Understanding Check Ordering Basics

Checks remain one of the most widely used payment methods in the United States, despite the growth of digital payments. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans still write approximately 7.5 billion checks annually across personal and business transactions. Understanding how to order checks involves learning about the different types available, where to obtain them, and what information you'll need to provide when placing an order.

Get Your Free Guide to Removing Ladybugs From Home →

When you order checks, you're requesting printed documents that serve as written instructions to your bank to transfer money from your account to another person or business. Each check contains several key elements: your name and address, your account number, your bank's routing number, sequential check numbers, and a memo line for noting the purpose of the payment. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union, while your account number is unique to your checking account.

Most people order checks through one of three main channels: directly from their bank or credit union, from third-party check printing companies, or through online retailers that specialize in financial products. Banks typically charge between $10 and $35 for a box of 200 checks, though prices vary significantly based on your institution and any account features you maintain. Third-party companies often offer lower prices, sometimes as little as $5 to $15 per box, though delivery times may be longer.

The ordering process itself is straightforward and takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes to complete, whether you choose to order online or by phone. You'll need your account number, routing number, and current contact information. Most orders arrive within 7 to 14 business days, though expedited options are available for higher fees. Some banks offer next-business-day delivery for urgent situations.

Practical Takeaway: Before ordering checks, confirm your routing number and account number with your bank, and decide whether you prefer ordering directly from your financial institution or exploring third-party options that may offer cost savings. Consider how quickly you need the checks and whether specialty options like duplicate or carbon-copy checks would benefit your record-keeping.

Types of Checks and Specialty Options

Standard personal checks represent the most common type, printed with your banking information and designed for everyday transactions. These come in various styles and colors, allowing you to personalize them with different designs while maintaining all necessary banking details. However, several specialty check options exist for specific situations and needs.

How to Cancel Your HelloFresh Subscription Guide →

Duplicate checks feature two copies of each check—one that you write and send, and a duplicate you keep for your records. This built-in record-keeping system helps track payments without requiring separate documentation. Triplicate checks include three copies: one to send, one for your records, and one for your accountant or bookkeeper. These options are particularly useful for small business owners, landlords, and anyone who manages multiple payments and needs detailed record-keeping.

Business checks differ from personal checks in several ways. They typically include your business name and address rather than personal information, and they often feature your employer identification number (EIN) instead of a social security number. Business checks may also include additional fields such as invoice numbers, project codes, or department information. Standard business check pricing ranges from $15 to $50 per box of 250 checks, depending on customization options and ordering source.

Specialty payroll checks are designed specifically for businesses that issue employee paychecks. These checks often include stub areas for tax information, deductions, and year-to-date totals. Cashier's checks, which are guaranteed by banks rather than individuals, serve a different purpose—they're used for large transactions where the recipient wants assurance that funds are available. You cannot order cashier's checks online; you must request them in person or by phone through your bank, and they typically cost $5 to $10 per check.

Additional options include:

  • High-security checks with microprinting and watermarks to prevent fraud
  • Colored checks that help with visual organization and record-keeping
  • Checks with logos or custom designs for business branding
  • Voucher checks that include detailed payment information fields
  • Mobile deposit-compatible checks for banks emphasizing digital options

Practical Takeaway: Assess your payment patterns and record-keeping needs to determine which check type serves your situation best. If you write checks frequently and need documentation, duplicate or triplicate checks may justify their slightly higher cost. For businesses, investing in checks that include relevant data fields can streamline accounting processes.

Payment Methods for Ordering Checks

When placing an order for checks, you have several payment options available depending on where you're ordering from. Most payment methods are designed to be secure and straightforward, reflecting the financial industry's investment in protecting customer information during transactions.

Get Your Free Rainbird ESP-TM2 WiFi Setup Guide →

Credit cards represent the most common payment method for check orders. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted by virtually all check retailers and banks. Using a credit card for this purchase offers the benefit of fraud protection, as credit card companies typically cover unauthorized charges. Additionally, if you earn rewards points or cash back on purchases, ordering checks with a credit card allows you to accumulate these benefits. The average check order might earn you 1 to 2% cash back, depending on your card's rewards structure.

Debit cards work similarly to credit cards from a payment processing standpoint, drawing directly from your bank account rather than creating a credit obligation. Many people use debit cards for check orders for this reason, though you lose the fraud protection and rewards benefits that credit cards provide. If you're ordering checks from your bank directly, you may be able to have the cost deducted directly from your checking account, making this a convenient option for bank customers.

Bank transfers and electronic checks represent another payment category. Some online check retailers accept bank account transfers, where you provide your routing and account number to authorize a direct debit. This method is secure when ordering from established companies but requires you to trust the retailer's security practices. ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers, which are bank-to-bank electronic payments, typically take 3 to 5 business days to process.

PayPal and digital payment services have become increasingly common for check orders, particularly with online retailers. These services add an additional layer of security between your bank details and the retailer. Some check companies also accept payment through Google Pay, Apple Pay, and similar digital wallet services, which can be convenient if you prefer using your smartphone for payments.

Less common but still available payment options include:

  • Purchase orders for businesses with established accounts
  • Check payment by mail (though this delays order processing by 1 to 2 weeks)
  • Cryptocurrency payments through select specialty retailers
  • Invoice billing for regular business customers

When selecting a payment method, consider your preferences for record-keeping, fraud protection, and rewards. Most established check retailers encrypt payment information using industry-standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology, making any payment method reasonably secure when ordering from reputable sources.

Practical Takeaway: Choose payment methods that align with your fraud protection needs and reward preferences. Credit cards typically offer the best consumer protection, while direct bank transfers may be fastest. Always verify that the retailer's website displays security indicators like a padlock icon before entering payment information.

Comparing Check Ordering Sources

You have several options for where to order checks, each with distinct advantages and considerations regarding price, delivery time, and customization options. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision based on your priorities.

Learn How to Change Text Size on Devices →

Ordering directly from your bank or credit union offers several conveniences. Your financial institution already has your account information on file, making the ordering process quick and requiring minimal additional details. Banks typically guarantee that checks are printed with 100% accuracy since they use your verified account data. Most banks process orders within 7 to 14 business days, with some offering rush delivery. Pricing is generally higher than third-party options—expect to pay $10 to $35 per box—but this reflects the convenience and integration with your existing banking relationship. Many banks now offer online ordering through their customer portal, making this process entirely digital.

Third-party check printing companies like Vistaprint, Walmart, and other national retailers offer significantly lower prices, often between $5 and $15 per box. These companies handle millions of check orders annually and achieve economies of scale that allow them to undercut bank pricing.