Bank Checks: Ordering, Usage, and Cost Complete Guide

What Bank Checks Are

Bank check definition: bank checks are personal or business checks ordered through your bank or credit union rather than directly from a check manufacturer. The checks are printed with your bank's routing number and your account number in the MICR line at the bottom , the same information that appears on any other check for your account , and they function identically to checks ordered from any other source.

The term "bank checks" does not refer to cashier's checks or certified checks, which are different instruments guaranteed by the bank itself. Bank checks in the context of this guide are the standard paper checks you write from your personal or business checking account, simply ordered via your bank's ordering system rather than from a check manufacturer directly.

When you order bank checks through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or branch, the bank passes your order to a check printing partner such as Deluxe or Harland Clarke. These companies manufacture the checks and ship them directly to your address. The bank acts as an intermediary between you and the printer, and charges a premium for that intermediary role. The checks themselves are produced by the same type of manufacturers that also supply direct-order check companies.

All bank checks must meet the same standards: an ABA compliant bank check meets (ABA-compliant) paper specifications and MICR encoding standards as any other check. The bank check MICR line follows the same ANSI X9 position specifications, uses the same E-13B font, and carries the same routing number and account number that your bank assigned when you opened your account. For a complete explanation of how the MICR line works and what each field contains, see our check diagram and layouts guide.

Four Ways to Order Checks Through Your Bank

Most major US banks offer four ordering methods. The online and mobile app methods are the most common because they are available at any time, pre-populate your account information automatically, and give you immediate access to the full check catalog. Phone and branch ordering are available for customers who prefer those channels or who are placing a first-time order that the bank requires to be verified in person.

Ordering Checks Through Online Banking

Bank check ordering online is the most common method. The process follows this pattern across all major banks, with minor variations in menu names:

1. Order checks bank website step 1: log in to your bank's online banking website.
2. Navigate to your checking account.
3. Look for "Order Checks," "Order Account Supplies," or "Account Services" in the account menu.
4. Verify the account information that will be pre-printed on your checks (name, address, account number).
5. Browse available check designs and select a style.
6. Choose quantity and any add-on features.
7. Review the order and select a shipping speed.
8. Confirm and place the order.

Bank of America's ordering process links directly from their mobile banking and website to their check provider portal, where customers can see which check styles qualify for free or discounted pricing under their account type. US Bank routes customers through their Smart Assistant to Deluxe's ordering portal. Wells Fargo's online banking links to an ordering form for personal checks; business accounts call Harland Clarke directly.

The pre-population of account information is the main convenience of ordering through the bank portal. Your routing number and account number are pulled directly from your account record, reducing the risk of transcription errors. This is particularly relevant on a first order where you may not yet have an existing check to copy the MICR line from.

Ordering Checks Through the Bank Mobile App

Order checks bank mobile app is the fastest method for existing customers reordering. Huntington Bank's process is typical: log in, tap the More menu, go to Account Settings, and tap Order Checks. Capital One's mobile app has the check ordering option under "I Want To" in the account view. Bank of America places it under "Order account supplies and accessories" in the checking account screen.

The mobile app method generally produces the same order as the web portal, routing through the same bank-partner printer. Where mobile app ordering has an advantage over web ordering is speed of navigation: most banks have streamlined the app path specifically for repeat check reorders, which require fewer clicks than a first-time order through the website.

Ordering Checks by Phone

Order checks by phone is the legacy method still supported by all major banks. The phone option routes through either the bank's general customer service line or directly to the bank's check printing partner. Wells Fargo directs personal account holders to call 1-800-TO-WELLS; business accounts call Harland Clarke at 1-800-237-8982. US Bank directs customers to call Deluxe at 866-882-3178. Huntington accepts check orders by phone at 800-480-2265.

Phone ordering is useful for customers who need to place a first order on a new account and want to verify the information verbally, customers who are not comfortable with online ordering, and business accounts that have specific MICR encoding requirements or format selections that are easier to discuss with a representative than navigate in a web catalog.

Ordering Checks at a Bank Branch

Bank branch check ordering is the least common method but remains available at every bank with physical locations. Walk in to any branch, speak to a teller or personal banker, and ask to place a check order. The banker will pull up your account, confirm the imprint information, and submit the order to the bank's check partner. The same delivery timeline applies regardless of whether the order is placed online or in branch.

