What a bank check is and how to order one

A bank check is a written order from your bank that tells the recipient's bank to pay them money from your account. You write the check by hand, sign it, and give it to someone. When they deposit it, their bank sends it to your bank, your bank verifies the signature and balance, and the money moves from your account to theirs. Checks are slower than digital payments—typically three to five business days—but they work when the recipient doesn't have a digital payment method or when you need a paper record.

You get checks by ordering them from your bank. Most banks offer this through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Some banks include a starter set of checks free when you open an account; after that, you pay for additional orders. The cost varies by bank and check style, usually between $10 and $30 per box of 25 or 50 checks.

Key Takeaways

  • Order checks through your bank's website, app, or phone line; most banks process orders within one to two business days.
  • Checks take three to five business days to arrive by mail, or one to two days if you pay for expedited shipping.
  • You can get checks printed with your name, address, and account number, or order blank checks and fill in the details yourself.
  • If you need a check immediately, ask your bank whether they offer counter checks (blank checks you can pick up in person) or cashier's checks (checks the bank writes and guarantees).

Ordering checks online or by phone

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "order checks" or "check services" in the account settings or services menu. You'll select the check style (color, design, layout), confirm your account number and routing number are correct, and enter a shipping address. Most banks let you order from their own printer or from a third-party vendor like Deluxe or Harland Financial Solutions; the bank's option is usually faster and cheaper.

If you prefer to order by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative will verify your identity, confirm the details, and process the order. Shipping typically takes five to ten business days for standard mail, or one to three days if you pay extra for expedited delivery. Some banks charge $5 to $10 for rush shipping.

Before you order, check whether your bank offers duplicate checks (each check has a carbon copy attached) or single checks (no copy). Duplicate checks cost more but give you a record of what you wrote without having to keep a separate register.

Getting checks immediately: counter checks and cashier's checks

If you need a check today, visit a branch in person and ask for counter checks. These are temporary blank checks printed by the bank on the spot. They have your account and routing number but no personalized design. Counter checks work exactly like regular checks—the recipient deposits them and the money clears from your account—but they're not ideal for regular use because they look temporary and some businesses hesitate to accept them. Most banks give you a small pad of counter checks free; if you need more, they may charge $5 to $10.

A cashier's check is different: the bank writes the check itself and guarantees the funds. You give the bank the amount you want to send, they print a check in that amount, and you hand it to the recipient. Cashier's checks are safer for large payments because the recipient knows the money is already set aside. They cost $5 to $15 per check and are available same-day at any branch. You'll need to show ID and have the funds in your account.

What information appears on your checks

When you order personalized checks, the bank prints your name, address, phone number, and account number in the top left corner. Your routing number and account number also appear at the bottom in magnetic ink (MICR format) so banks can process them electronically. You choose whether to include your phone number and address; leaving them off is fine and slightly cheaper.

The check itself has spaces for the date, the recipient's name (the "pay to the order of" line), the amount in numbers and words, a memo line for notes, and your signature line. You fill these in by hand when you write the check. Never sign a blank check or leave the amount blank—if it's lost or stolen, someone can fill in any amount.

Costs and what to expect

A standard box of 25 checks costs $10 to $20 from most banks; a box of 50 costs $15 to $30. Some banks charge less if you order directly through their printer rather than a third-party vendor. A few banks—usually online-only banks or those with very low fees—offer free checks to account holders, so check your bank's website first.

Cashier's checks and counter checks are separate. Counter checks are usually free in small quantities; cashier's checks run $5 to $15 each. Expedited shipping adds $5 to $15 to a regular check order. If you write a lot of checks, the cost per check is small; if you rarely use them, ordering a single box may not be worth it—consider using a digital payment method instead.

When checks don't arrive or are damaged

If your checks don't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank's customer service with your order number. They can track the shipment or reissue the order at no charge. If checks arrive damaged or misprinted, call the bank immediately; they'll send a replacement order and may refund the original shipping cost.

If checks are lost or stolen in the mail, notify your bank right away. Ask them to flag your account and watch for fraudulent checks. You can also file a claim with the postal service if the checks were mailed through USPS. Your bank may reissue the checks at no charge if they were lost before delivery.

Alternatives to ordering checks

If you rarely write checks, consider whether you actually need them. ACH transfers (electronic bank-to-bank transfers) are free, take one to three business days, and work for most bill payments. Wire transfers are faster (same-day or next-day) but cost $15 to $30 and are best for large or urgent payments. Digital wallets like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle move money instantly between people and are free for most transfers.

If you need to send money to a business that doesn't accept digital payments, ask whether they take money orders instead. Money orders cost $1 to $5, are available at post offices and grocery stores, and work like checks but are prepaid (the recipient knows the money is there). For very large payments or when you need a may provide payment, a cashier's check is still the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get checks after I order them?

Standard delivery takes five to ten business days by mail. Expedited shipping cuts this to one to three business days and costs extra. If you need checks today, visit a branch for counter checks or order a cashier's check.

Can I order checks from somewhere other than my bank?

Yes. Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Harland, and Costco print checks for less than some banks charge. You'll need your routing number and account number. These checks work exactly like bank-printed checks, but delivery may take longer.

What happens if someone steals a blank check I wrote?

Contact your bank immediately and tell them the check number. Ask them to watch for it and flag your account. If the check is cashed fraudulently, your bank should reverse the charge under fraud protection, though this can take two to four weeks to investigate.

Do I need checks if I have online banking?

No. Most bills can be paid through ACH transfer, wire transfer, or the biller's website. Checks are only necessary if you're paying someone who doesn't accept digital payments or if you need a paper record for a specific reason.

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

No. Once you close an account, checks drawn on it will bounce. Order new checks for your new account before you close the old one, or use digital payments in the meantime.