Finding Affordable Options for Ordering Checks

Quick answer

• Compare prices from multiple sources before ordering.
• Look for online check printers that specialize in bulk orders.
• Consider using digital payment methods to reduce check reliance.
• Check if your bank offers any discounts or bundled services for checks.
• Review your check usage to determine the quantity you truly need.
• Look for coupon codes or promotional offers from check providers.

Who this is for

• Individuals who write checks regularly for bills or personal transactions.
• Small business owners who need to issue checks to vendors or employees.
• Anyone looking to reduce the cost associated with purchasing new checkbooks.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Check Needs and Timeline

Before you start shopping for cheap checks, take a moment to assess how many checks you actually need and when you’ll need them by. Ordering too many can lead to wasted money if your financial situation or needs change. Conversely, ordering too few can mean paying higher per-check prices or facing a rush order fee.

Current Cash Flow and Budget

Understand your current financial situation. How much can you comfortably allocate to ordering checks without straining your budget? This assessment will help you determine a realistic price range and avoid overspending on this particular expense.

Emergency Fund or Safety Buffer

While ordering checks is a recurring expense, ensure it doesn’t detract from your essential emergency savings. A robust emergency fund should be your priority. If your emergency fund is lacking, consider delaying a large check order or opting for the most basic, affordable option available.

Existing Debt and Interest Rates

If you have high-interest debt, prioritizing its repayment is almost always a better financial move than seeking the absolute cheapest checks. The money saved on checks will likely be dwarfed by the interest you pay on debt. Focus on high-interest debt reduction first.

Credit Impact

Ordering checks generally has no direct impact on your credit score. However, if you’re ordering from a new vendor, ensure they are reputable. Bouncing checks due to insufficient funds, which might happen if you mismanage your finances while trying to save on check costs, can negatively affect your credit and incur fees.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Assess your check usage: Count how many checks you’ve used in the last 6-12 months.

• What “good” looks like: A clear understanding of your annual or semi-annual check needs.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming you need the same number as last time. Avoid this by actually counting or reviewing your check register.

2. Determine your quantity: Based on usage, decide if you need a small pack, a large pack, or a custom amount.

• What “good” looks like: A specific number of checks (e.g., 100, 200, 500) that aligns with your estimated usage.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering the standard 2-box set from your bank without considering if you need that many. Avoid this by comparing quantities and prices per check.

3. Check your bank’s pricing: Contact your current bank or log into your online banking portal to see their prices for new checks.

• What “good” looks like: Knowing your bank’s standard pricing for the quantity you need.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming your bank’s price is the best. Avoid this by getting their quote and then looking elsewhere.

4. Research online check printers: Search for reputable online companies that specialize in printing checks.

• What “good” looks like: A list of 3-5 potential online vendors with clear pricing structures.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Only looking at the first search result. Avoid this by comparing several options to find the best value.

5. Compare prices per check: For each vendor, calculate the cost per check (total price divided by the number of checks).

• What “good” looks like: A clear comparison chart or list showing the per-check cost from different sources.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Comparing total prices without accounting for different quantities. Avoid this by standardizing the quantity for comparison.

6. Look for discounts and coupons: Many online printers offer first-time customer discounts, coupon codes, or seasonal sales.

• What “good” looks like: Finding and applying a discount code that lowers the overall cost.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to search for coupon codes before checkout. Avoid this by doing a quick web search for “[Vendor Name] coupon code” before finalizing your order.

7. Factor in shipping costs and time: Check the shipping fees and estimated delivery times for each vendor.

• What “good” looks like: Understanding the total cost including shipping and knowing when you’ll receive your checks.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not accounting for shipping, which can significantly increase the “cheap” price. Avoid this by always adding shipping to your cost comparison.

8. Consider check features and styles: Basic, plain checks are usually the cheapest. Fancy designs or extra security features can add to the cost.

• What “good” looks like: Choosing a style that meets your needs without unnecessary embellishments.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Opting for a premium design that adds significant cost. Avoid this by sticking to standard options unless a specific feature is essential.

9. Read reviews: Check customer reviews for quality, accuracy, and customer service.

• What “good” looks like: Choosing a vendor with consistently positive reviews regarding product quality and service.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Ignoring reviews and ending up with poor-quality checks or a bad experience. Avoid this by spending a few minutes reading feedback.

10. Place your order: Once you’ve identified the best option, proceed with ordering your checks, ensuring all your information is accurate.