Branch ordering is specifically required at some banks for first-time check orders on new accounts where the bank wants to verify your identity in person before shipping personalized checks with your routing and account number. If you are a new account holder and the bank's website shows an error when you try to order online, visiting a branch to place the initial order and verifying your identity is typically the resolution.

What Bank Checks Actually Cost

The bank check cost per check is the most important data point for anyone deciding whether to order through their bank or from a direct manufacturer. Bankrate research found that standard checking account holders pay approximately 40 to 66 cents per single check when ordering through a bank, and 43 to 75 cents per duplicate check. These prices apply to standard accounts at major US banks without any premium tier membership or account balance benefits.

Bank check markup exists because banks purchase checks from Deluxe, Harland Clarke, and similar printers at wholesale prices and resell them to account holders at retail with a margin. Bankrate's research shows the per-check cost spread is wide: non-bank providers commonly charge 5 to 24 cents per check for single checks. SoFi's guide puts the typical bank price at $30 or more per box of 100 checks (30 cents per check at minimum), while direct-order online vendors run 10 to 30 cents per check.

At Checkomatic, personal checks from the Monroe, NY in-house manufacturing facility run approximately 15 to 25 cents per check depending on format and quantity, with no bank intermediary markup. Business checks run approximately 20 to 35 cents per check. The bank's markup is typically 50 to 100 percent above direct-manufacturer pricing, which Checkomatic's own business vs personal comparison page confirms directly.

The cost gap is compounded by the fact that bank check delivery time is also longer. Paying more for the checks and waiting longer to receive them is the trade-off of the bank ordering convenience. Whether that convenience is worth the price depends on how often you reorder and what your time is worth relative to navigating a direct-order website once.

For a full cost comparison with per-check price data across ordering sources, see our cheap checks online guide.

Banks That Offer Free Checks

Bank checks free with account: some banks and credit unions offer free checks to qualifying account holders, which changes the cost calculation entirely. Banks that offer free checks typically limit the benefit to premium account tiers, high-balance accounts, or specific account types.

Personal Accounts With Free Check Benefits

Ally free checks: Ally Bank provides 20 free checks to all members on request, available for any Ally checking account without a balance requirement. Chase free checks on Premier Plus Checking and Sapphire Banking accounts, both of which require maintaining minimum balances or paying monthly fees. Wells Fargo free checks: Prime Checking and Premier Checking accounts include free standard checks, with monthly fees that can be waived by meeting balance requirements. SoFi free checks: SoFi provides free check shipping to all SoFi Money account holders. Discover Bank is noted for offering checks with low or no fees. First Citizens Bank gives Prestige checking holders unlimited free checks with exclusive designs, and Premier checking holders free checks on the first order only.

Business Accounts With Free Check Benefits

Business account free check benefits are less common and typically require premium business checking products. Business checking accounts at most banks charge for check orders, making direct-manufacturer ordering more compelling for businesses that write checks regularly.

Free Checks and the Real Cost Calculation

When evaluating banks that offer free checks, consider the monthly fee or minimum balance requirement attached to the account tier that offers the free check benefit. A checking account with a $25 monthly fee that waives it if you maintain a $10,000 minimum balance is not truly offering "free" checks if maintaining that balance has an opportunity cost. For accounts where the free check benefit is genuinely available without conditions (Ally, SoFi, Discover), ordering through the bank is the obvious choice. For accounts where free checks require a premium tier you would not otherwise use, compare the total account cost against ordering checks directly.

Starter Checks: What They Are and What They Include

Starter checks new account come with most new checking accounts, typically in a quantity of 100 to 150. They are plain checks issued by the bank immediately upon account opening, allowing you to write checks before your personalized check order arrives.

Starter checks contain all the legally required MICR line information: your bank's routing number, your account number, and a starting check number. They function identically to personalized checks for payment purposes. A payee receiving a starter check can deposit or cash it exactly as they would any other personal check. The MICR line is the same. The bank clearing process is the same.

What starter checks typically lack: your home address (they may show only your name, or name and bank info), design elements, and the same level of security paper features as premium check stock. Some banks issue starter checks on standard ABA security paper with six features; others issue simpler paper. If you have security concerns about the starter check stock your bank provided, ordering a supply of CPSA-certified personal checks from a direct manufacturer promptly after account opening resolves this gap.

Bankrate confirms the typical starter check quantity: "Many checking accounts come with a starting set of free checks, usually containing 100 to 150 checks, upon opening." Ally Bank offers 20 free checks to all members as their standard policy. This 20-check supply is functional for occasional check writers but will run out quickly for anyone writing checks for rent or regular expenses.

