Yes, you can order checks directly from your bank

Most banks will order checks for you as a standard service tied to your checking account. You can request them in person at a branch, by phone, online through your account portal, or by mail. The bank prints your name, address, and account number on the checks, then mails them to you. This usually takes five to ten business days, though some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee.

You do not need permission beyond having an active checking account. The bank makes money on check orders—either through a flat fee per box or by bundling the cost into your account maintenance. Some accounts include free checks; others charge $10 to $30 per box of 25 or 50 checks depending on the style and bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order checks through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch, and they arrive in five to ten business days.
  • Banks charge between $10 and $30 per box of checks, though some accounts include free checks as part of the package.
  • If you need checks urgently, ask your bank about rush printing or temporary check options—some offer same-day or next-day delivery for a higher fee.
  • You can also order checks from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than the bank but take longer to arrive.
  • If your account is frozen, closed, or flagged for fraud, the bank will not print checks until the issue is resolved.

How to order checks through your bank's online portal

Log into your checking account on your bank's website or app. Look for a section labeled "Order Checks," "Checks," or "Account Services." Click through to the check order form, select the quantity and style you want (standard, duplicate, or designer checks), enter your delivery address, and review the cost. Most banks show you a preview of how the checks will look before you confirm the order.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with an order number and expected delivery date. The bank then sends the checks to the address on file for your account. If you need them sent somewhere else, call the bank to update the mailing address before the order ships.

Ordering checks by phone or in person

Call your bank's customer service line and ask to order checks. Have your account number and the address where you want them mailed ready. The representative will walk you through style options, confirm the quantity, and process the order over the phone. You will be charged the check fee at that time, usually deducted from your account immediately.

At a branch, ask a teller or account representative to order checks for you. They can show you sample styles, process the order on the spot, and give you a receipt with the order number and expected arrival date. This method works well if you want to see the check designs in person before deciding.

Rush checks and temporary check options

If you need checks within a day or two, ask your bank about expedited printing. Some banks offer rush delivery for $15 to $25 extra and can print checks overnight or within 24 hours. Not all banks offer this service, so call ahead to confirm availability.

Many banks also issue temporary checks—a printed slip with your account and routing number that works like a regular check but is not a formal check stock. Temporary checks arrive immediately (sometimes printed at the branch while you wait) and cost little to nothing. They are useful for urgent payments while you wait for your permanent checks to arrive.

Third-party check printers as an alternative

You do not have to order checks from your bank. Third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Vistaprint print checks for less money—often $5 to $15 per box—but take longer to deliver (usually 7 to 14 business days). These checks are legal and work in any bank account as long as they include your correct routing number and account number.

To order from a third-party printer, you will need your routing number and account number from a check or your bank statement. The printer will ask for your name, address, and account details, then print and mail the checks to you. Verify your routing number before ordering—using the wrong one will make the checks unusable.

When your bank will not print checks

If your account is frozen due to a fraud investigation, unpaid overdrafts, or a legal hold, the bank will refuse to print checks until the issue is resolved. Similarly, if your account is closed or flagged for suspicious activity, check orders are blocked. Contact your bank to find out why checks cannot be ordered and what you need to do to restore the service.

If you are behind on fees or have a negative balance, some banks will still print checks, but others will not. Ask your bank directly whether your account status allows new check orders. Paying off the negative balance or fees usually restores the ability to order.

What information appears on your checks

Your bank prints your name, address, phone number (optional), and account number on the checks. The routing number is printed at the bottom left, and your account number follows it. Some banks also print your driver's license number or other information if you request it. You can usually choose whether to include your phone number.

The checks are printed in your name as it appears on the account. If your name on the account is "John Michael Smith" but you go by "Mike," the checks will say "John Michael Smith." To change the name on the checks, you must first update your legal name on the account itself through your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do checks take to arrive?

Standard checks take five to ten business days from the time you order them. Rush or expedited checks can arrive in one to two business days for an extra fee. Temporary checks printed at the branch are available immediately.

Can I order checks if my account is new?

Yes, most banks allow you to order checks as soon as your account is open and active. Some banks wait 24 to 48 hours before allowing check orders to prevent fraud. Call your bank if you cannot place an order on the day you open the account.

What if I order checks but then close the account?

Checks printed with your old account number will not work after the account closes. If you close the account before the checks arrive, contact the bank to cancel the order and get a refund if possible. If the checks arrive after closure, do not use them.

Do I have to order checks from my bank?

No. You can order from third-party printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper. The checks must include your correct routing number and account number to work. Verify these numbers before ordering from an outside printer.

Can someone else order checks on my account?

Only authorized account holders can order checks. If you have a joint account, any owner can order. If someone else needs to order on your behalf, you must add them as an authorized user or give them power of attorney over the account.