• What “good” looks like: A confirmation email with all order details and a clear delivery estimate.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Typos in your name, address, or account number. Avoid this by carefully proofreading all information before submitting.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not comparing prices	Overpaying for checks, wasting money that could be used elsewhere.	Always get quotes from at least 2-3 different providers.
Ordering too many checks	Unused checks can become obsolete if your bank account number changes or if you switch financial institutions.	Accurately assess your usage and order only what you realistically need for the next 6-12 months.
Ordering too few checks	May result in paying higher per-check prices for smaller quantities or needing to reorder more frequently.	Balance quantity with usage; bulk discounts are often available for larger orders.
Forgetting to check for coupons/discounts	Missing out on savings, leading to a higher overall cost for your checks.	Always search for promotional codes or “new customer” discounts before completing your purchase.
Ignoring shipping costs	The advertised low price of checks can be significantly increased by high shipping fees, negating savings.	Always factor shipping costs into your total price comparison.
Opting for fancy designs/features	Unnecessary aesthetic choices or security features can drive up the cost significantly.	Stick to basic, standard check designs unless specific features are critical for your needs.
Not verifying vendor reputation	Risk of receiving poor-quality checks, experiencing delivery issues, or dealing with poor customer service.	Read customer reviews and choose well-established, reputable online check printers.
Rushing the order	Can lead to errors in information, missed deadlines, and potentially rush fees.	Plan ahead and allow ample time for ordering and delivery, proofreading all details carefully.
Relying solely on bank pricing	Banks often have higher overhead and may not offer the most competitive prices compared to specialized online printers.	Treat your bank’s price as one option among many; explore dedicated online check printing services.
Not considering digital alternatives	Continuing to pay for checks when more cost-effective digital payment methods could suffice for many transactions.	Evaluate if digital payments (ACH, Zelle, online bill pay) can replace some check needs.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your check usage is very low (less than 25 checks per year), then consider using digital payment methods more often because ordering small quantities of checks can be expensive per check.
• If you are a small business with high check volume, then prioritize bulk discounts from online printers because the per-check savings will be substantial.
• If you need checks urgently, then check your bank’s rush order options and fees, but also compare them to online printers’ expedited shipping costs because sometimes one is faster or cheaper than the other.
• If you are a first-time customer with an online check printer, then look for introductory offers or coupon codes because these can significantly reduce your initial order cost.
• If your bank account number or routing number is likely to change soon, then order only a small quantity of checks because you won’t want to waste money on outdated checks.
• If you have high-interest debt, then consider delaying a large check order and putting that money towards debt repayment because the interest saved will likely be more than the cost of the checks.
• If you are looking for custom designs or special security features, then be prepared to pay a premium because these add-ons increase production costs.
• If you are unsure about the quality of an online printer, then order a small quantity first to test their product before committing to a large order.
• If your budget is very tight, then opt for the most basic, no-frills check design available because these are typically the least expensive.
• If you frequently pay bills online through your bank’s bill pay service, then you may not need physical checks as often, so reassess your actual need for them.

FAQ

How much do checks typically cost?

The cost of checks can vary widely, from a few dollars for a small pack of basic checks at a discount store to $30 or more for a larger quantity of personalized checks from a bank. Online printers often offer the best value, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 for 100-500 checks, depending on features.

Are online check printers safe to use?

Reputable online check printers are generally safe to use. They typically use secure websites for transactions and have been in business for a while. It’s wise to check reviews and ensure they have clear privacy policies.

Can I order checks directly from my bank?

Yes, you can almost always order checks directly from your bank. However, this is often the most expensive option. Your bank may also have specific ordering procedures or preferred vendors.

What information do I need to order checks?

You will need your current bank account number, your bank’s routing number, and your name and address as they appear on your account. You may also need to provide your driver’s license or state ID number for verification.

How long does it take to receive ordered checks?

Delivery times can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the printer and shipping method chosen. Standard shipping typically takes longer than expedited options.

What are the cheapest types of checks?

Basic, non-personalized checks with standard security features are usually the cheapest. Avoid custom designs, logos, or extra security features if cost is your primary concern.

Should I consider digital payment methods instead of checks?

For many transactions, digital payment methods like online bill pay, ACH transfers, or services like Zelle can be more convenient and cost-effective than writing checks. It’s worth evaluating which payments you can switch to digital.

What happens if I order checks with incorrect information?

If you order checks with an incorrect account or routing number, they will not work. You will likely need to discard them and order a new set, potentially incurring a loss on the incorrect order. Always double-check all details before submitting.

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

• Detailed comparisons of specific online check printing companies (research individual vendors).
• Advanced check security features and their effectiveness (consult with a security expert or financial institution).
• Digital payment solutions and their integration into your financial management (explore budgeting apps or online banking tools).
• Business check ordering requirements and customization options (consult with your business banking representative or a small business advisor).
• International check ordering or banking procedures (seek advice from international banking specialists).