You have a few options for getting checks the same day, depending on whether you need a personal check drawn from your own account or simply a guaranteed payment instrument like a cashier’s check or money order. The fastest route is visiting your bank or credit union in person, but printing checks at home is also possible if you have the right supplies.
Visit Your Bank or Credit Union
The most straightforward option is walking into a branch of the bank where you hold your checking account. Most banks can issue you a small number of temporary or counter checks on the spot. These are blank checks linked to your account but typically lack your name, address, and personalized check number. Some merchants and landlords won’t accept them for that reason, so ask the recipient beforehand if a counter check works.
If you need a full book of personalized checks, your bank can usually place an order for you, but standard delivery takes about one to two weeks. Some banks offer expedited shipping that cuts that to a few business days, though not same-day.
Get a Cashier’s Check or Money Order
If you need to make a payment today and don’t have personal checks, a cashier’s check or money order serves the same purpose and is often preferred by recipients because the funds are guaranteed.
A cashier’s check is issued by the bank itself. You give the teller the amount and the payee’s name, the bank pulls the funds from your account immediately, and you walk out with a printed check. Fees typically run between $5 and $15. You’ll need a valid government-issued ID and enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus the fee. Cashier’s checks are available at banks and credit unions, and some institutions let existing customers request one through their online banking portal for branch pickup.
Money orders are even more widely available. You can buy them at banks, post offices, grocery stores, convenience stores, and large retailers. Most money orders cap out at $1,000 per instrument, so for larger amounts a cashier’s check is the better choice. Money order fees are low, often $1 to $5 depending on where you buy one. You don’t need a bank account to purchase a money order since you can pay with cash or a debit card.
Print Checks at Home
If you want actual personal checks with your account and routing numbers, you can print them yourself using check-printing software and the right supplies. This is the only true same-day option for getting personalized checks, assuming you already have or can quickly buy the materials.
Here’s what you need:
- Check stock paper: Pre-perforated, security-featured blank check paper sold at office supply stores and online. A pack of a few hundred sheets typically costs $15 to $40.
- MICR toner or ink: The numbers along the bottom of a check (your routing number, account number, and check number) are legally required to be printed with magnetic ink, known as MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This special ink allows banks to process checks through automated readers. A MICR toner cartridge for a laser printer runs $40 to $100, depending on your printer model.
- Check-printing software: Programs like VersaCheck, CheckSoft, or online platforms let you design checks with the correct formatting, enter your bank details, and print. Some are free with limited features, while full versions cost $20 to $50.
Without MICR ink, your check may still be deposited, but it could require manual processing, which slows things down and increases the chance of rejection. Banks are not required to treat checks without magnetic ink as standard “cash items” under federal regulations, so skipping MICR ink is a gamble.
If you already own a laser printer, getting the supplies from a local office supply store and setting up the software can realistically be done in an afternoon. If you’re starting from scratch, the upfront cost and setup time may make this less practical for a one-time need.
Order Checks Online With Rush Shipping
If you can wait until tomorrow, several online check-printing companies offer next-day or overnight delivery through FedEx or other carriers. This won’t get checks in your hands today, but it’s significantly faster than standard check orders. Expect to pay a premium for rush production and overnight shipping, often $20 to $40 on top of the check printing cost, which itself ranges from $5 to $30 for a basic box of checks.
Popular online check printers include Checks Unlimited, CheckWorks, and platforms like OnlineCheckWriter.com. When ordering, make sure your routing number and account number are entered correctly, since an error means the checks are useless and you’ll need to reorder.
What Won’t Work
Retail print shops like Office Depot, Staples, and FedEx Office offer same-day printing for business cards, flyers, posters, and other materials, but they do not print personal or business checks. Check printing requires specialized security paper and MICR ink that standard copy centers aren’t set up to handle.
Picking the Right Option
Your best choice depends on what the check is for. If you’re making a one-time payment, like a security deposit, a down payment, or closing costs, a cashier’s check is the fastest and most widely accepted option. If you need to pay a smaller bill or send money to someone, a money order gets the job done for a few dollars. If you regularly write checks and simply ran out, printing at home or ordering online with rush shipping sets you up for the long term.
For any of these options, bring a government-issued photo ID if you’re going to a bank or retailer, and have your account number handy if you’re ordering checks online or printing them yourself.