Ordering Personal Checks: A Simple Guide

Quick answer

• Determine if you still need checks by assessing your spending habits.
• If needed, order checks directly from your bank or credit union.
• Alternatively, consider third-party check printers for potentially lower costs.
• Always verify pricing, shipping times, and security features before ordering.
• Keep a record of your check order details for future reference.
• Ensure your bank account information is accurate when placing an order.

Who this is for

• Individuals who still rely on checks for certain payments or transactions.
• People who prefer the tangible record a check provides for their finances.
• Those who haven’t ordered checks in a while and need a refresher on the process.

What to check first (before you act)

Your need for checks

Before ordering, take a moment to assess if you genuinely need personal checks. Many transactions can now be handled digitally. Consider if you frequently pay bills by mail, make payments to individuals who don’t accept digital transfers, or prefer a paper trail for specific expenses. If your use is minimal, you might explore alternatives that are more convenient and secure.

Your current banking relationship

Your primary bank or credit union is the most straightforward place to order checks. They often have a streamlined process, and the checks will be pre-printed with your account information. Familiarize yourself with their ordering procedure, any associated fees, and typical delivery times.

Alternative check printers

Several online companies specialize in printing checks. These third-party vendors can sometimes offer more competitive pricing than banks, especially for bulk orders. However, it’s crucial to research their reputation, security measures, and return policies before committing.

Account and routing numbers

Ensure you have your correct bank account number and routing number readily available. These are essential for ordering checks and must be accurate to avoid errors or delays. You can find these numbers on your existing checks or by logging into your online banking portal.

Delivery timeline

Consider how quickly you need the checks. Banks typically have a standard delivery time, while third-party printers may offer expedited shipping options at an additional cost. Plan accordingly to ensure you have checks when you need them.

Step-by-step (how to get personal checks)

1. Assess your check usage:

• What to do: Review your recent spending and bill payments. Note how many checks you’ve written in the last six months.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of whether checks are still a necessary part of your payment strategy.
• Common mistake: Assuming you need checks without evaluating actual usage. Avoid it by keeping a tally of check payments for a month or two before deciding.

2. Identify your preferred ordering method:

• What to do: Decide if you’ll order through your bank, a credit union, or a third-party printer.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen the method that best balances convenience, cost, and trust for you.
• Common mistake: Not exploring all options and defaulting to the first one encountered. Avoid it by comparing prices and services from at least your bank and one reputable third-party printer.

3. Gather necessary information:

• What to do: Locate your bank account number, routing number, and the address where you want the checks delivered.
• What “good” looks like: You have all the required details ready to input into the ordering form.
• Common mistake: Using outdated account information or an incorrect delivery address. Avoid it by double-checking these details against a recent statement or your bank’s online portal.

4. Contact your bank or credit union (if ordering directly):

• What to do: Visit your bank’s website, log into your online banking, or call customer service. Many banks allow you to reorder checks online.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve initiated the ordering process through your financial institution’s official channels.
• Common mistake: Ordering through unofficial links or phone numbers that appear to be from your bank. Avoid it by always starting from your bank’s official website or app, or by calling the number listed on your bank card.

5. Select your check style and quantity:

• What to do: Choose the design, layout (e.g., single or duplicate), and the number of checkbooks you want.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve selected a style that meets your needs for record-keeping and a quantity that reflects your expected usage.
• Common mistake: Over-ordering basic checks when you might prefer more secure or specialized ones, or vice versa. Avoid it by considering features like security watermarks and the number of lines for payee and amount.

6. Order from a third-party printer (if chosen):

• What to do: Visit the website of a reputable third-party check printer. Follow their ordering instructions, providing your bank details and chosen style.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve completed the order with a company you’ve researched and trust.
• Common mistake: Choosing the cheapest option without verifying the printer’s legitimacy or security practices. Avoid it by reading reviews, checking for secure website indicators (like “https”), and understanding their privacy policy.

7. Review your order details carefully:

• What to do: Before submitting, meticulously check the account number, routing number, delivery address, quantity, and style.
• What “good” looks like: You are confident that every detail is correct and matches your intentions.
• Common mistake: Missing a typo in the account number that could lead to bounced checks or inability to use them. Avoid it by reading each number and word aloud as you verify.

8. Confirm pricing and payment:

• What to do: Understand the total cost, including shipping and any applicable taxes. Ensure you are using a secure payment method.
• What “good” looks like: You are clear on the final amount and comfortable with the transaction.
• Common mistake: Unexpected charges appearing at checkout. Avoid it by looking for a clear breakdown of all costs before entering payment information.

9. Note your order confirmation and expected delivery:

• What to do: Save your order number and note the estimated delivery date.
• What “good” looks like: You have a reference for tracking your order and a reasonable expectation of when it will arrive.
• Common mistake: Losing the confirmation details, making it difficult to track or resolve issues. Avoid it by taking a screenshot or saving the confirmation email immediately.

10. Receive and verify your checks:

• What to do: When the checks arrive, compare them against your order and write a test check to your bank to ensure they function correctly.
• What “good” looks like: The checks are accurate, functional, and match what you ordered.
• Common mistake: Not verifying the checks immediately, leading to problems when you try to use them later. Avoid it by performing a quick verification upon arrival.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ordering from unofficial websites/links	Financial loss, identity theft, or receiving non-functional checks.	Always start from your bank’s official website or use their direct customer service channels.
Incorrect account or routing numbers	Checks will not clear, could be rejected, or funds may go to the wrong account.	Double-check and triple-check these numbers against a bank statement or online banking portal.
Not verifying check security features	Increased risk of check fraud and forgery.	Opt for checks with security features like watermarks, microprinting, and security warnings.
Forgetting to update address for delivery	Checks sent to an old address, lost or stolen, or delayed.	Ensure the delivery address on the order is your current, secure location.
Ordering too few checks	Running out of checks, leading to missed payments or urgent, rushed orders.	Estimate your usage realistically and consider ordering a slightly larger quantity.
Ordering too many checks (if usage is low)	Wasted money and potential security risk if checks are lost or stolen.	Order a conservative amount if your check usage is declining.
Ignoring shipping times	Not having checks when needed, leading to late fees or payment issues.	Factor in delivery time and order well in advance of when you anticipate needing them.
Not checking pricing and fees	Paying more than necessary, especially with third-party printers.	Compare prices, shipping costs, and any hidden fees before completing the purchase.
Using a check style that lacks details	Difficulty in tracking expenses or potential confusion when writing checks.	Choose a layout that provides sufficient space for payee, amount, memo, and date.
Assuming all online printers are reputable	Receiving low-quality checks or falling victim to scams.	Research third-party printers; look for customer reviews and professional website design.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your monthly check usage is zero or less than one, then reconsider ordering new checks because digital payment methods are likely sufficient and more secure.
• If you frequently pay bills by mail, then ordering checks directly from your bank is a good option because it’s convenient and ensures accuracy.
• If you are looking for cost savings and write a moderate to high volume of checks, then comparing prices from reputable third-party printers is advisable because they can offer better bulk discounts.
• If you have a unique business or personal need for specialized check designs, then a third-party printer might offer more customization options than your bank.
• If you need checks urgently, then check with your bank about expedited shipping options or the possibility of picking up a small quantity in person, as third-party printers may have longer standard delivery times.
• If you are concerned about check fraud, then prioritize ordering checks with advanced security features, regardless of the ordering source.
• If you are unsure about your bank’s specific ordering process, then call their customer service line or visit a local branch for direct assistance.
• If you have recently changed banks, then ensure you are ordering checks for your new account number and routing number, not an old one.
• If you are ordering from a third-party printer for the first time, then start with a smaller quantity to test their quality and service before committing to a large order.
• If you prefer a detailed paper trail for every transaction, then ordering duplicate checks (which provide a carbon copy) is a good idea for enhanced record-keeping.
• If you are ordering checks online, then always look for “https” in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar to ensure a secure connection.
• If you are ordering checks for a business, then ensure you use business checks with appropriate business account information and design elements.

FAQ

How long does it take to get personal checks?

Delivery times vary. Checks ordered through your bank typically take 5-10 business days. Third-party printers may have similar standard times, with expedited options available for an extra fee.

Can I order checks online?

Yes, most banks allow you to reorder checks through their online banking portal. Many reputable third-party companies also offer online ordering.

What information do I need to order checks?

You will need your bank account number, your bank’s routing number, and the delivery address. Some printers might also ask for your driver’s license or state ID for verification.

Are third-party check printers safe?

Reputable third-party printers are generally safe, but it’s crucial to research them. Look for established companies with good reviews and secure websites. Avoid unfamiliar or unusually cheap options.

What if my checks have errors?

If you receive checks with errors, contact your bank or the check printer immediately. They should rectify the mistake and provide correct checks at no additional cost.

How much do personal checks cost?

The cost varies. Bank-ordered checks can range from $15 to $30 or more for a box of 100-200. Third-party printers may offer boxes for $10-$25, with prices decreasing for larger quantities.

Can I get checks printed with a specific design?

Yes, both banks and third-party printers offer various designs, from simple to elaborate. Third-party printers often have a wider selection of customizable options.

What are duplicate checks?

Duplicate checks are a type of checkbook where each check has a carbonless copy (or duplicate) behind it. This provides an immediate record of the check you wrote, which is useful for record-keeping.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Digital Payment Alternatives: Explore options like Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, bill pay services, and direct bank transfers if you’re considering reducing check usage.
• Check Cashing Services: Information on where and how to cash checks if you do not have a bank account.
• Business or Specialty Checks: Specific requirements and ordering processes for business accounts, non-profit organizations, or other specialized check types.
• Fraud Prevention Beyond Ordering: Deeper dives into protecting yourself from check fraud once you have checks in hand, such as endorsement best practices and monitoring your accounts.
• Budgeting and Financial Planning: How to incorporate check expenses into your overall budget and long-term financial goals.