Ordering New Checks from Your Bank: Simple Steps

Quick answer

• Confirm your bank offers check ordering services online, by phone, or in-branch.
• Gather your account number and routing number (found on your current checks or online banking).
• Review your past check usage to determine the quantity needed.
• Choose your check design and any optional features like a special emblem or personalization.
• Verify shipping and delivery times to ensure you receive them before running out.
• Understand potential fees associated with ordering new checks.

Who this is for

• Individuals who have run out of checks or need to reorder.
• New account holders who need their first set of checks.
• Anyone looking to update their check design or add personalization.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before ordering, consider why you need new checks and when you need them. Are you simply running low, or do you need them for a specific large payment deadline? Knowing this will help you prioritize speed and quantity. If you have an urgent need, you might opt for faster shipping, which could incur extra costs.

Current cash flow

While ordering checks is a relatively small expense, it’s part of your overall financial picture. Ensure that the cost of new checks fits comfortably within your budget. If you’re experiencing tight cash flow, consider if you can postpone ordering for a short period or if there are less expensive design options available.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Your emergency fund is for unexpected expenses. While ordering checks isn’t typically an emergency, having a healthy buffer means you won’t have to dip into savings for routine needs like this. If your emergency fund is low, it might be a sign to re-evaluate your spending and saving habits before making non-essential purchases.

Debt and interest rates

The cost of ordering checks is usually minimal and doesn’t involve interest. However, if you’re considering using a credit card to pay for them and carry a balance, the interest you accrue could make them more expensive. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt before incurring new charges, even for small items.

Credit impact

Ordering checks from your bank generally has no direct impact on your credit score. However, if you were to order checks from a third-party vendor and fail to pay, or if the order process somehow led to a new credit inquiry (which is highly unlikely for standard check orders), it could have a minor effect.

Step-by-step (how to order checks from bank)

1. Check your current check supply:

• What to do: Look at the last check number you’ve used and estimate how many you have left.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of your remaining checks and can anticipate when you’ll need new ones.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Running out of checks completely. Avoid this by checking your supply regularly, perhaps monthly, and ordering well in advance of needing them.

2. Identify your bank’s ordering method:

• What to do: Visit your bank’s website, call their customer service line, or go to a branch to ask about their check ordering process.
• What “good” looks like: You know whether you can order online, by phone, or in person.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming all banks offer the same ordering methods. Avoid this by confirming directly with your bank, as processes vary.

3. Gather necessary account information:

• What to do: Locate your checking account number and your bank’s routing number. These are typically printed on your existing checks or can be found in your online banking portal.
• What “good” looks like: You have both numbers readily available and accurate.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using incorrect account or routing numbers. Avoid this by double-checking the numbers against a reliable source before submitting your order.

4. Determine the quantity needed:

• What to do: Consider your typical monthly check usage and how long you want a new batch to last. Banks often offer quantities like 100, 200, or 400 checks.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen a quantity that balances cost-effectiveness with your anticipated needs.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering too many or too few. Avoid this by reviewing your past usage. If you rarely write checks, order a smaller quantity. If you write them frequently, a larger quantity might be more cost-effective per check.

5. Select your check design and features:

• What to do: Browse the available check designs. Most banks offer standard, budget-friendly options, as well as premium designs, often with a higher cost. You may also have options for personalization like your name, address, or a business logo.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen a design you like and are aware of any associated costs.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Overspending on unnecessary premium designs. Avoid this by sticking to a standard design if cost is a primary concern, or by understanding the exact price difference for fancier options.

6. Confirm shipping and delivery details:

• What to do: Pay attention to the estimated delivery time. Standard shipping can take a week or more. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
• What “good” looks like: You know when to expect your checks and have planned accordingly.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not receiving checks in time for important payments. Avoid this by ordering at least two weeks before you anticipate needing them, or by paying for expedited shipping if your timeline is tight.

7. Review and confirm your order:

• What to do: Before finalizing, carefully review all the details: quantity, design, shipping address, and total cost.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve caught any potential errors and are confident the order is correct.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering errors due to haste. Avoid this by taking your time and proofreading every detail on the order summary screen.

8. Complete the payment:

• What to do: Pay for your checks using your bank account, debit card, or credit card, as per your bank’s accepted payment methods.
• What “good” looks like: Your payment is processed successfully and you receive a confirmation.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Payment issues due to incorrect card details or insufficient funds. Avoid this by ensuring you have the correct payment information and sufficient funds or credit limit available.

9. Track your order (if applicable):

• What to do: Some banks provide a tracking number for your check order. If available, use it to monitor the delivery status.
• What “good” looks like: You can see the progress of your delivery and have a better idea of when to expect them.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not tracking a delayed order. Avoid this by checking the tracking status periodically if it’s provided, especially if the expected delivery date passes.

