Where is the cheapest place to buy personal checks?

Online check printers like Checks Unlimited, CheckSimple, and Bradford Exchange Checks typically offer the lowest prices — often $7–$12 for 100 checks. Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club also offer discounts. Your bank is almost always the most expensive option at $25–$35 for the same quantity.

Is it safe to order checks online from a third party?

Yes, provided you use a reputable printer. Look for companies that use secure ordering (HTTPS), are endorsed by the American Bankers Association, and have verified customer reviews. Checks Unlimited, CheckSimple, Bradford Exchange, and Current are well-established.

How long does it take to get checks in the mail?

Standard delivery from online check printers takes 7–10 business days. Expedited options are usually available for 2–5 days for an additional $5–$15. Your bank typically processes check orders in 7–14 business days as well.

Can I use checks from a third-party printer at my bank?

Yes. Checks ordered from any legitimate printer work at your bank. They must include your bank's routing number, your account number, and your name and address. Third-party checks are functionally identical to bank-issued checks.

How many checks should I order at once?

Most people use fewer than 50 checks per year. Ordering 1–2 boxes (100–200 checks) at a time maximizes the per-check discount. Avoid ordering more than 200–300 at once — if your account number changes, unused checks become obsolete.

Where to Buy Cheap Personal Checks 2026 — Best Prices Compared

Your bank charges $25–$35 for a box of 100 personal checks. Online check printers sell the same quantity for $7–$12. The checks are functionally identical — same routing and account numbers, same paper security features. Ordering checks from a third-party printer is one of the easiest ways to cut banking costs with zero downside.

Bottom line: Most people can save $15–$25 per box by ordering checks online rather than through their bank.

Price Comparison: Bank vs. Third-Party Printers

Source	Price (100 checks)	Delivery Time
Your bank (branch order)	$25–$35	7–14 business days
Walmart Money Center	$7–$12	7–10 business days
Costco (members)	$8–$13	7–10 business days
Sam’s Club (members)	$8–$11	7–10 business days
Checks Unlimited	$7–$14	7–10 business days
CheckSimple	$8–$15	7–10 business days
Bradford Exchange Checks	$10–$18	7–10 business days
Current (formerly Deluxe)	$10–$20	7–10 business days

Worked example: You order 200 checks through Chase — they charge $34.99 for a box of 100, so $69.98 total. The same order through Checks Unlimited runs $12 for 100, so $24 total — a $46 savings for the exact same product.

Are Third-Party Checks Safe?

Yes. Checks from any legitimate printer are legally and functionally identical to checks from your bank. The key is using a reputable printer that:

Uses HTTPS (secure ordering)
Includes the standard MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) line at the bottom with your routing and account numbers
Offers standard security features (micro-printing, chemical-sensitive paper, void pantograph)

Checks that meet these standards will clear your bank without issue. Your bank cannot reject a check solely because it wasn’t ordered through them.

Red flags to avoid: Very cheap unknown websites, printers that don’t use magnetic ink for the MICR line, or companies without verifiable business addresses and reviews.

What Information Checks Must Include

Any check you order must include:

Your name (and address — optional but recommended)
Your bank’s routing number (9-digit number at bottom left)
Your account number (usually 8–12 digits, bottom center)
A check number sequence (for your records)
The MICR line printed in magnetic ink

Find your routing and account numbers at the bottom of an existing check, or in your bank’s online account settings. For help identifying the numbers, see where is the account number on a check.

How to Order Cheap Checks: Step by Step

Get your routing and account numbers — from an existing check or your bank’s app
Choose a printer — Checks Unlimited, CheckSimple, or Costco (if a member) are good starting points
Select your check style — standard personal checks cost less than scenic or designer styles
Enter your account info — routing number, account number, your name and address
Choose quantity — 1 box (100–150 checks) is sufficient for most households
Select delivery speed — standard is cheapest; expedited if you need them soon
Review carefully — double-check routing and account numbers before placing the order

Tip: Order duplicate checks (carbon copy of every check you write) for $2–$5 more. Duplicates serve as a built-in register and are useful if you ever need to prove you made a payment.

How to Save Even More

Use promo codes — Checks Unlimited, CheckSimple, and Bradford Exchange frequently offer 40%–50% off first orders
Buy at Costco or Sam’s Club — membership-priced checks are among the cheapest available
Order two boxes at once — per-check price drops significantly for larger quantities
Choose a simple design — scenic and personalised designs cost 20%–40% more; standard blue or green checks are cheapest

Can Your Bank Stop You from Using Third-Party Checks?

No. Banks cannot legally refuse to honor checks solely because they were ordered from a third-party printer. Your bank account agreement gives you the right to use any checks that contain the correct routing and account information.

The only scenario where a third-party check might be flagged is if it lacks proper MICR ink or security features and is suspected of alteration or fraud — which applies equally to bank-issued checks.

When to Order New Checks

You’ve used most of your current supply (order before you run out)
Your name, address, or phone number changed
Your account number changed (after opening a new account or due to fraud)
Your bank merged and routing numbers changed

Important: If your account number or routing number changes, unused old checks must be destroyed — they will return as unpaid if presented.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy