Yes, you can get a check from your bank, and it takes minutes to a few days depending on the type
Your bank will issue you a check on the spot if you ask a teller in person. If you need checks mailed to your address, the bank orders them from a printer and they arrive in five to ten business days. You can also request a cashier's check (a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours) the same day you ask for it, though some branches charge a fee of $5 to $15 per check. The fastest option is a counter check—a temporary check the teller writes by hand—which you can use immediately.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the check and whether you want a standard personal check or one may provide by the bank itself. Each has different costs, timelines, and uses.
Key Takeaways
- A teller can hand you a counter check on the spot, or order standard checks to your address in five to ten business days.
- A cashier's check is drawn on your bank's account, not yours, and clears faster—useful when the recipient needs may provide funds.
- Cashier's checks usually cost $5 to $15 each, while standard checks ordered in bulk cost less per check but take longer to arrive.
- You need your account number and routing number to order checks, and the bank will verify your identity before issuing a cashier's check.
Counter checks: the fastest option if you need one right now
A counter check is a temporary check the teller writes by hand using your account information. It looks different from your regular checks—usually printed on plain paper or a bank form—but it works the same way. The recipient can deposit or cash it immediately, and it clears through the normal ACH or check-clearing system.
You can get a counter check within minutes of asking. There is no fee. The only limitation is that some recipients or businesses may not accept a hand-written check, particularly if they process checks by machine. Ask the teller how many counter checks you can request at once; most banks allow two to five per visit.
Standard checks ordered by mail: cheaper but slower
When you order checks through your bank, they are printed by a third-party printer and mailed to your address. This takes five to ten business days from the time you place the order. The cost varies by bank and by how many checks you order—a box of 50 checks typically costs $10 to $30, while a box of 200 costs $20 to $50. Ordering in bulk lowers the per-check cost.
You can order checks in person at a branch, by phone, online through your bank's website, or through the mail using an order form. The bank will ask for your account number, routing number, and the address where you want them sent. Some banks print your name and address on the checks automatically; others let you customize the design for an extra fee.
If you order checks online or by phone, verify that you are using your bank's official website or phone number. Scammers sometimes pose as banks to steal account information.
Cashier's checks: when you need the bank to may provide the funds
A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. The recipient sees the bank's name as the payer, which signals that the funds are may provide. Cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks—usually within one to two business days—because the bank has already verified that the money exists.
You request a cashier's check at a teller window by telling them the amount, the recipient's name, and the reason (optional). The teller will debit your account immediately and issue the check on the spot. Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain balance or account type.
Cashier's checks are useful when buying a car, making a down payment on a house, paying a contractor, or sending money to someone who does not know you. The recipient has proof that the funds came from the bank, not from a personal account that might have insufficient funds.
What information you need to order or request a check
To order standard checks or request a cashier's check, have your account number and routing number ready. 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 ask a teller. You will also need to provide the address where you want checks mailed (for standard orders) or the recipient's name and the check amount (for cashier's checks).
For a cashier's check, bring a photo ID. The teller will verify your identity before issuing the check. If you are ordering standard checks by mail or online, the bank will verify your identity using information already on file.
Fees and costs across check types
| Check Type | Cost | Timeline | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counter check | Free | Same day (minutes) | You need a check immediately and the recipient accepts hand-written checks |
| Standard checks (ordered) | $10–$50 per box of 50–200 | 5–10 business days | You have time to wait and want checks for regular use |
| Cashier's check | $5–$15 per check | Same day (minutes) | The recipient needs may provide funds or you are making a large payment |
What happens after you get the check
Once you have the check, you can hand it to the recipient or mail it. The recipient deposits or cashes it at their own bank. For a personal check (counter or standard), the recipient's bank sends it through the clearing system, which typically takes three to five business days. For a cashier's check, clearing is faster—usually one to two business days—because the funds are already may provide by your bank.
The money leaves your account once the check clears, not when you hand over the check. If you write a check for more than your account balance and the check clears before you deposit more money, your bank will either decline the check or charge you an overdraft fee. If the check is declined, the recipient will be notified and the transaction fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a check if I do not have a checkbook?
Yes. A counter check or cashier's check does not require you to own a checkbook. You can request either one at any teller window, and the teller will issue it on the spot. If you want standard checks mailed to you, you can order them online, by phone, or in person even if you have never ordered checks before.
What if my bank does not have a branch near me?
If your bank is online-only, you can order standard checks through the website. For a cashier's check, some online banks allow you to request one online and pick it up at a partner branch or have it mailed to you. Call your bank to ask what options are available; policies vary.
Can I cancel a check after I have written it?
Yes, you can request a stop payment on a personal check you have written. Contact your bank by phone or online and provide the check number, amount, and recipient name. Most banks charge $25 to $35 for a stop payment and require the request within a certain time frame (usually before the check clears). For a cashier's check, the process is more complicated and may not be possible once it has been issued.
Do I need to tell my bank before I order checks?
No. You can order checks without notifying your bank in advance. However, if you are ordering a large number of checks or if your account is new, the bank may contact you to confirm the order is legitimate.
What if I lose a check before I use it?
For a personal check, contact your bank and request a stop payment using the check number. For a cashier's check, call your bank immediately and report it lost. The bank may issue a replacement after a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days) to ensure the original check does not clear.