Cost of Ordering a New Checkbook

Quick answer

• Checkbook costs vary widely, typically ranging from $15 to $50 or more for a box of checks.
• Your bank is usually the cheapest option for ordering new checks.
• Online check printers can sometimes offer lower prices, especially for bulk orders.
• Look for discounts, coupon codes, or special offers from check printers.
• Consider the number of checks per box and the design complexity, as these impact price.
• Factor in shipping costs, which can add to the total price.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to reorder checks for their personal or business checking account.
• Anyone looking to understand the typical expenses associated with maintaining a checking account beyond monthly fees.
• People who want to find the most cost-effective way to purchase new checks.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before ordering, clarify your immediate need for checks. Do you have only a few left, or are you completely out? This will help you decide if you need rush shipping or if a standard delivery is acceptable. Consider how long your current checks are likely to last based on your spending habits.

Current cash flow

Review your recent bank statements and your budget. Are you in a strong cash flow position, or are funds tight? This might influence whether you opt for a basic, less expensive check design or consider splurging on a more personalized one. Understanding your financial situation ensures you make a purchase you can comfortably afford.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund. Ordering checks is a relatively small expense, but it’s wise to confirm that this purchase won’t strain your ability to cover unexpected costs. A healthy emergency fund provides peace of mind, allowing you to handle necessary expenses without worry.

Debt and interest rates

While ordering checks doesn’t directly involve debt, it’s a good time to assess your overall financial health. If you have high-interest debt, prioritize paying that down before making non-essential upgrades to your checks. Understanding your debt obligations helps in making informed spending decisions.

Credit impact

Ordering checks from your bank or a reputable online vendor typically has no direct impact on your credit score. However, if you were to fall behind on payments related to a checking account or overdraft, that could negatively affect your credit. Keep your account in good standing.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Determine your check needs

• What to do: Count the number of checks you currently have left. Estimate how many checks you’ll need for the next 6-12 months based on your typical usage.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of how many checks you need to order.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering too few checks and having to reorder sooner than expected. Avoid this by estimating your usage for a longer period.

Step 2: Identify your current bank or credit union

• What to do: Locate your bank’s name and the specific checking account for which you need checks.
• What “good” looks like: You know exactly which financial institution holds your account.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering checks for the wrong account. Avoid this by double-checking the account number and bank name before proceeding.

Step 3: Check your bank’s ordering options and pricing

• What to do: Visit your bank’s website or contact them directly to inquire about ordering new checks. Ask about their standard pricing, available designs, and delivery times.
• What “good” looks like: You have a price quote from your bank and understand their process.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming your bank is the cheapest without checking. Avoid this by comparing their prices to other options.

Step 4: Explore online check printers

• What to do: Search for reputable online check printing companies. Compare their prices for similar quantities and designs as your bank offers. Look for customer reviews.
• What “good” looks like: You have a few price comparisons from online vendors.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Falling for a seemingly low advertised price without checking for hidden fees or shipping costs. Avoid this by reading all the fine print.

Step 5: Look for discounts and coupon codes

• What to do: Before purchasing from any vendor (bank or online), search for discount codes or promotional offers. Many online printers frequently offer first-time customer discounts or seasonal sales.
• What “good” looks like: You find a discount that reduces the overall cost of your order.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to apply a coupon code before finalizing the purchase. Avoid this by always looking for and entering codes at checkout.

Step 6: Compare check features and quantities

• What to do: Most vendors offer checks in quantities like 100, 200, or 400. Consider if you want basic, single-part checks or duplicate (carbonless) checks. Note any extra security features.
• What “good” looks like: You understand the different types of checks and quantities available and choose what best suits your needs.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering the wrong type of check (e.g., duplicates when you don’t need them) or a quantity that won’t last. Avoid this by clearly defining your needs first.

Step 7: Factor in shipping and handling

• What to do: Always include shipping and handling fees in your total cost calculation. Expedited shipping can significantly increase the price.
• What “good” looks like: You know the final price including all fees.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Underestimating the total cost because shipping fees were overlooked. Avoid this by looking for the total amount due before payment.

Step 8: Place your order

• What to do: Once you’ve compared options and found the best value, proceed with placing your order through your chosen vendor. You’ll typically need your bank account number and routing number.
• What “good” looks like: Your order is confirmed, and you have an estimated delivery date.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Entering incorrect banking information, which can delay or invalidate your order. Avoid this by carefully reviewing all entered details before submitting.

Step 9: Track your delivery

• What to do: If a tracking number is provided, use it to monitor the progress of your check delivery.
• What “good” looks like: You know when to expect your checks and can plan accordingly.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not tracking the order and missing the delivery, potentially leading to delays or lost checks. Avoid this by keeping an eye on the tracking information.