Bank Check Delivery Time

Bank check processing time / delivery time is 7 to 14 business days at most major US banks. US Bank states on their ordering page: "most check orders arrive within 7-14 business days." Huntington Bank's guide says "it will generally take 10-14 business days" depending on where you order from. Main Street Inc., which supplies checks to financial institutions, reports average 24-hour turnaround time from order placement to shipping, but the shipping transit time adds several more days after that point.

Some banks offer expedited shipping at additional cost, which can reduce the delivery time to 5-7 business days. Standard (economy) shipping is the default and carries the longest delivery window.

If you need checks quickly, the bank's standard ordering process may not be fast enough. The direct manufacturer advantage includes turnaround time: Checkomatic's standard processing is 3 to 5 business days from digital proof approval to shipping, meaningfully faster than the 7-14 day bank window for the same standard delivery speed. For urgent needs, ordering direct from a manufacturer like Checkomatic with standard delivery will typically arrive before the bank's standard option.

Banks Outsource Check Printing to the Same Manufacturers

This is the key fact that most bank check ordering guides do not mention: bank outsources check printing: banks do not manufacture checks themselves. Every major US bank partners with a check printing company and routes all customer check orders through that partner.

Deluxe check printer is US Bank's declared check provider: "Follow the link it provides to our check provider, Deluxe." When a US Bank customer orders checks through their online banking, they are redirected to Deluxe's ordering portal under US Bank branding. Harland Clarke check printer handles Wells Fargo business accounts at 1-800-237-8982 to place orders. Costco's check service page identifies it as "Harland Clarke Check Printing." Capital One orders are processed through their designated check provider.

Deluxe Corporation and Harland Clarke (now a Vericast business) are the two dominant check printing companies in the US market. They supply checks to banks, credit unions, retailers, and direct-order providers. The bank acts as a sales and distribution channel for these manufacturers, not as a manufacturer itself.

The practical implication is that ordering checks "through your bank" means paying the bank's retail markup on checks produced by the same industrial printing infrastructure that supplies direct-order companies. The manufacturing quality, paper grade, and MICR encoding standards are governed by the same ANSI X9 and ABA specifications regardless of the ordering channel.

Are Bank Checks Actually More Secure Than Direct-Order Checks?

Are bank checks safer than third party checks? This is the most common misconception about bank checks. The belief is that ordering checks through your bank is inherently safer or more secure than ordering from a third-party manufacturer. The evidence does not support this belief.

The security of a check depends on the paper specification (ABA-compliant security paper per ANSI X9.100-10), the security features printed on or embedded in the paper (chemical reactivity, watermark, microprinting, thermochromic ink, void pantograph, UV fluorescent fibers), and the MICR encoding accuracy. None of these attributes are determined by whether the check was ordered through a bank or directly from a manufacturer. They are determined by the paper manufacturer and print shop producing the check stock.

An Extra Value Checks security guide states it clearly: "Banks often outsource check printing to the same types of specialized printing companies that independent providers use. The difference is not in how the checks are made. It is in who you order them from and what options you are given."

Experian's check ordering guide confirms: "It's typically safe to obtain checks from third-party vendors; just make sure the checks feature a small padlock icon, a safety standard on checks authorized by industry group Check Payment Systems Association." The CPSA padlock icon is the standard that matters, not the ordering channel.

Bank checks can vary in their security feature level just as direct-order checks do. A basic-tier bank check with minimal security paper features is less secure than a CPSA-certified direct-order check on full ABA security paper. Bank vs direct manufacturer checks: the ordering channel tells you nothing about the security level; the security feature list and CPSA certification tell you everything.

The CPSA Padlock: The Real Security Standard

Bank check security features are governed by the CPSA padlock bank checks standard, the industry certification that applies equally to bank-ordered and direct-order checks. The Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) is the industry body responsible for enhanced check security feature standards. The CPSA padlock icon on a check confirms that the manufacturer is a licensed user of the CPSA security standard and that the check includes the security features the CPSA recommends.

The CPSA publishes a list of authorized padlock users, which includes major check manufacturers and direct-order check providers. Both Deluxe and Harland Clarke (who print for banks) and independent direct-order manufacturers (including Checkomatic) can be CPSA-certified. The certification is based on the features included in the check, not on the ordering channel.

