Your bank, a third-party check printer, or your employer's payroll system are the three places you can order checks
Most people order checks through their bank's website or by calling the number on the back of their debit card. Your bank prints checks with your account number, routing number, and address already on them, and mails them to you within 7 to 10 business days. This is the slowest option but usually the cheapest — many banks include a box of checks free with a checking account, or charge $15 to $30 per box of 100.
If you need checks faster, third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club print and ship in 3 to 5 business days, sometimes overnight. These printers cost less per check than banks do — often $10 to $20 per box of 100 — but you have to enter your account and routing number yourself when you order, which means you must have that information ready. Some employers also let you order checks directly through their payroll system, usually at no cost, though this is less common now.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank is the safest place to order checks because it already has your account details and prints them with security features built in.
- Third-party printers like Deluxe and Costco are faster and cheaper per box, but you must provide your routing and account number yourself when ordering.
- Bank checks usually arrive in 7 to 10 business days; third-party printers typically deliver in 3 to 5 business days or overnight.
- Many banks include one free box of checks with a new account, so check your account terms before paying for an order.
Ordering through your bank's website or phone line
Log into your online banking portal and look for "order checks" or "check supplies" — most banks put this in the account services or settings section. You will see options for check style, quantity, and delivery speed. Your bank already has your account number, routing number, and address on file, so you just select what you want and confirm. Payment is usually charged to your account immediately.
If you do not use online banking, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask to order checks. A representative will walk you through the same choices and confirm your mailing address. Some banks also let you order checks at a branch in person, though this is becoming less common.
Bank checks cost more than third-party options — typically $15 to $30 per box of 100 — but they come with security features like watermarks and microprinting that make them harder to counterfeit. If your account is new or you switched banks, check whether your first box is free; many banks include this as part of account setup.
Ordering from third-party check printers
Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club all print and ship checks directly to you. Go to their website, select "order checks," and enter your routing number and account number when prompted. You will also enter your name and address. Delivery is usually 3 to 5 business days, with overnight shipping available for an extra fee.
Third-party printers cost $10 to $20 per box of 100, roughly half what banks charge. The trade-off is that you must provide your account information yourself, which means you need to know your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of a check, or available from your bank's website) and your account number (the longer code next to it). If you enter either number wrong, the checks will not work.
These printers offer more design options than banks do — colored checks, custom logos, and different fonts — but standard black-and-white checks are the cheapest and fastest to print. Costco and Sam's Club require a membership to order, though the price per box is often lower than Deluxe or Walmart.
How to find your routing and account number
If you are ordering from a third-party printer, you will need both numbers. Your routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of any check you already have, or you can find it on your bank's website by logging into online banking and looking for account details or routing information. Some banks also print it on statements.
Your account number is the longer code next to the routing number on a check, or in your online banking portal under account information. Do not confuse it with your debit card number — they are different. If you are unsure, call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read both numbers to you while you write them down.
Delivery times and rush options
Standard delivery from your bank takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks sooner, third-party printers offer faster shipping: most deliver in 3 to 5 business days, and some offer overnight or 2-day shipping for an extra $10 to $25. A few printers, like Deluxe, also offer same-day or next-day printing in some areas, though this is rare and costs more.
If you are completely out of checks and need to pay a bill immediately, you have other options: you can pay by ACH transfer, debit card, credit card, or digital wallet instead of writing a check. Many utilities, landlords, and service providers accept these methods. If the recipient truly requires a check, ask whether they will accept a mobile check deposit or a printed check image instead.
Security and fraud protection when ordering checks
Ordering through your bank is the safest option because your bank verifies your identity before printing and mailing checks. Your bank also has security measures in place to prevent someone else from ordering checks in your name.
When ordering from a third-party printer, verify that the website is secure — look for "https://" in the address bar and a padlock icon. Do not order checks from an unfamiliar website or one that asks for your password. If you receive checks you did not order, contact your bank immediately and ask them to flag your account.
Once you receive checks, store them in a safe place and do not leave blank checks lying around. Write checks in pen, not pencil, and keep a record of the check numbers you use. If a check is lost or stolen, contact your bank right away so they can watch for it.
What to do if you run out of checks before new ones arrive
If you need to make a payment and your new checks have not arrived yet, you have several faster options. Pay by ACH transfer (also called electronic check or e-check) through your bank's website or bill pay system — this is free and usually processes within 1 to 3 business days. You can also pay by debit card, credit card, or digital wallet like Venmo or PayPal if the recipient accepts them.
Some banks also offer a temporary check number or a printed check image that you can use while you wait for physical checks to arrive. Ask your bank whether this is available on your account. If you absolutely must use a physical check, you can ask your bank to issue a cashier's check, which they print on the spot, though this usually costs $5 to $15 per check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks from my bank and a third-party printer at the same time?
Yes. There is no rule against ordering from both, and many people do this to compare cost and delivery time. Just make sure you do not order more checks than you need — a box of 100 checks can last months or years depending on how often you write them.
What if I enter my routing or account number wrong when ordering from a third-party printer?
The checks will print with the wrong numbers and will not work. Contact the printer immediately and ask whether they can reprint with the correct numbers. Some printers will do this for free if you catch the error before they ship; others charge a reprint fee. Always double-check both numbers before you submit your order.
Do I need to tell my bank I ordered checks from a third-party printer?
No, you do not need to notify your bank. Third-party printers are legitimate businesses, and your bank will accept checks printed by them as long as the routing and account numbers are correct. Your bank does not care where the checks came from.
Are personalized checks with my logo or design more expensive?
Yes, custom designs cost more than standard checks — usually $5 to $10 extra per box. If cost matters, stick with plain black-and-white checks. The design does not affect how the check works; it is purely cosmetic.
What if I never received my checks after two weeks?
Contact the printer or your bank and provide your order number. They can track the shipment and resend if needed. If the checks were lost in the mail, the printer or bank will usually reprint and ship again at no extra charge. Keep your order confirmation email until the checks arrive.