10. Receive and verify your new checks:

• What to do: Once your checks arrive, compare them against your previous order or any personalized details you requested. Ensure your name, address, and account information are correct.
• What “good” looks like: Your new checks are accurate and ready to use.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using incorrect checks. Avoid this by carefully inspecting the first few checks in the new batch before using them for important transactions.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Running out of checks	Inability to make payments, potential overdrafts if forced to use other methods.	Order new checks when you have a significant number (e.g., 20-30) remaining.
Ordering from a non-bank vendor without vetting	Higher costs, potential for scams, poor quality checks.	Stick to your bank’s official ordering channels or reputable, well-known check printers.
Not double-checking account/routing numbers	Checks may be rejected, or worse, funds could be sent to the wrong account.	Always verify these numbers against a trusted source before submitting an order.
Forgetting to update address on new checks	Payments sent to an old address, leading to delays or lost funds.	Ensure your mailing address is correct on the order form and that your bank has your current address on file.
Choosing the wrong quantity	Overpaying for unused checks or needing to reorder too soon.	Analyze your typical check usage over a 6-12 month period to estimate future needs.
Paying for unnecessary premium designs	Increased cost for checks without added functional value.	Opt for standard check designs unless a special design is important to you and the cost difference is acceptable.
Not factoring in delivery time	Missing payment deadlines, leading to late fees or damaged relationships.	Order checks at least two weeks in advance of when you anticipate needing them. Consider expedited shipping if time is critical.
Using outdated or damaged checks	Potential for checks to be rejected by the payee’s bank or financial institution.	Regularly review your checkbook for any signs of damage and discard them. Ensure you are using checks from your most recent order.
Not confirming order details	Receiving incorrect checks or being charged the wrong amount.	Carefully review the order summary for quantity, design, shipping address, and price before finalizing.
Ignoring bank fees associated with ordering	Unexpected charges that increase the overall cost.	Inquire about any ordering fees, expedited shipping costs, or design surcharges beforehand.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you have fewer than 20 checks remaining, then order new checks immediately because you risk running out soon.
• If you write more than 10 checks per month, then consider ordering a larger quantity (e.g., 200 or 400) because it’s usually more cost-effective per check.
• If you rarely write checks (less than 2 per month), then order a smaller quantity (e.g., 100) to avoid paying for unused checks.
• If you need checks for a specific payment deadline within 7 days, then choose expedited shipping if available and affordable, because standard shipping will likely be too slow.
• If cost is your primary concern, then select the bank’s standard, basic check design because premium designs add to the overall expense.
• If your bank offers online ordering, then use that method if it’s convenient because it’s often the fastest and most efficient.
• If you have any doubts about your account or routing number, then call your bank’s customer service to confirm it before ordering because incorrect numbers can cause significant problems.
• If you’re ordering checks for a business, then ensure you select business checks and include your business name and address because personal checks are not appropriate.
• If your bank charges a fee for ordering checks, then factor this into your budget because it’s an additional cost to consider.
• If you want to personalize your checks with a logo or special design, then be prepared for a potentially higher cost and longer processing time because these options are not standard.
• If you receive your new checks and notice an error, then contact your bank immediately to have them corrected because using incorrect checks can lead to payment issues.

FAQ

How long does it usually take to receive new checks?

Standard delivery typically takes 7-10 business days, but this can vary by bank and location. It’s always best to order well in advance of needing them.

Can I order checks online?

Most banks offer online ordering through their website or mobile app. This is often the most convenient method.

What information do I need to order checks?

You’ll generally need your bank’s routing number and your checking account number, which can be found on your existing checks or in your online banking portal.

Are there fees for ordering checks?

Yes, there are usually fees associated with ordering checks, which vary based on the design, quantity, and any special features. Some basic designs might be less expensive than others.

What happens if I order checks with the wrong account number?

If you enter the wrong account or routing number, your checks may be rejected by the payee’s bank, or worse, funds could be misdirected. It’s crucial to verify these numbers carefully.

Can I get checks without my address printed on them?

Some banks allow you to omit your address from your checks, especially for basic designs. Check with your bank for available options.

What if my checks arrive with errors?

If there are errors on your new checks, contact your bank immediately. They will typically work to correct the mistake and send you new checks at no additional charge.

Is it cheaper to order checks from a third-party vendor?

Sometimes, but not always. While third-party vendors may offer lower prices, it’s essential to ensure they are reputable and that the quality of the checks meets your needs. Your bank’s checks are guaranteed to be compatible with their system.

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

• Ordering checks for business accounts (this may involve different processes and fees).
• Using alternative payment methods that don’t require checks (e.g., Zelle, wire transfers, bill pay services).
• The process of voiding or stopping payment on a check.
• Understanding check fraud and how to protect yourself.
• Setting up a new checking account if you don’t have one.