Getting Personal Checks: A Complete Guide To Your Best Options

The Check Still Matters, Especially for Certain Demographics

While digital payment methods have become dominant, personal checks remain relevant—particularly for older Americans. According to recent data, just 5% of Americans under 42 prioritize check-writing capabilities when selecting a checking account. However, this preference shifts dramatically with age: 23% of those between 59 and 77 view it as important, and this number reaches 33% for Americans 78 and older. This generational divide highlights that understanding how to buy checks efficiently is still valuable knowledge for many households.

Where You Can Source Checks: Multiple Channels Available

When you need to buy checks, you’re not limited to your bank. In fact, your financial institution is often the most expensive option available. Several alternative sources now offer competitive pricing and selection:

Retail Locations. Major retailers like Costco, Walmart, Office Depot, and Sam’s Club have integrated check sales into their offerings, providing convenience and typically lower prices than traditional banks.

Online Vendors. The internet has opened numerous channels for purchasing checks. Most established online merchants comply with industry standards, making online orders safe and secure—provided you verify that sellers meet Consumer Product Safety Act requirements. Popular online platforms include Checks In The Mail (a century-old company that processes over one billion checks annually), Carousel Checks, Bradford Exchange, CheckAdvantage, and Vistaprint. Each offers distinct advantages, from basic affordability to extensive design libraries.

Your Bank or Credit Union. While these institutions often provide initial checks at no charge, subsequent orders typically carry premium pricing compared to alternative channels.

Smart Strategies for Reducing Check Costs

Several tactics can help you minimize expenses when you purchase checks:

Skip the bank premium. Banks typically charge more per check than big-box retailers or online specialists. After any initial free checks they offer, prices become significantly less competitive.

Buy in volume. Ordering multiple boxes simultaneously triggers bulk discounts from most vendors. Planning ahead allows you to take advantage of these savings rather than paying rush fees.

Embrace simplicity. Designer and customized checks cost considerably more than standard designs. Skip duplicates and decorative features if you want to maximize value. Basic designs deliver functionality at a fraction of the price.

Order proactively. Never wait until your supply is nearly depleted. Advance planning eliminates expedited shipping and printing fees, which substantially inflate per-check costs.

Comparing Major Check Vendors

Checks In The Mail stands out for reliability and volume—they’ve operated for over 100 years and maintain competitive pricing alongside hundreds of design options.

Carousel Checks appeals to budget-conscious buyers seeking straightforward solutions, though delivery extends up to four weeks.

Costco Checks prioritize security with visible and invisible fluorescent fibers, heat-sensitive inks, holograms, and watermarks—making them ideal for those prioritizing fraud protection over design creativity.

Walmart Checks combine vast selection with affordability, positioning them as a accessible option for routine check purchases.

CheckAdvantage offers 2,500 original designs and includes free shipping, benefiting customers seeking personalization without destination fees.

Sam’s Club Checks works well for bulk buyers and those needing printer-compatible formats.

Bradford Exchange and Vistaprint cater to those wanting creative designs alongside their check orders.

The Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you’ve decided where to buy checks, the actual ordering follows a straightforward path. First, evaluate your actual check usage. Many people can reduce their reliance through automatic payments for regular bills. Calculate realistic demand over a year, then determine your inventory needs—one box might sustain you for years if you write just one or two checks monthly.

Next, prioritize what matters most: custom aesthetics, advanced security, or shipping convenience. These preferences guide your vendor selection. Compare pricing across your preferred options.

When ready to place an order, you’ll provide your bank’s routing number, your account number, full name and address, and your bank’s complete name and address. After payment processing, anticipate delivery within the timeframe specified by your chosen vendor.

Beyond Checks: Alternative Payment Methods

If traditional checks don’t align with your lifestyle, multiple alternatives exist:

Electronic transfers like ACH payments and EFTs move money directly between bank accounts using routing and account numbers—ideal for regular bill payments.

Plastic payments through debit and credit cards work nearly everywhere and often provide rewards benefits.

Digital wallets store funds electronically and streamline payment tracking.

Payment apps including PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle handle peer-to-peer transfers, contractor payments, and service fees without physical currency exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

What details appear on a check? Your routing number, account number, check number, name, address, and your bank’s identifying information must all be present.

Why is it called a check? The term cheque originated as a safeguard or “check” against fraud and forgery in financial transactions.

Can you print personal checks yourself? Technically yes, but you’ll need specialized magnetic ink, dedicated check-printing software, compatible stock paper, and a compatible printer—and many institutions won’t accept homemade versions.