How to Order Personal Checks from Walmart
Quick answer
- Walmart offers personal checks through its website, not in-store.
- You’ll need to use a third-party vendor that partners with Walmart.
- Design options are available, but basic checks are usually the most affordable.
- You’ll need your bank account and routing numbers to order.
- Expect delivery within a few weeks; rush options may be available for a fee.
- Compare prices with other online check printers before ordering.
Who this is for
- Individuals looking for a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to order personal checks.
- Shoppers who already frequent Walmart and want to consolidate their shopping.
- Those who prefer to order checks online rather than through their bank.
What to check first (before you act)
Goal and timeline
What do you need checks for? Are you paying bills, giving gifts, or managing a budget? When do you need them by? Understanding your timeline will help you choose the right shipping option.
Current cash flow
Do you have enough money in your checking account to cover the cost of the checks and any potential shipping fees? Ensure you won’t overdraft your account when making the purchase.
Emergency fund or safety buffer
While ordering checks is a minor expense, it’s good practice to have a financial cushion. If an unexpected bill arises, you won’t need to rely on your checking account balance to cover it, allowing you to pay for your checks without stress.
Debt and interest rates
If you have high-interest debt, consider if purchasing checks is the best use of your funds. Prioritizing debt repayment might be more financially beneficial in the long run.
Credit impact
Ordering checks from Walmart typically involves a direct purchase from a third-party vendor. This transaction is usually not a credit application and therefore should not directly impact your credit score. However, always ensure you are using a secure payment method.
Step-by-step (simple workflow)
1. Visit the Walmart website
What to do: Navigate to Walmart.com.
What “good” looks like: You are on the official Walmart homepage.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Typing “Walmart checks” into a search engine could lead to unofficial or scam websites. Always start at Walmart.com to ensure you’re on the legitimate site.
2. Search for “personal checks” or “checks”
What to do: Use the search bar on Walmart.com.
What “good” looks like: A list of check-ordering services or products appears.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not being specific enough in your search might bring up unrelated items. Try variations like “personal bank checks” if your initial search isn’t fruitful.
3. Select a third-party vendor
What to do: Choose a check printing service that partners with Walmart. You will likely be directed to their specific ordering portal.
What “good” looks like: You are on the website of a reputable check provider (e.g., Deluxe, Checks Unlimited, Harland Clarke) that clearly states its affiliation with Walmart.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Clicking on the first result without verifying it’s an authorized Walmart partner. Always look for official branding or clear statements of partnership.
4. Choose your check design
What to do: Browse the available designs and select the one that best suits your preferences.
What “good” looks like: You have a clear view of various designs, from basic to decorative.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Overspending on a highly customized design when a simpler, less expensive option would suffice. Stick to your budget.
5. Enter your banking information
What to do: Provide your bank’s routing number and your checking account number. This information is usually found at the bottom of your existing checks or on your bank statement.
What “good” looks like: You have accurately entered all digits without typos.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Incorrectly entering your routing or account numbers. Double-check every digit before proceeding, as errors can delay your order or lead to issues.
6. Provide your personal information
What to do: Fill in your name, address, and phone number as they should appear on the checks.
What “good” looks like: Your contact details are accurate and complete.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a mailing address different from your primary residence if your bank requires it to match. Ensure it aligns with your bank’s verification process.
7. Select the quantity and shipping options
What to do: Choose how many checks you want to order and select your preferred shipping speed.
What “good” looks like: You understand the cost associated with different quantities and shipping times.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Automatically selecting the fastest shipping without considering the cost. Standard shipping is usually more budget-friendly.
8. Review your order
What to do: Carefully examine all details of your order, including the design, personal information, banking details, quantity, and cost.
What “good” looks like: Everything is accurate and matches your expectations.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Skipping this crucial step. A single error can lead to wasted money and time.
9. Enter payment information
What to do: Provide your credit card or debit card details to complete the purchase.
What “good” looks like: You are on a secure payment page, indicated by “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Entering payment information on an unsecured site. Always ensure the website is secure before submitting financial data.
10. Place your order
What to do: Click the button to finalize your purchase.
What “good” looks like: You receive an order confirmation, usually via email.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not saving or printing the order confirmation. This is your record of the transaction and can be helpful if any issues arise.
11. Wait for delivery
What to do: Allow the specified delivery time for your checks to arrive.
