You order checks through your bank, either online, by phone, or in person at a branch

Most banks let you request checks directly from their website—log into your account, find the "order checks" or "check services" section, and follow the form. You'll choose how many checks you want (usually in packs of 25 or 50), confirm your account number and routing number are correct, and pay a fee that typically ranges from $10 to $30 per pack, depending on the bank and check style you pick. Some banks offer free checks to certain account holders, so check your account terms first.

If you don't want to order online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for checks by phone. You'll need to verify your identity and provide the same information—account number, routing number, and how many checks you want. A few banks still let you order in person at a branch, though this is less common now.

Checks usually arrive within 7 to 14 business days, though expedited shipping is sometimes available for an extra fee. Some banks print checks in-house and can deliver them faster; others use a third-party printer. Ask your bank about their timeline when you order.

Key Takeaways

  • Order checks through your bank's website, by phone, or at a branch—most banks charge $10 to $30 per pack.
  • You need to confirm your account number and routing number are printed correctly on the checks before you use them.
  • Checks arrive in 7 to 14 business days under standard shipping; ask about expedited options if you need them sooner.
  • Write the date, payee name, amount in words and numbers, and your signature on every check, or the bank will not process it.
  • Keep a record of which checks you've written and to whom, because the bank does not track this for you.

What information appears on your checks

Your checks print with your name, address, account number, and routing number already on them. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your account within that bank. Both are essential for the check to work. When you order, verify that your address is current—if you've moved, update it in your bank account before ordering, or the checks will print with an old address.

You can also choose check designs and add a logo or image, though these options usually cost more. Standard checks are cheapest. Some banks offer duplicate checks (a carbon copy stays in your checkbook so you have a record) or checks with extra security features like watermarks or microprinting to prevent fraud.

How to write and sign a check

A check has several blanks you must fill in every time you write one. Start with the date in the top right corner—use today's date or a future date if you want the check to be cashed later (called post-dating). Write the name of the person or business you're paying on the line that says "Pay to the order of."

Write the dollar amount twice: once in numbers in the box on the right side of the check, and once in words on the long line below the payee name. For example, if you're paying $150.50, write "150.50" in the box and "One hundred fifty and 50/100" on the line. The words version is what the bank uses if there's a discrepancy between the two.

Sign the check in the bottom right corner with your signature. Do not sign a blank check or a check made out to "cash"—anyone who finds it can cash it. Write a memo in the small line at the bottom left if you want to note what the payment is for (like "rent" or "invoice #1234"), but this is optional.

When checks clear and how long it takes

When you give someone a check, they deposit it at their bank. That bank then sends it to a clearing house, which routes it to your bank. Your bank verifies the signature, checks that you have enough money in the account, and deducts the amount. This process is called clearing, and it typically takes 1 to 3 business days, though it can take longer if the check is deposited at a different bank or on a weekend.

Until the check clears, the money is still in your account, even though you've written it away. Once it clears, the money is gone. If you write a check for more than you have in your account, the bank will bounce the check—refuse to pay it—and charge you an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35). The person you wrote the check to will also be notified that it bounced, and they may charge you a returned-check fee as well.

Some banks offer overdraft protection, which automatically transfers money from a savings account or credit line to cover a bounced check. This prevents the bounce but may still charge a fee. Ask your bank whether you have this feature and how much it costs.

Keeping track of checks you've written

Your bank does not track which checks you've written or to whom. You are responsible for recording each check in a check register—a small booklet that comes with your checks, or a spreadsheet or app you keep yourself. Write down the check number, date, payee name, amount, and what it was for. Subtract the amount from your running balance so you always know how much money you have left.

This matters because checks can take several days to clear. If you write check #101 for $200 on Monday and check #102 for $150 on Tuesday, but check #101 doesn't clear until Thursday, your account balance will be wrong if you don't track both. Keeping a register prevents you from accidentally overdrawing.

Many people now use online banking to see which checks have cleared, but this only shows you what the bank has processed—not what you've written but hasn't arrived yet. A register is still the most reliable way to stay on top of your balance.

Stopping payment on a check

If you write a check and then realize you made a mistake—wrong amount, wrong payee, or you want to cancel the payment—you can ask your bank to stop payment on it. Call your bank immediately and provide the check number, date, payee name, and amount. The bank will place a hold on that check so it won't be paid if it's deposited.

Stop payment is not free. Most banks charge $25 to $35 per check. The hold lasts 6 months, so if the check is never deposited, the money stays in your account. If the check is deposited before you call, the stop payment won't work—the money will already be gone, and you'll have to recover it from the payee directly or through a dispute.

Stop payment is a last resort. It's faster and cheaper to contact the person you wrote the check to and ask them to destroy it or return it. If they've already cashed it, stop payment won't help.

Alternatives to checks

Checks are slower and require more record-keeping than other payment methods. If you're paying a bill, ask whether the company accepts ACH transfers (electronic transfers from your bank account) or automatic bill pay through your bank's website. Both are faster, free, and leave a digital record.

For paying a person, consider a peer-to-peer transfer through apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle, which move money in minutes. For large payments or formal transactions, some people use a cashier's check (a check the bank itself writes and guarantees) or a money order, both of which are safer than a personal check because they're backed by the bank or post office.

Checks are still useful for paying rent, making donations, or paying contractors who don't accept digital payments. But for most everyday bills and transfers, electronic methods are faster and simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use checks from an old account after I close it?

No. Once you close an account, any checks written on it will bounce. If you have old checks left over, destroy them. If you've already given some out, contact your bank and ask them to stop payment on the old account number so nothing can be cashed.

What happens if someone forges my signature on a check?

Report it to your bank immediately. The bank is responsible for verifying signatures, and if they cash a forged check, they must refund the money to your account. Provide the bank with the forged check and a written statement that you did not sign it. The bank will investigate and reverse the charge within 10 business days.

Can I write a check to myself?

Yes. Write your name on the "Pay to the order of" line, sign it, and deposit it at your bank like any other check. This is sometimes used to transfer money between your own accounts at different banks, though an ACH transfer or wire transfer is usually faster.

Do I need to keep cancelled checks after the bank returns them?

Most banks no longer return physical cancelled checks—they keep them digitally. You can request images of cleared checks through your online banking portal if you need proof of payment. Keep your check register and bank statements for your records instead.

What if a check I wrote is lost or stolen before it's cashed?

Call your bank and place a stop payment on it, or wait 6 months and the check will expire. If someone finds it and tries to cash it after 6 months, the bank will reject it. If it's cashed before expiration, you'll need to dispute it with your bank as a forged or unauthorized check.