Introduction
Many checking accounts come with a starter set of checks when you open them, but you’ll need to buy additional after they expire.
It can be expensive to order checks from the bank; some banks may charge $30 or more for a set of checks. In the meanwhile, purchasing checks online from a third party is frequently a far more affordable option. Furthermore, ordering checks online typically gives you additional customization possibilities. The steps are listed below.
1. Get a portable check printer
Numerous sizable online shops print checks upon request. The price of checks from each retailer varies depending on a number of elements, such as the number of checks that fit into a box, whether they are single or duplicate, and the extra features you choose.
However, if you’re searching for a less expensive option to your bank, here are some places that print checks and how much a box of straightforward, single checks costs at each.
| Store | Number of checks per box | Cost of one box |
|---|---|---|
| Checks.com | 100 | $5.95 |
| Carousel Checks | 100 | $6.99 |
| Sam’s Club | 240 | $7.30 |
| Walmart | 120 | $7.96 |
| Costco | 125 | $8.87* |
| Vista Print | 150 | $15 |
| Bradford Exchange | 100 | $21.95 |
| Checks in the Mail | 100 | $22.99 |
2. Pick a check design
One advantage of ordering checks from a third party is that you may customize them by selecting from hundreds of patterns. Checks may have graphics printed on them or simple, one-color designs. When purchasing checks for several accounts, it could be useful to choose distinct designs so that you can quickly identify between them.
Walmart even provides a selection of cause-related check designs. These checks have illustrations that lend support to particular causes, such as a kitten design that donates 9% of the price of each check to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
You can upload your own custom image to be printed on the checks at some shops, such Checks.com. However, this improved choice will probably be substantially more expensive than other regular ones.
3. Choose your custom features and quantity
Online checks can frequently be considerably more customized than checks that come with a bank account. You’ll be invited to choose the number of checks, the check style, and any additional features after choosing a design.
The following factors should be taken into account while designing your check order:
Quantity: A single box order of checks typically contains 100 to 150 checks, while other shops, like Sam’s Club, offer many more checks per box. The cost of ordering multiple boxes at once might be reduced.
Single vs. duplicate: The majority of merchants will let you decide between single and duplicate checks. Carbon copy paper is included under each check on duplicates, which are somewhat more expensive but make it simple to keep track of every check that is written.
Added security:Although many checks already have some basic security measures in place, you may have the choice to upgrade your fraud and identity theft protection by using services like CheckSafe or FraudArmor. Improvements to cover monies that have been taken, tools for recovering from identity theft, and check replacements are a few examples of these safeguards.
Font and logo: You might be able to change these two purely aesthetic aspects. Make sure to pick a font that is simple to read.
4. Enter personal and account information
The most crucial step is precisely entering your personal and account information because it will be printed on every check and used to determine which account to withdraw money from. Incorrect data could result in bounced checks and the need to order an entirely new batch of checks.
Information can be entered by copying it from a previous check or a provisional check for a new account. On the account page of an online account or by calling a bank representative, you can also find the pertinent bank account information.
The information you’ll need includes the following:
- Bank routing number
- The account number
- Starting check number (this can be any number you choose)
- The financial institution’s name
- Your address
You are ready to order the checks once you have entered all the required personal information and verified its accuracy.