When evaluating any check source, bank or direct, looking for the CPSA padlock icon is the relevant security check. Experian advises: "just make sure the checks feature a small padlock icon." A bank check without the CPSA padlock may be less secure than a direct-order check with it. Conversely, a direct-order check with full CPSA certification and six ABA security features is as secure as any bank-ordered equivalent.

Checkomatic's checks carry CPSA certification (CPSA certified) on every order. Every Checkomatic personal and business check ships on ABA-compliant security paper with all six standard fraud deterrent features: chemically reactive paper, genuine watermark, microprinting, thermochromic ink, void pantograph, and UV fluorescent fibers. For a complete breakdown of what each security feature prevents, see our safe and security checks guide.

When Bank Checks Make Sense

When to order through bank: ordering through your bank is appropriate in three specific situations.

Your Account Comes With Free Checks

If your checking account tier includes free check orders (Ally, SoFi, Chase Premier Plus, Wells Fargo Prime, Discover), ordering through the bank is clearly the right choice. You receive standard ABA checks at no incremental cost. Take advantage of it for your standard orders and supplement with direct-order checks if you need faster turnaround or specialized business formats.

First-Time Order on a New Account

When you open a new checking account, the bank has your routing number and account number in their system. Ordering through the bank's portal for your first supply ensures the MICR line information is pulled directly from the account record without any manual transcription. Once you have your first box, bank check reorder can be placed with any CPSA-certified direct manufacturer using the information from your existing checks.

Infrequent Check Writers Who Value Simplicity

If you write five to ten checks per year and never want to think about check ordering, keeping your check supply within your bank's app may be worth the premium. The convenience of one fewer vendor relationship has value for people who rarely need checks and do not want to comparison shop. The cost difference on 100 checks per year is roughly $20-$40 at standard bank rates versus direct pricing, which some users reasonably treat as a convenience fee.

When Ordering Direct From a Manufacturer Saves Money and Time

For the majority of check users, ordering directly from a CPSA-certified manufacturer like Checkomatic delivers better value on cost, turnaround, format selection, and security features.

Cost Savings at Any Volume

At 15 to 25 cents per check versus 40 to 66 cents per check through a standard bank account, ordering direct saves 40 to 60 percent on every order. On 200 checks per order, that difference is $30 to $80 per order. Over two to three orders per year, it is $60 to $240 annually. The savings compound because direct-order volumes tend to be larger (offering a lower per-check price), while bank orders are often limited to smaller standard quantities.

Faster Delivery

The direct manufacturer check 3 to 5 days turnaround at Checkomatic versus the bank check 7 to 14 days delivery window matters when you run low on checks and need them quickly. Standard bank ordering through a portal that routes to Deluxe or Harland Clarke takes the same time regardless of which bank places the order; standard ordering through Checkomatic's direct manufacturing pipeline is faster because there is no intermediary processing step.

Business Check Format Selection

Banks offer a limited range of check styles and formats, typically focused on personal checks and a basic selection of business formats. A business needing check on top for QuickBooks, check in middle for Sage 50, manual payroll checks, 3-on-a-page, and Z-fold pressure seal formats will not find all of these through most bank portals. Direct manufacturers offer the full range. See all Checkomatic business formats at business checks.

Custom Logo Printing

Free black and white logo printing on business and personal checks is standard at Checkomatic. Most bank check ordering portals do not offer logo printing at all, or offer it only for business checks at an extra charge. For businesses that want their company logo on every check (reinforcing professional appearance with vendors and employees), direct ordering is the only practical option at no extra cost.

Why Checkomatic Is the Direct Alternative to Bank Check Ordering

Checkomatic has manufactured personal and business checks in Monroe, NY since 1997. As an in-house check manufacturer (in-house check manufacturer), every order is produced at the Monroe NY facility with direct quality control over MICR encoding, security paper grade, and check layout. There is no intermediary bank portal, no Deluxe or Harland Clarke routing, and no bank markup applied to the manufacturing cost.

Personal Checks With the Same ABA Security as Bank Orders

Every Checkomatic personal check ships on the same ABA-compliant security paper that bank-partnered printers use, at a fraction of the bank's resale price. All personal formats are available: personal checkbooks in blue, burgundy, and green (single or duplicate), personal top stub checks, personal deskset checks, and secretary deskbook checks. A check register is included with every personal checkbook order.

Business Checks Not Available Through Bank Portals

The complete Checkomatic business check range covers formats that no bank ordering portal offers: check on top (QuickBooks voucher), check in middle (Sage 50), 3-on-a-page, the full manual business check range (AP, payroll, multi-purpose, compact deskbook), and Z-fold pressure seal checks.

