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How to find cheap checks
These are the three major places where you can find cheap checks.
If you’re out of checks and your financial institution doesn’t offer free or cheap checks, you have other options. Explore our guide on how to find checks that won’t break the bank.
What's in this guide?
Where to order cheap checks online
There are generally three places you can go to order cheap checks: a major retailer, your bank or an online printer. While shipping costs will vary, we’ve rounded up the cheapest standard checks in each of these three categories.
Major retailers
| Retailer | Single check cost | Duplicate check cost | Shipping delivery | Checks offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco |
|
| Up to 4 to 19 business days |
|
| Sam’s Club |
|
| 14 business days |
|
| Walmart |
|
| Up to 12 business days |
|
Online printers
| Online retailer | Single check cost | Duplicate check cost | Shipping delivery | Checks offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASAP Checks | $10 for 200 checks | N/A | 1 to 2 business days |
|
| Bradford Exchange | $19.95 for 100 checks | $22.95 for 100 checks | 4 to 15 business days |
|
| Check Advantage | $14.65 for 150 checks | $17.80 for 120 checks | 11 to 15 business days |
|
| Checkworks | $9.99 for 125 checks | $14.99 for 125 checks | 1 day to 4 weeks |
|
| Checks.com | $4.95 for 100 checks | $5.95 for 100 checks | 5 to 15 business days |
|
| Checks in the Mail | $21.25 for 100 checks | $25.25 for 100 checks | 6 to 14 business days |
|
| Promise Checks | $6.95 for 125 checks | $9.95 for 100 checks | $9.95 for 100 checks |
|
| Checks Unlimited | $18.99 for 100 checks | $22.99 for 100 checks | 2 to 15 business days |
|
| Vistaprint | $13.29 for 150 checks | $18.03 for 150 checks | Up to 8 business days |
|
Banks and credit unions
| Bank | Cost | Shipping cost | Checks offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Advance Checking | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| Umpqua Attain Checking | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| U.S. Bank Student Checking | First order of checks free | Free | Personal |
| M&T Bank MyChoice Premium Checking | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| Discover Cashback Debit | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| Axos Bank Business Interest Checking | First order of checks free | Free | Business |
| Ally Bank | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| Charles Schwab Bank | Free checks | Free | Personal |
| Bank 5 Connect | First order of checks free | Free | Personal |
| USAA | Free | Free | Personal |
Compare checking accounts with free checks
How to get cheap checks
If you want to order the cheapest checks possible, follow these simple strategies:
- Check your bank. Many banks are starting to offer free checks with accounts. Before you explore your options online, reach out to a customer service representative and see if you can get free checks through your bank.
- Look for promo codes. Search for promo codes online and see if any stores are offering discounts for ordering checks.
- Bulk order checks. You’ll typically get a volume discount if you order several boxes of checks at once.
- Choose simple designs. Skip the personalized checks and opt for the basic style. It may not be as pretty to look at, but it’ll save you a decent chunk of change.
What to consider when buying cheap checks
When ordering checks online, you’re required to enter sensitive information such as your account number and bank routing number. Safeguard against potential scams and protect your financial information by following these guidelines:
- Look for the CPSA certification. This certification ensures that the company produces checks that comply with the CPSA’s strict security regulations. Look for this certification icon on the company’s website before you buy any checks.
- Buy from a reputable source. If you’re thinking about ordering checks from a site you’ve never heard of, look for customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs or Trustpilot.
- Get trackable shipping. You don’t want your sensitive information getting into the wrong hands, so make sure you choose a printer that offers trackable shipping — that way you know if your checks get misplaced. Some places offer cheap checks with free shipping, but you may have to pay extra for a tracking number. Even if you do, the added peace of mind may be worth the extra cost.
- Make sure your checks are certified. To see if a check is certified by the CPSA, look for the padlock icon next to the Amount box on the check. If the padlock is there, you know it’s a certified check.
Fees to consider
There are a few fees to look out for when ordering and using checks:
- Check printing fee. Printing checks can get expensive quickly. Compare the cost of getting checks through your bank versus a major retailer or online printer to see which one is cheaper.
- Per check fee. Although not common, some banks may charge a fee each time you write a check or write more than a certain number of checks in a given time period.
- Overdraft fee. If you write a check that brings your account balance below $0, your bank will likely return the check and charge you a fee. Depending on the bank, overdraft fees are typically $35.
- Stop payment fee. If you lose a check or need to cancel it after it’s already been sent, you can request a stop payment. But the bank will charge you a fee.
What you need to order checks online
If you order checks through your bank, the only thing you may need to do is update your address if it changed. But if you order them online through a major retailer or online printer, make sure you have the following information on hand:
- Personal information, including your name and address
- Bank name and address
- Account number
- Routing number
- Account type — personal or business
Bottom line
Although ordering checks from your bank may be the most convenient option, it may not be the most cost-effective. Ordering checks from a major retailer or online printer can be a great alternative. But make sure you buy from a reputable source that’s CPSA certified and offers trackable shipping.
As always, if you’d rather stick with buying checks from your bank, compare checking account options until you find one that offers cheap checks.
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