How to Order New Personal Checks

Quick answer

• Verify your bank’s ordering process, as it’s often the easiest and most cost-effective.
• Gather necessary information: account number, routing number, and existing check design (if applicable).
• Compare prices and designs from your bank versus third-party check printers.
• Consider security features to protect against fraud.
• Allow ample time for printing and delivery.
• Have a backup plan for writing checks if you run out.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to replenish their supply of personal checks.
• People who are opening a new checking account and require checks.
• Anyone looking for a more cost-effective or aesthetically pleasing check option than what their bank offers.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Goal and Timeline

Before ordering, clarify why you need new checks and when you need them. Are you running low, or do you need them for a specific upcoming payment? This will influence how quickly you need to act and what options are most suitable.

Current Cash Flow

Understand your current financial situation. Ordering checks is a minor expense, but it’s wise to ensure it fits within your budget. Review your recent spending and income to confirm you have the funds available.

Emergency Fund or Safety Buffer

While ordering checks isn’t a major financial event, it’s a good reminder to assess your overall financial health. Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, so minor purchases like checks don’t disrupt your financial stability.

Debt and Interest Rates

Ordering checks generally doesn’t impact your debt. However, if you’re considering ordering from a new vendor that might offer a promotional discount tied to a new credit card, understand the associated interest rates and fees. For most standard check orders, this isn’t a concern.

Credit Impact

Ordering checks directly from your bank or a reputable third-party printer typically has no impact on your credit score. However, if you’re applying for a new credit card or loan to get a discount on checks, the application itself will cause a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Identify Your Current Check Information

What to do: Locate an existing check from your current account. You’ll need your bank’s name, your account number, and the nine-digit routing number. This information is crucial for ordering correct checks.
What “good” looks like: You have a physical check or digital access to this information readily available.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an old check with outdated account information. Always verify your account and routing numbers with your bank directly, as these can change.

2. Determine Your Ordering Method

What to do: Decide whether you’ll order through your bank or a third-party check printer.
What “good” looks like: You’ve weighed the pros and cons of each option based on price, design variety, and convenience.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming your bank is always the cheapest or best option. Many third-party printers offer competitive pricing and a wider selection of designs.

3. Check Your Bank’s Ordering Process

What to do: If ordering through your bank, visit their website or call customer service. Many banks allow online ordering or have a dedicated number.
What “good” looks like: You know exactly how to initiate an order with your bank and what information they require.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Going to the bank in person when online ordering is faster and more efficient.

4. Browse Third-Party Printer Options

What to do: If considering a third-party printer, search online for reputable companies. Look for reviews and compare prices.
What “good” looks like: You have a shortlist of potential vendors and have compared their offerings.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Choosing the absolute cheapest option without checking for quality or security features.

5. Select Your Check Design

What to do: Choose a design that suits your style. Options range from basic solid colors to elaborate graphics.
What “good” looks like: You’ve found a design you like that is available for your account.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to ensure the design is compatible with your bank’s system or doesn’t obscure important banking information.

6. Verify Security Features

What to do: Look for checks with built-in security features like microprinting, watermarks, or security screens.
What “good” looks like: You understand the security measures and have chosen checks that offer adequate protection.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Opting for the cheapest checks without considering their susceptibility to fraud.

7. Input Your Information Carefully

What to do: Enter your name, address, and banking details precisely as they appear on your current checks or as provided by your bank.
What “good” looks like: All information is entered accurately, preventing delays or errors.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Typos in your account number or routing number. Double- and triple-check this information before submitting.

8. Review Your Order

What to do: Before finalizing, carefully review your order summary. Check the quantity, design, and all personal information.
What “good” looks like: You are confident that everything on the order is correct.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing through the review process and missing a critical error that could lead to incorrect checks.

9. Place Your Order and Note Delivery Time

What to do: Submit your order and make a note of the estimated delivery timeframe.
What “good” looks like: You have confirmation of your order and an expected arrival date.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not allowing enough time for delivery, especially if you have an urgent need for checks.

