You can order a checkbook directly from your bank in person, by phone, online, or through the mail—most banks deliver within 7 to 10 business days
The fastest way depends on your bank and account type. Many banks let you order checks online through your account dashboard in minutes. Others require a phone call or a visit to a branch. Some banks charge a fee per box of checks; others include a certain number free each year. If you need checks urgently, ask whether your bank offers expedited shipping or if you can pick up a temporary starter checkbook at a branch the same day.
Before you order, confirm your account number, routing number, and the exact spelling of the name on your account. Banks print these details on your checks, and mistakes mean the checks won't work. If your name or address has changed since you opened the account, update it with the bank first.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you order checks online through your account portal, and delivery takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your account number, routing number, and the exact name on your account before you order.
- Some banks charge per box of checks; others offer a free box per year or per account cycle.
- If you need checks immediately, ask your bank about starter checks or expedited shipping options.
- Third-party check printers often cost less than bank-ordered checks but take longer to arrive.
Ordering checks online through your bank account
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Order Checks," "Reorder Checks," or "Check Services." Most banks place this in the account settings or services menu. Click the link, select the number of boxes you want, and review the preview to confirm your name, address, and account number are correct.
At checkout, you will see the shipping method and cost. Standard delivery is usually free or costs $5 to $10 per box. Expedited options (3 to 5 business days) cost more. After you place the order, the bank sends a confirmation email with a tracking number. Write down the order date and confirmation number in case you need to contact the bank about the shipment.
Ordering by phone or at a branch
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you want to order checks. Have your account number and the name on the account ready. The representative will confirm your mailing address and ask how many boxes you want. They will quote the cost and shipping time, then process the order over the phone.
If you visit a branch in person, bring your debit card or ID. Ask a teller or account representative to order checks for you. Some branches keep starter checks on hand—a small pad of blank checks with your account and routing number printed on them. These are not permanent and usually have a limit on how many you can write, but they work immediately if you need to pay someone before your regular checks arrive.
Understanding check costs and what banks charge
Bank-ordered checks typically cost $15 to $30 per box of 25 or 50 checks, depending on the bank and the style you choose. Some banks offer the first box free with a new account or include a certain number of free boxes per year. Business accounts usually cost more than personal accounts. Premium or oversized checks cost extra.
If cost is a concern, third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart print checks for less—sometimes $5 to $10 per box—but take 2 to 3 weeks to deliver. You provide your account and routing number, and the printer mails the checks to you. These checks are legal and work the same way as bank-ordered checks, but the bank does not verify the order, so double-check your account number before you submit.
What to do if your checks do not arrive on time
If your order is late, log into your account and check the tracking number, or call the bank's customer service line with your order confirmation number. The bank can tell you whether the checks are in transit or if there was a problem with the order. If the shipment is lost, the bank will usually reorder at no charge.
While you wait, ask your bank whether you can use online bill pay or a wire transfer to pay bills instead of checks. Many utilities, landlords, and service providers accept these methods. If you must write a check before your order arrives, ask the bank for a starter checkbook or temporary checks. Some banks will print a small number of checks on the spot at a branch.
Updating your checks when your information changes
If you move, change your name, or close an old account and open a new one, you need new checks with the correct information. Order them the same way you ordered your first box—online, by phone, or at a branch. The bank will print your new address or name on the checks at no extra charge.
If you have old checks with outdated information, do not use them. Checks with the wrong address or name may be rejected by the recipient's bank. Shred or destroy old checks before you throw them away, because they contain your account and routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks after I order them?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you place the order. Expedited shipping (3 to 5 business days) costs extra. Starter checks from a branch may be available the same day, but they are temporary and have limits on how many you can write.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes. Most banks let you order checks as soon as your account is open and active. Some banks include a free box of checks with new accounts. Ask your bank whether this applies to you when you open the account.
What if I order checks but my account number is wrong?
Contact your bank immediately with your order confirmation number. If the checks have not shipped yet, the bank can cancel and reorder with the correct number. If they have already shipped, you will need to order again. Do not use checks with the wrong account number—they will not work.
Are checks from a third-party printer as good as bank checks?
Yes. Third-party printers like Deluxe produce checks that work the same way as bank-ordered checks. They cost less but take longer to arrive. Make sure you provide the correct account and routing number before you order, because the printer does not verify the information the way your bank does.
Do I have to order checks from my bank, or can I use a different bank's checks?
You must use checks printed with your own account and routing number. Using another person's or bank's checks is illegal. Always order checks in your name from your bank or a third-party printer that prints your account information on them.