What “good” looks like: Your checks arrive within the estimated timeframe.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming your checks will arrive immediately. Standard check printing and delivery can take several weeks.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using an unofficial website | Financial loss, identity theft, or receiving fraudulent checks. | Always start at Walmart.com and follow the official links to their authorized check printing partners. |
| Incorrectly entering bank numbers | Orders will be rejected, delayed, or checks may not clear. | Double-check your routing and account numbers against a physical check or bank statement before submitting. |
| Not verifying the vendor | Paying more than necessary or using an unreliable service. | Compare pricing and services from different authorized vendors before making a decision. |
| Choosing an expensive design | Unnecessary spending that could be allocated elsewhere. | Opt for basic or classic designs, which are typically less expensive. |
| Ignoring shipping times | Running out of checks and facing late fees or bounced payments. | Order well in advance of when you anticipate needing them. Factor in potential delays. |
| Not reviewing the order summary | Errors in spelling, addresses, or banking information leading to wasted checks. | Thoroughly review every detail on the order summary page before confirming your purchase. |
| Using a non-secure payment page | Risk of credit card fraud or identity theft. | Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon before entering payment details. |
| Not keeping the order confirmation | Difficulty resolving issues with the order or tracking delivery. | Save or print your order confirmation email and any tracking information provided. |
| Ordering too few checks | Needing to reorder sooner than expected, incurring additional shipping costs. | Consider your typical check usage and order a larger quantity if the per-check cost is lower and you have the funds. |
| Not checking personal cash flow | Overdraft fees or insufficient funds for other essential expenses. | Ensure your bank account has sufficient funds to cover the check order and any associated shipping fees. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If you need checks urgently, then consider ordering from your bank directly, because third-party vendors often have longer processing and shipping times.
- If you are on a tight budget, then choose the most basic check design available, because decorative elements and customization often increase the price.
- If you are unsure about your bank account number, then find it on an existing check or contact your bank, because an incorrect number will prevent your order from being processed correctly.
- If you want to save money on shipping, then opt for standard delivery, because expedited shipping significantly increases the overall cost.
- If you are concerned about security, then ensure the website uses HTTPS and a padlock icon before entering any personal or financial information, because this indicates a secure connection.
- If you frequently use checks, then ordering a larger quantity might be more cost-effective per check, because bulk discounts are common.
- If you have a specific design in mind that isn’t offered, then you may need to look at other online check printers, because Walmart’s selection is limited to their partners’ offerings.
- If you are ordering checks for the first time, then double-check all entered information meticulously, because errors are more likely when you are unfamiliar with the process.
- If you want to compare prices, then check prices from other online check retailers in addition to Walmart’s partners, because prices can vary.
- If you are ordering checks for a business, then ensure you select business checks, because they have different features and formats than personal checks.
FAQ
Can I order checks directly from a Walmart store?
No, Walmart does not sell personal checks in its physical stores. You can only order them through Walmart.com via their third-party partners.
How long does it take to receive checks from Walmart?
Delivery times can vary, but typically range from two to four weeks for standard shipping. Rush options may be available for an additional fee.
What information do I need to order checks?
You will need your bank’s routing number, your checking account number, and your personal name and address as you want them to appear on the checks.
Are the checks ordered through Walmart cheaper than ordering from my bank?
Often, yes. Walmart partners with third-party check printers who can offer competitive pricing, sometimes lower than what banks charge directly.
Can I customize the design of my checks?
Yes, the third-party vendors partnered with Walmart usually offer a variety of designs, from simple to more elaborate.
What if I make a mistake on my order?
If you realize a mistake before the order is processed, contact the vendor immediately. If the checks are already printed with errors, you may need to reorder and contact the vendor about potential refunds or corrections.
Is it safe to order checks online through Walmart?
When ordering through Walmart.com and their authorized partners, the process is generally safe, provided you ensure the website is secure (HTTPS).
What if my checks don’t arrive?
Contact the third-party check vendor directly. They will have your order details and can help track your shipment or arrange for a reorder if necessary.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific pricing and discounts: For current prices, promotions, or discount codes, check the individual vendor’s website or look for deals advertised on Walmart.com.
- Business check ordering: This guide focuses on personal checks. Ordering business checks involves different requirements and options.
- Checkbook balancing: While ordering checks is the first step, learning to accurately balance your checkbook is a separate but important personal finance skill.
- Digital payment alternatives: Explore other methods for making payments, such as Zelle, Venmo, or direct online bill pay through your bank, which may reduce your need for physical checks.
- Fraud prevention for checks: Understand best practices for using and safeguarding your checks to prevent fraud.