You can get a check in several ways depending on what you need: order a personal checkbook from your bank or a third-party printer, pick up a counter check at your local branch for same-day use, buy a cashier’s check for a guaranteed payment, or even have your bank’s online bill pay service mail a physical check on your behalf. The right option depends on how quickly you need the check and what it’s for.
Order a Personal Checkbook
If you need a supply of checks tied to your checking account, you can order a full checkbook either through your bank or from a third-party check printer. Some banks offer free standard checks to account holders, sometimes including the first book or periodic refills, so check with yours before paying out of pocket.
To place an order, you’ll need three pieces of information:
- Your checking account number
- Your bank’s routing number (found on your bank’s website or on any existing check)
- The last check number you used, so the new book picks up where you left off
If you have a brand-new account, temporary or starter checks from the bank will have these details printed on them. You can order directly through your bank’s website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Ordering in bulk often lowers the per-check cost, and choosing economy shipping instead of expedited delivery can save a noticeable amount.
Third-Party Check Printers
Third-party printers frequently sell checks for less than banks charge. In many cases, banks don’t even print checks themselves. They send orders to outside printers like Deluxe or Harland Clarke, so ordering directly from a third-party printer simply cuts out the middleman. If you go this route, look for a padlock icon printed on the check (usually near the “amount” box or the right border). That icon confirms the printer meets the security standards set by the Check Payment Systems Association. For any company you haven’t heard of, a quick Better Business Bureau search before handing over your account details is a smart move.
Get a Counter Check at Your Branch
If you need a check today and don’t have any on hand, most bank and credit union branches can print counter checks for you on the spot. These are temporary checks printed with your name, account number, and routing number, and they work just like regular personal checks. Expect to pay roughly $1 to $3 per check.
Call your branch before heading over to confirm they offer this service. Online-only banks can’t provide counter checks since there’s no physical location to visit. If you bank online, your best bet for a fast payment is a cashier’s check from another bank, a money order, or your bank’s bill pay feature.
Buy a Cashier’s Check
A cashier’s check is a check issued and guaranteed by the bank itself, which makes it nearly impossible to bounce. Landlords, car dealerships, and closing agents often require them for large transactions because the funds are backed by the bank, not your personal account.
To get one, visit your bank branch with:
- The exact dollar amount you need the check for
- The full legal name of the person or business you’re paying
- A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID
The bank will withdraw the full check amount from your account (or accept cash) plus an issuing fee. Fees typically range from $0 to $20 depending on your bank and account type. The fee is the same regardless of the check amount, so a $500 check costs the same to issue as a $50,000 one. Banks cannot issue blank cashier’s checks, so you must know the payee and amount before you go.
Most banks sell cashier’s checks only to existing customers. Some will sell them to non-customers for an additional fee, but you’ll need to pay in cash and bring valid ID.
Use Online Bill Pay to Mail a Check
If you need to send a payment to someone and don’t have checks, your bank’s online bill pay service can handle it for you. Most banks let you enter a recipient’s name and mailing address, and the bank either sends the payment electronically or prints and mails a physical paper check on your behalf. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, many individuals don’t have accounts set up to receive electronic payments, so the bank defaults to mailing a paper check.
This option is typically free through your checking account and works well for paying rent, reimbursing a friend, or sending money to anyone who prefers a physical check. The tradeoff is time: mailed checks can take several business days to arrive, so plan ahead if you have a due date.
Buy a Money Order Instead
If you don’t have a bank account, or you simply need a secure one-time payment, a money order works much like a check. You pay the face value upfront plus a small fee, and the recipient deposits or cashes it just like a check. Money orders are generally capped at $1,000 per order.
You can buy money orders at a variety of locations:
- Post offices: USPS charges $2.55 for money orders up to $500, and $3.60 for amounts between $500.01 and $1,000.
- Walmart: Fees are capped at $1 per money order, making this one of the cheapest options.
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies: Many chains sell money orders, with fees varying by location.
- Banks and credit unions: Fees are often around $5 per money order.
You’ll pay with cash or a debit card at most locations. Bring the recipient’s full name, since money orders, like cashier’s checks, should never be left blank.
Which Option to Choose
Your best path depends on urgency and purpose. If you need a check within the hour, a counter check or cashier’s check from your bank branch is the fastest route. If you regularly write checks for rent, bills, or personal payments, ordering a checkbook saves money in the long run. For a one-time large transaction where the recipient demands guaranteed funds, a cashier’s check is the standard. And if you don’t have a checking account at all, a money order from a post office or retailer gets the job done for a few dollars.