Blank Check Stock for MICR Printing

For businesses with MICR printing capability, blank check stock is available in all five formats on 28 pound bond ABA security paper. This option does not exist through any bank check ordering portal. For a complete explanation of blank stock versus pre-printed, see our check stock and paper supplies guide.

Check Accessories

Checkomatic also offers business deposit slips, check envelopes, 7-ring check binders for manual check storage, and self-inking endorsement stamps. Bank check ordering portals typically do not offer these items or charge additional fees for them.

Start at checkomatic.com. Digital proof approval before production, 3-5 business day standard turnaround, free logo printing on every order, no pre-selected add-ons at checkout.

The Short Version on Bank Checks Ordering and Usage

Bank checks are standard personal or business checks ordered through your bank's website, mobile app, phone, or branch. Banks resell checks manufactured by Deluxe or Harland Clarke at 40-66 cents per check for standard accounts , two to four times the direct-manufacturer price of 5-24 cents per check. Some banks offer free checks (Ally, Chase Premier Plus, Wells Fargo Prime, SoFi, Discover) for qualifying account holders.

Starter checks (100-150 checks) come free with most new checking accounts. Bank check delivery typically takes 7-14 business days. Bank checks are not inherently more secure than CPSA-certified direct-order checks , the security is determined by the paper specification and features, not the ordering channel. The CPSA padlock icon is the standard to look for on any check from any source.

Direct-manufacturer ordering from Checkomatic delivers the same ABA-compliant security paper in 3-5 business days at a fraction of the bank's price, with the full range of business formats, free logo printing, and no intermediary markup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are bank checks?

Bank check definition: bank checks are standard personal or business paper checks ordered through your bank or credit union rather than from a direct check manufacturer. The bank acts as a reseller, routing your order to their check printing partner (typically Deluxe or Harland Clarke), who manufactures and ships the checks to you. The MICR line bank check carries your bank's routing number and your account number, making them functionally identical: bank check deposit same as direct order check for clearing purposes. The ordering channel is the only difference. Bank check cost is typically 40-66 cents per single check at standard account rates, compared to 5-24 cents per check from direct-order manufacturers.

How do I order checks through my bank?

How to order checks online from bank: log in to your bank's website, go to your checking account, and find "Order Checks" or "Order Account Supplies" in the account services menu. Order checks bank mobile app: open your bank's app, navigate to your checking account, and find the check ordering option in account settings. Order checks by phone: call your bank's customer service line or their designated check provider. Order checks bank branch: visit any branch and ask to place a check order. All four methods route through the bank's check printing partner and ship to your address. Delivery takes 7-14 business days for standard service.

How much do bank checks cost?

Bank check cost per check at standard accounts is approximately 40-66 cents per single check based on Bankrate research. Duplicate checks cost 43-75 cents per check. Banks that offer free checks to qualifying account holders include Ally (20 free checks for all members), Chase Premier Plus and Sapphire accounts, Wells Fargo Prime and Premier accounts, SoFi, and Discover. Business account free check benefits are less common. For comparison, direct-manufacturer pricing from Checkomatic is approximately 15-25 cents per personal check and 20-35 cents per business check, with the same ABA-compliant security paper and CPSA certification.

Are bank checks safer than checks ordered from a direct manufacturer?

No. Bank checks are not inherently more secure than checks ordered from a CPSA-certified direct manufacturer. Banks outsource check printing to Deluxe, Harland Clarke, and similar industrial printers , the same manufacturers that also supply direct-order check companies. Check security is determined by the paper specification (ABA-compliant security paper per ANSI X9.100-10) and the security features included in the check, not by whether it was ordered through a bank portal. The CPSA padlock icon is the standard to look for: it confirms the check meets the Check Payment Systems Association's enhanced security guidelines, regardless of the ordering channel. Experian confirms it is "typically safe to obtain checks from third-party vendors; just make sure the checks feature a small padlock icon."

What are starter checks and when do I get them?

Starter checks are a limited supply (typically 100-150 checks) provided by banks when you open a new checking account. They are plain checks with your routing number, account number, and a starting check number in the MICR line , fully functional for payments , but without personalized address details or design features. Starter checks function identically to personalized checks for payment, deposit, and bank clearing purposes. They allow you to write checks immediately while your personalized order arrives. Once your starter checks run low, you can reorder through your bank's portal or order directly from a manufacturer like Checkomatic for faster delivery and lower per-check cost.