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In a nutshell
While checks may seem outdated, this payment form is still commonly accepted by most businesses. Circ*mstances may arise where you are required to make a payment via check.
- A check is a written, dated, and signed form of payment.
- A paper check directs your bank to pay a specific sum of money to the person or business stated on the check.
- Most people order paper checks from the bank that holds their checking account, though you can also get checks from retailers like Walmart, Costco and Office Depot.
Best places to order checks
If you need to stock up on checks, you have a few options for where you can order the.. If you don’t find yourself using checks often, and you just need a few, stop by your bank. Your bank or credit union may print you a handful of checks for free. If you use an online bank, you may have to order checks in bulk. In this case, you’ll need to pay for them, although some online banks offer free checks as a perk.
If you can’t get enough free checks from your bank, you can order them from non-bank sources. However, you’ll want to ensure that any checks purchased from a retailer other than a bank is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act.
To help find the best deal, shop around at different retailers, such as Costco and Walmart, or an office supply store. These vendors also allow you to buy checks online, and shopping online can make tracking down the lowest price easier.
You also have the option to print your own checks. Although it is legal to do this, it’s often more trouble than it’s worth because many merchants and banks won’t accept homemade checks unless they are printed on check paper stock using check printing software.
How to order checks
Once you are ready to order checks, here are the steps you will take:
- Determine the desired amount: You’ll need to know how many checks you want to purchase by estimating how often you write checks.
- Choose a vendor: It can’t hurt to shop around and look for the best deal; just make sure any vendor you choose to purchase checks from complies with the Consumer Product Safety Act.
- Provide banking details: Ordering checks from a bank is a bit simpler since they already have your banking info, but if you choose to buy them from a retailer, you will need to provide account information. Get ready to accurately submit your name and address, your bank’s name and address, your account number, and the bank’s routing number.
Check alternatives
You may run into the occasional situation where payment via a paper check is required — for example, when paying your landlord for rent — but in most cases, you can choose between other payment methods.
If you don’t want to use a paper check to make a payment, consider one of these alternatives:
- Digital wallet: A digital wallet stores funds electronically on your smartphone.You can usually scan the app at different retailers during the checkout process to complete your payment.
- ACH and ETF transfers: Automated Clearing House (ACH) and Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) enable bank-to-bank transfers by using routing and account numbers.
- Credit and debit cards: Debit and credit cards aren't just for in-store purchases — they're widely accepted by merchants and service providers. When you use a debit card, you are paying with money that already resides in your checking account exactly like you would with a check. With a credit card, you are borrowing money, although if you pay your entire bill on time every month, it is functionally the same as paying with a check.
- Payment apps: You can use payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle to make payments. These apps are particularly useful for making payments to individuals who provide services to you directly, such as babysitters, gardeners, or hairdressers.
Related article: What Is PayPal?
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why are checks so expensive to order?
It may feel unfair to spend money just so you can spend more money, but checks can be expensive to print because they are fairly complex to create. Check manufacturers need to incorporate expensive elements (like watermarks and special paper) when creating checks. Companies also have to factor in shipping and handling fees, which can push up the overall cost.
Checks used to be more affordable, but with the market's transition towards digital payments reducing demand, check printing is becoming a more specialized and expensive service.
Is it safe to order checks online?
Ordering checks online can be safe if you use reputable and secure websites. Look for established companies in order to ensure your personal and financial information remains protected during transactions. While on a company’s website, check for certifications or seals of approval from security firms. It’s also a good idea to confirm the retailer complies with the Consumer Product Safety Act before making a purchase.
You can also read reviews from websites, such as Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau, to get an idea of how secure a company’s operations are. To further protect yourself, you should always use secure, private networks when making online transactions and avoid using public Wi-Fi.
Can you print your own checks?
Legally, you do have the option to print your own paper checks, but doing so the right way is difficult and expensive. Many retailers and banks won’t accept homemade versions, especially if they don’t meet industry standards. To meet industry standards, you will have to invest in check-printing software, special check stock paper, and a printer with magnetic ink. Save yourself the cost and hassle by buying checks from a legitimate vendor.
What do you need on your checks?
For a check to be valid, it needs to include your name and address (as well as the bank’s name and address), bank account number and routing number, a unique check number, issuance date, recipient's name, payment amount (numerical and written), and an optional memo line for notes.
Related: Do checks expire?
This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.