10. Keep a Few Old Checks

What to do: Don’t discard your old checks immediately. Keep a few on hand until your new ones arrive.
What “good” looks like: You have a backup method for writing checks if needed.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Throwing away your last check before the new ones are delivered, leaving you unable to write checks.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ordering from an unverified source	Receiving counterfeit or unusable checks; potential for identity theft	Only order from your bank or well-known, reputable third-party printers with strong customer reviews.
Incorrect account or routing numbers	Checks will not clear or will be rejected by the bank; potential for funds to be sent to the wrong account.	Double-check all banking information against a current, valid check or by contacting your bank.
Not allowing enough delivery time	Inability to make timely payments, potentially leading to late fees or missed opportunities.	Order well in advance of when you anticipate needing new checks; factor in potential shipping delays.
Choosing a design that obscures information	Checks may be rejected by the bank or merchants due to illegible or missing details.	Select designs that are clearly separated from the MICR line and other essential banking information.
Ignoring security features	Increased risk of check fraud, leading to financial loss and identity theft.	Prioritize checks with security features like microprinting, watermarks, and security screens.
Not comparing prices	Overpaying for checks, reducing your overall savings.	Shop around and compare prices between your bank and several reputable third-party printers.
Ordering too few checks	Running out of checks unexpectedly, causing inconvenience and potential missed payments.	Order a quantity that will comfortably last you between ordering cycles, considering your typical usage.
Using outdated personal information	Checks may be returned or rejected if your name or address has changed.	Ensure all personal details on the order match your current banking profile and identification.
Not confirming compatibility with bank	Ordering checks that are not formatted correctly for your bank’s processing system.	If using a third-party printer, confirm they are authorized to print for your specific bank.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are opening a new account, then order checks through your bank first because they will have the correct template and routing information readily available.
• If you need checks urgently, then prioritize ordering from your bank or a third-party printer that offers expedited shipping, because standard delivery might be too slow.
• If cost is your primary concern, then compare prices between your bank and multiple third-party printers because prices can vary significantly.
• If you want a unique or personalized design, then explore third-party printers because they typically offer a much wider selection than banks.
• If you are concerned about check fraud, then choose checks with advanced security features, because these offer better protection against counterfeiting.
• If you have a very simple, standard checking account, then ordering from your bank is likely the most straightforward option because they have direct integration.
• If you are unsure about your account or routing number, then contact your bank directly before ordering, because ordering with incorrect numbers will lead to unusable checks.
• If you are ordering from a third-party printer for the first time, then read reviews and check their return policy, because this minimizes the risk of receiving poor-quality or incorrect checks.
• If you have a business account, then you will likely need to order specialized business checks, so follow your bank’s business banking procedures for ordering.
• If you are concerned about environmental impact, then look for printers that offer recycled paper options, because this is a more sustainable choice.

FAQ

How long does it take to get new checks?

Delivery times can vary, but typically range from 5 to 15 business days. Ordering through your bank might be slightly faster than third-party printers, especially if you opt for expedited shipping.

Can I order checks online?

Yes, most banks and reputable third-party check printers allow you to order checks online. This is often the most convenient method.

What information do I need to order checks?

You will need your bank’s routing number, your account number, and your name and address. It’s best to have a current check handy for reference.

Are checks from third-party printers safe?

Reputable third-party printers offer secure checks with features similar to those from banks. It’s crucial to choose a well-established company with good reviews to ensure quality and security.

What if I make a mistake when ordering?

If you catch an error before the order is processed, contact the printer immediately. If the checks are already printed incorrectly due to your error, you will likely need to reorder and pay again.

Can I order checks for a joint account?

Yes, you can order checks for a joint account. Ensure that the name(s) appearing on the checks are accurate and reflect how the account is held.

How much do personal checks cost?

The cost can vary widely, from around $15 for basic checks from a third-party printer to $50 or more for custom designs or from a bank.

What are security features on checks?

These are features designed to prevent fraud, such as microprinting (tiny text visible under magnification), watermarks, security screens (a pattern that appears when copied), and tamper-evident features.

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

• Digital payment alternatives: While checks are still used, explore modern payment apps and online bill pay services.
• Business check ordering: This guide focuses on personal checks; business checks have different requirements and features.
• Check fraud prevention strategies: While security features are mentioned, in-depth advice on safeguarding against check fraud is a separate topic.
• Opening a new bank account: This assumes you already have an account; the process of choosing and opening an account is distinct.