Your bank, third-party check printers, and office supply stores all sell checks
You can order checks from three main sources: your bank directly, independent check printing companies, or office supply retailers like Staples and Office Depot. Your bank is the simplest route if you need checks quickly—most branches can print a small starter pack while you wait, or mail them within a few business days. Third-party printers usually cost less per check and offer more design options, but take longer to arrive. Office supply stores fall somewhere in the middle on both price and speed.
The choice depends on how soon you need them, how much you want to spend, and whether you care about customization. A bank starter pack might cost $15 to $25 for 50 checks. A third-party printer might charge $8 to $15 for the same quantity, but you'll wait 7 to 14 days. Office supply stores typically run $10 to $20 and ship in 3 to 5 business days if you order online.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can print a small starter pack in-branch the same day or mail checks within a few business days, though this costs more per check than other options.
- Third-party check printers like Costco Checks, Deluxe, and Carousel offer lower prices and design choices, but require 7 to 14 days for delivery.
- Office supply stores sell checks both in-store and online, with in-store purchases ready immediately and online orders arriving in 3 to 5 business days.
- You will need your routing number, account number, and bank name to order checks from any source—your bank statement or online banking portal has all three.
- Starter checks from your bank are pre-printed with your account details, so you don't need to provide information; third-party orders require you to enter these details yourself.
Ordering checks directly from your bank
Call your bank's customer service line, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal—most banks let you order checks through all three channels. In-branch orders are fastest: you can walk out with a small pack of 25 or 50 checks the same day, though availability depends on the branch's stock. If you order by phone or online, expect 3 to 7 business days for delivery by mail.
Bank-ordered checks cost more per check than third-party printers because the bank handles the entire process. A pack of 50 checks typically runs $15 to $25. The upside is that your account information is already correct—the bank prints your routing number, account number, and name directly from their records, so there's no room for error. This matters because a mistyped routing or account number means checks won't clear properly.
Some banks offer free starter checks when you open a new account, so ask if you're may be able to access. If you need checks urgently and your bank can't print them same-day, ask whether they can issue a temporary check or provide you with a counter check—a blank check you can write by hand that works just like a regular check.
Using third-party check printing companies
Companies like Deluxe, Carousel, Costco Checks, and Walmart Checks print checks for less money and give you hundreds of design options—colors, logos, images, fonts. Prices range from $8 to $15 per 50 checks depending on the printer and design complexity. Delivery takes 7 to 14 business days, so order well before you actually need them.
To order from a third-party printer, you provide your routing number, account number, and name yourself. Double-check these details before you submit—a mistake here means your checks won't work. You can find your routing number on your bank's website, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service. Your account number appears on the bottom left of your bank statement or in your online banking dashboard.
Some third-party printers offer rush delivery for an extra fee—usually $15 to $25 to get checks in 2 to 3 business days instead of the standard 7 to 14. This can be worth it if you're in a bind, but it's still slower than ordering from your bank. Costco Checks and Walmart Checks are good options if you have a membership or shop there already, since you can browse designs in person before ordering.
Buying checks at office supply stores
Staples, Office Depot, and similar retailers sell blank check stock that you can customize yourself, as well as pre-printed checks ordered through their printing services. If you buy blank stock in-store, you walk out immediately with packs of 50 or 100 blank checks—you'll need to fill in your account information by hand or print it yourself, which is slower and more error-prone than pre-printed checks.
Most office supply stores also offer a check printing service through their website or in-store kiosks. You provide your routing number, account number, and name, choose a design, and the store prints and mails them to you. This typically takes 3 to 5 business days and costs $10 to $20 per 50 checks. Some stores offer same-day or next-day printing if you order early enough in the day, though availability varies by location.
The advantage of office supply stores is convenience—you can handle it while you're already there shopping, or order online and pick up in-store if that option is available. The disadvantage is that prices fall between bank and third-party printer rates, and design options are more limited than independent check printers.
What information you need to provide
Every check printer needs three pieces of information from you: your routing number, your account number, and your name as it appears on the account. Your bank statement shows all three at the bottom of the page—the routing number is the first nine digits on the left, and your account number follows it. You can also find both in your online banking portal under account details or settings.
If you're ordering from your bank directly, you don't need to provide this information yourself—the bank pulls it from their system. If you're ordering from a third-party printer or office supply store, you enter it yourself. Take your time and verify each number twice before submitting, because a single digit wrong means the checks won't clear.
Some printers ask for additional details like your phone number or a check design preference, but the three core pieces are always required. If you're unsure about your routing number, call your bank's customer service line—they can confirm it in seconds.
Comparing cost and speed across all options
| Source | Cost per 50 checks | Delivery time | Design options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank in-branch | $15–$25 | Same day | Limited |
| Bank by mail | $15–$25 | 3–7 days | Limited |
| Third-party printer | $8–$15 | 7–14 days | Extensive |
| Third-party rush | $23–$40 | 2–3 days | Extensive |
| Office supply store | $10–$20 | 3–5 days | Moderate |
| Blank check stock | $5–$10 | Same day | None |
If you need checks today, your only option is in-branch at your bank or blank check stock from an office supply store. If you can wait a week, third-party printers offer the best price. If you want a middle ground on both cost and speed, order from your bank by mail or through an office supply store online.
What to do if you make a mistake on your order
If you realize you've given the printer the wrong routing number or account number after you've submitted your order, contact them immediately—most printers can catch the error before printing if you call within a few hours. If the checks have already been printed with wrong information, you'll need to order a new batch with the correct details. The misprinted checks won't clear, so don't try to use them.
If you ordered checks and they arrive but the account number is wrong, contact your bank first. They can tell you whether the checks will work or whether you need to order again. Some banks can correct minor errors on their end, though this is rare. With third-party printers, you'll usually need to place a new order and eat the cost of the mistake.
To avoid this, verify your routing number and account number one more time before you submit any order. Write them down on a piece of paper and check them against your bank statement or online banking portal. A few seconds of checking saves you money and frustration later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use checks before they arrive in the mail?
No. You need the physical checks in hand to write them. If you need to send money before your checks arrive, use a bank transfer, wire transfer, or bill pay through your online banking portal instead. These methods are faster and don't require checks.
Do I need to order checks if I never write them?
No. If you pay bills online and don't write checks, you don't need to order them. Many people manage their finances entirely through digital transfers and never use checks. Only order if you actually need them.
What if my bank doesn't offer check printing?
Some online banks and smaller institutions don't print checks in-house. In that case, order from a third-party printer or office supply store. You'll need your routing number and account number, which your bank can provide even if they don't print checks themselves.
Are personalized checks with my name and address safer than blank checks?
Personalized checks are slightly safer because they're harder to forge—your name and address are printed, making it obvious if someone tries to alter them. Blank checks are easier to steal and misuse. If security matters to you, order personalized checks from your bank or a third-party printer rather than buying blank stock.
Can I order checks for a joint account?
Yes. When you order, provide the account number for the joint account and list both names if the account is registered under both. Your bank or printer will print both names on the checks. Make sure the account number is correct—it's the same whether the account has one owner or two.