Your bank is usually the fastest and safest place to order checks
Order checks directly from your bank first. Call the number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking portal, or visit a branch in person. Most banks let you order through their website in under five minutes — you pick the design, quantity, and delivery speed, then pay a fee that ranges from nothing to about $15 per box depending on your bank and how fast you want them.
Your bank has your account number and routing number already on file, so there is no risk of ordering with wrong information. Checks arrive in 7 to 14 business days for standard shipping, or 3 to 5 business days if you pay for expedited delivery. Some banks offer free check orders to certain account holders — ask whether your account type qualifies.
If you cannot reach your bank by phone or do not want to log in online, walk into a branch with your debit card or ID. A teller can start an order on the spot, though you will still wait for them to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or phone line is the simplest way to order checks, and the fee usually ranges from free to $15 per box.
- Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days; expedited delivery costs more but arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
- Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and Deluxe are cheaper but require you to enter your account and routing numbers yourself.
- Never order from an unknown website or seller — use only your bank or a major retailer you recognize.
- Keep a few blank checks on hand so you do not run out while waiting for a new order to arrive.
Third-party printers cost less but take more steps
Costco, Walmart, and Deluxe (a major check printer) all sell checks for less than most banks charge. Prices range from $5 to $10 per box depending on the design and quantity. You order online or in person, but you have to enter your account number and routing number yourself — your bank is not involved in the order.
This route works fine if you are careful with the numbers. Find your routing number on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Your account number is on the bottom left of any check you already have, or in your online banking portal. Double-check both numbers before you submit the order, because a mistake means the checks will not work.
Delivery from third-party printers usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Walmart and Costco may offer in-store pickup if you order online, which can cut that time in half. Deluxe ships by mail only.
How to find your routing and account numbers
If you do not have a check to look at, your routing number is on your bank's website under "banking information" or "account details." Call your bank's customer service line and they will read it to you. Your account number appears in your online banking portal, on statements, or by calling customer service.
The routing number is nine digits and identifies your bank. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits and identifies your specific account. Both are printed on every check in a specific order at the bottom — do not guess or use numbers from a different account.
Specialty checks and designer options
If you want checks with a custom design, logo, or photo, your bank may offer these through their website, usually for $20 to $40 per box. Deluxe and other third-party printers also sell designer checks with thousands of themes — landscapes, animals, holidays, business logos.
Designer checks cost more and take longer to arrive (10 to 14 business days), but they work exactly like standard checks. Order them only if you have time to wait and do not need checks urgently. For everyday use, plain checks are cheaper and arrive faster.
What to do if you run out of checks before the new order arrives
If you need to pay someone before your checks arrive, use a different method. Transfer money through your bank's online portal or mobile app, write a personal check from a friend's checkbook (with their permission), or use a money order from the post office or a grocery store.
Many businesses and individuals no longer accept checks, so before you order a large quantity, think about how often you actually write them. If you pay most bills online or by card, you may only need one box every year or two.
Avoiding check fraud and scams
Order checks only from your bank or a major retailer like Costco, Walmart, or Deluxe. Do not order from websites you do not recognize, even if they advertise lower prices. Scammers sometimes sell blank checks or checks with stolen account information.
If you receive checks in the mail that you did not order, contact your bank immediately. Do not use them. If someone has ordered checks in your name without permission, your bank can cancel them and investigate.
When you receive your new checks, inspect the first one to make sure your name, address, account number, and routing number are all correct. If anything is wrong, contact the printer or your bank right away and request a replacement order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do checks cost?
Bank checks usually cost $10 to $15 per box of 25 or 50, though some accounts include free checks. Third-party printers like Costco and Walmart charge $5 to $10 per box. Designer or specialty checks cost $20 to $40 per box. Fees vary by bank and printer.
Can I order checks from my bank's mobile app?
Most banks let you order checks through their mobile app the same way you would on their website. Open the app, go to the account settings or services section, and look for "order checks." If you do not see it, call customer service — some banks only take check orders by phone or in person.
What if I enter the wrong account number when ordering from a third-party printer?
The checks will print with the wrong number and will not work. Contact the printer immediately and explain the error. Most will reprint and ship a corrected order, though you may have to pay a reorder fee. This is why ordering directly from your bank is safer — they verify the information for you.
Do I need to order checks if I never write them?
No. If you pay all bills online and use your debit card for purchases, you may never need checks. Keep one or two blank checks on hand in case a landlord, contractor, or other business requires a check, but there is no reason to order a full box if you will not use them.
How long do checks stay valid?
A check is valid for six months from the date written. After that, most banks will not cash it, though some may honor it at their discretion. Do not write a check and hold it for months — write it close to when you want it deposited.