Step 10: Verify the checks upon arrival

• What to do: When you receive your checks, carefully review them to ensure all your information (name, address, account number) is correct and that there are no printing errors.
• What “good” looks like: Your new checks are accurate and ready to use.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not checking for errors, then discovering a mistake when trying to use a check, causing inconvenience or potential rejection. Avoid this by inspecting them thoroughly upon receipt.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ordering from the first vendor you see	Paying more than necessary due to lack of comparison shopping.	Compare prices from your bank and at least two reputable online check printers.
Forgetting to look for coupon codes	Missing out on potential savings, increasing the overall cost of your checks.	Always search for “check printer coupon codes” or check the vendor’s site for promotions before buying.
Not checking shipping costs	Being surprised by a higher total price than expected, especially with expedited shipping.	Always add shipping and handling fees to the base price of the checks for an accurate total cost.
Ordering the wrong quantity	Running out of checks too quickly or overpaying for more than you’ll use in a reasonable timeframe.	Estimate your monthly check usage and multiply by 12 for a year’s supply, then choose the closest quantity package.
Choosing duplicate checks unnecessarily	Paying extra for features you don’t need, as duplicate checks are usually more expensive.	Only opt for duplicate checks if you need a physical copy for your records; otherwise, choose single checks.
Not verifying account and routing numbers	Receiving checks with incorrect information, rendering them unusable and requiring a reorder.	Double-check your bank statement or online banking portal for the correct account and routing numbers before submitting an order.
Ignoring delivery times	Running out of checks and facing a gap in your ability to pay by check, potentially causing late payments.	Note the estimated delivery time and order well in advance of running out of your current checks.
Buying overly elaborate or custom designs	Spending significantly more on checks that function the same as basic designs.	Stick to standard or moderately priced designs unless the extra cost is justified by your budget and preference.
Not checking vendor reviews	Purchasing from an unreliable vendor, leading to poor quality, delayed delivery, or even scams.	Read customer reviews on independent sites before ordering from an online check printer.
Assuming bank checks are always cheapest	Overpaying because you didn’t explore potentially more affordable online alternatives.	Always compare your bank’s prices with those of reputable online check printers.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need checks urgently, then prioritize vendors with expedited shipping options, even if they cost more, because a gap in check availability can lead to late payments.
• If you have a business account, then check if your bank offers business-specific check designs and security features, because these are often tailored for professional use.
• If you find a significantly lower price online, then verify the vendor’s reputation and read customer reviews before ordering, because extremely low prices can sometimes indicate lower quality or a less reputable company.
• If you are ordering for the first time from an online printer, then look for a “first-time customer discount” or promo code, because these are commonly offered and can reduce your cost.
• If you use checks infrequently, then order a smaller quantity (e.g., 100 or 200 checks), because this prevents you from overpaying for checks you might not use before they become outdated or you change accounts.
• If you use checks very frequently, then consider ordering a larger quantity (e.g., 400 checks), because the per-check cost is often lower in bulk, and it reduces the frequency of reordering.
• If your bank offers online ordering with no additional fees, then compare that price to online printers, because this can sometimes be the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• If you are concerned about check security, then look for checks with advanced security features like microprinting or thermochromic ink, because these offer greater protection against fraud, though they may cost more.
• If you want to personalize your checks, then consider the added cost of custom designs, because elaborate graphics or photos can increase the price significantly.
• If you are unsure about your account and routing numbers, then check your bank’s website or a recent statement, because ordering with incorrect numbers will invalidate the checks and require a reorder.
• If you are comparing prices, then always calculate the total cost including shipping and any potential handling fees, because the advertised price of the checks alone can be misleading.
• If you have a joint account, then ensure the name and address on the checks will be appropriate for all account holders, because checks are often printed with the primary account holder’s details.

FAQ

How much does a standard box of checks typically cost?

A standard box of checks, usually containing 100-200 checks, can range from about $15 to $50 or more, depending on the vendor and design.

Is ordering checks from my bank the cheapest option?

Not always. While convenient, your bank may not always offer the lowest prices. Reputable online check printers often provide more competitive rates, especially for bulk orders.

What are the cheapest types of checks to order?

Basic, plain white checks with minimal design elements are generally the least expensive. Avoid custom graphics, photos, or special security features if cost is your primary concern.

Can I order checks online from companies other than my bank?

Yes, many third-party online check printers specialize in producing checks for various banks. Ensure they are reputable and compatible with your bank’s system.

How long does it take to receive new checks?

Standard delivery typically takes 7-14 business days. Expedited shipping options are usually available for an additional fee, which can shorten the delivery time to a few business days.

What information do I need to order checks?

You will need your bank’s routing number, your checking account number, and your name and address as you want them to appear on the checks.

Are there any hidden fees when ordering checks online?

Be mindful of potential shipping and handling fees, processing fees, or charges for duplicate checks. Always review the final order summary before payment.

Can I get duplicate checks (with carbon copies)?

Yes, most vendors offer duplicate checks, which provide a copy of each check written. These typically cost more than single checks.

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

• Business check ordering: This guide focuses on personal checks. Business checks may have different ordering processes, security features, and pricing structures.
• Check fraud prevention details: While basic security features are mentioned, a deep dive into advanced anti-fraud measures for checks is not included.
• Checkless banking solutions: This article assumes you still use physical checks. For information on digital payment methods or accounts that minimize check usage, explore digital banking resources.
• Opening or managing a checking account: The process of selecting a bank, opening an account, or understanding account fees is outside the scope of this guide.