage has dropped sharply over the past 10 years. Debit cards, credit cards, and digital payment methods are faster, safer, and do not require you to carry a checkbook or wait for mail. Most bills can be paid online or through automatic transfers. Sending money to friends is easier with Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal than writing and mailing a check.
Checks are still useful for a few situations: paying rent to a landlord who does not accept digital payments, sending money to someone without a bank account, or paying a contractor or service provider who prefers checks. If you rarely write checks, it may not be worth ordering them at all.
Before you order checks, think about whether you actually need them. If you write fewer than five checks per year, online bill pay or a mobile payment app will probably serve you better. If you do need checks, order them once and keep them on hand for the situations where they are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get checks the same day I open my account?
No. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer expedited printing (3 to 5 days) for an extra fee. If you need to write a check immediately, ask your bank about temporary check numbers or printing checks at home.
What if I lose my checkbook or run out of checks?
Contact your bank and order a replacement or reorder. The process is the same as the first order—online, by phone, or in person. Delivery takes the same amount of time. Keep track of how many checks you have left so you can reorder before you run out.
Do I have to order checks from my bank, or can I buy them elsewhere?
You can order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than bank prices. However, the checks must be printed with your account number and routing number, so you have to provide that information to the printer. Bank orders are simpler because the bank handles this automatically.
Will my bank charge me if I never use the checks?
No. You only pay when you order. If you order checks and never write them, you are not charged again. If you do not order checks at all, there is no charge.
What happens if I close my checking account—can I still use the checks?
No. Once your account is closed, any checks you write will bounce because the account no longer exists. Destroy any unused checks or contact your bank to report them. Do not attempt to use checks from a closed account.