Yes, you can order checks directly from your bank
Most banks that hold savings accounts will print and mail checks to you at no cost or for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15 per box of 25 checks. You do not need a checking account — the checks draw directly from your savings account balance. The process takes 7 to 14 business days by mail, though some banks offer rush printing for an extra fee.
The catch is that not every bank treats this the same way. Some will print checks for savings accounts without hesitation. Others limit it or charge more. A few will not do it at all and will instead direct you to open a checking account or use a cashier's check instead. Your first step is to contact your bank directly — by phone, in person, or through their website — and ask whether they print checks on savings accounts and what the cost is.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks will print checks on savings accounts for $5 to $15 per box, delivered in 7 to 14 business days.
- Some banks refuse to print checks on savings accounts and will offer a cashier's check or money order as an alternative instead.
- You can usually order checks through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service.
- If your bank will not print checks on savings, a cashier's check costs $5 to $10 and clears the same day you request it.
How to order checks from your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called "Order Checks," "Check Services," or "Checks and Forms." Most banks put this under Account Services or a similar menu. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask to order checks on your savings account.
When you order, you will need to confirm your account number, the name the account is registered under, and your mailing address. Some banks let you choose the check design and starting check number. After you place the order, the bank will send a confirmation email with a tracking number. Write down the expected delivery date — if checks do not arrive within that window, contact the bank to investigate.
If you need checks faster than 7 to 14 days, ask whether your bank offers expedited or rush printing. This usually costs $15 to $25 extra and cuts the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. A few banks can print checks same-day if you visit a branch in person, though this is less common.
What to do if your bank will not print checks on savings
Some banks, particularly online-only banks and credit unions, do not print checks on savings accounts as a standard practice. If your bank refuses, you have two main alternatives: open a checking account with them, or get a cashier's check instead.
A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees with its own funds. It costs $5 to $10, is available the same day you request it, and clears faster than a personal check because the recipient knows the bank stands behind it. You can get a cashier's check by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or sometimes through the mobile app. You will need to tell the bank the amount, who the check should be made out to, and provide your account number so they can debit the funds.
A money order is another option if you need a may provide payment method. You can buy one at your bank, post office, grocery store, or pharmacy for $1 to $5. Money orders work the same way as cashier's checks but are smaller and less formal — they are better for bills or small payments than for large transactions.
Fees and what they cover
Standard check printing on a savings account usually costs $5 to $15 per box of 25 checks. Some banks waive this fee if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or hold multiple accounts with them. A few banks charge nothing at all. Ask your bank whether any of these waivers apply to you before you order.
Rush or expedited printing adds $15 to $25 to the cost. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $10 each and are charged at the time you request them. If you order checks and they arrive damaged or with errors, the bank will usually reprint them for free.
How long checks take to arrive and what to do if they do not
Standard delivery is 7 to 14 business days from the date you order. This timeline assumes the bank processes your order within one business day and the postal service delivers on schedule. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so an order placed on a Friday may not ship until the following Monday.
If your checks do not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact your bank's customer service with your order confirmation number. They can check the shipping status and, if the checks are lost, reprint and expedite a replacement box at no extra charge. Keep your confirmation email until the checks arrive — it contains the tracking information you will need.
If you need to write checks before they arrive, ask your bank whether they can print temporary checks or provide you with a temporary check number you can use. Not all banks offer this, but some do.
Using checks from a savings account
Once you have checks, use them the same way you would use checks from a checking account. Write the date, payee name, amount in words and numbers, and sign the check. The funds come directly from your savings account balance, so make sure you have enough money to cover the check before you write it.
Keep in mind that some businesses or landlords may ask which account type the check is drawn from. Most will not care — a check is a check. But if someone questions it, you can simply tell them it is drawn on your savings account. The check will clear the same way either way, usually within 1 to 3 business days depending on the recipient's bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank charge me every time I order checks?
Most banks charge once per box of 25 checks, not per individual check. So if you order one box, you pay $5 to $15. If you order three boxes at the same time, you typically pay the same fee three times. Some banks offer discounts for ordering multiple boxes together.
Can I order checks online or do I have to go to a branch?
Most banks let you order checks through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. If you cannot find the option online, call customer service. In-person ordering at a branch is usually an option too, but it is not necessary for standard orders.
What if I write a check but do not have enough money in my savings account?
The check will bounce, and you will likely face a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee from your bank, usually $25 to $35. The recipient may also charge you a returned check fee. Always confirm your balance before writing a check.
Do checks from a savings account clear slower than checks from a checking account?
No. The clearing time depends on the recipient's bank, not on whether the check is drawn from savings or checking. Most checks clear within 1 to 3 business days regardless of the account type.
Can I reorder the same checks if I run out?
Yes. You can place a new order anytime through your bank's website or by calling customer service. If you order the same design and starting number, the new box will continue from where the last one ended.