Cheap Checks Online: Where to Buy

Paper checks may be a relic of the past for some people — but not everyone. Many Americans still write checks and may find inexpensive ones from online retailers and banks.

But you shouldn’t order checks from just anywhere. Before you provide your sensitive bank account details, you'll want to consider not only the price but also the vendor’s reputation.

To help guide your purchase, we’ve assembled a list of 12 places to shop for your next low-cost check order plus tips to get the best deal. Prices typically range from 5 cents to 28 cents per check. Here’s what else we found:

Where to buy cheap checks online

You shouldn’t have to pay an unreasonable price for checks, regardless of how often you use them. Here are a dozen cheap places that you can purchase checks online:

*Note: Pricing reflects the most basic checks available.
Pricing accurate as of Oct. 9, 2024

These retailers were chosen because they either had good customer reviews or satisfaction guarantees — or both.

To keep comparisons apples to apples, costs are based on a box or pack of single Blue Safety checks, whenever available.

Choosing other types of checks could result in different costs per order and per check, and smaller orders, such as a half-pack, may be available from some of these companies. Generally, the cost per check may be lower if you’re willing to purchase a higher number of checks.

Some of these options may provide additional savings if you have a wholesale club membership, such as with Costco. Consider shipping as well to understand the true cost of an online check order.

Where to buy cheap checks at banks and credit unions

You can also purchase credit union and bank checks, though the costs can be higher than with online check providers. Here are some examples of check prices per box from several large banks:

*Note: Pricing reflects the most basic checks available. Shipping costs are not included. Pricing accurate as of Oct. 9, 2024.

Generally, one of these options is best if you’re a bank customer and qualify for free checks, which may be the case depending on your account type or whether it’s your first check order. And if you’re only looking for a one-off check and have already used your free options, you may want to consider a cashier’s check.

How to get checks for cheap

Options abound when it comes to ordering checks, so it pays to know where and how to find the best deals. Here are six tips to help you start:

1. Check with your bank. Depending on your bank and account type, you may be able to access free checks. For example, you may get the first batch of checks for free, which can mean 80 or more checks that you’d be able to access without paying anything except, perhaps, shipping.
2. Go basic. Checks can run the gamut from basic to deluxe. If you want to save money, look for the basic options. That means skipping those more aesthetic check designs.
3. Buy in bulk. Usually, the more checks you’re willing to purchase at once, the less you’ll end up paying per check because many retailers offer discounts for larger orders. If you can afford to pay more for an order, and you know you’ll use those checks, you may want to consider buying checks in bulk.
4. Avoid add-ons. There may be optional features you can add to your check orders — address labels, stamps or deposit slips, for example — for an additional cost. To keep the order cost low, avoid these unless you absolutely need them. The one exception here you may want to consider is fraud protection, which may be worth the splurge.
5. Consider singles rather than doubles. Many check retailers will offer single and double checks, with the difference being that doubles offer a copy of each check for your records. The cost usually isn’t much higher than singles, but you can still save a bit and log your check details elsewhere.
6. Look for coupons. Some providers will run sales or offer coupons from time to time that can also cut your costs. Check for those options whenever you’re ordering a new batch.

What you need to know to order checks online

Some aspects of ordering checks can differ from site to site and others can be similar, such as certain details you’ll need to provide to get valid checks. These include your:

• Name
• Address
• Bank name
• Bank account number
• Bank routing number

If you’re repurchasing checks for your checking account, you may also have to provide the starting check number for your new pack of checks.

Checks are like a direct line to your bank account, so it’s always a good idea to carefully review the safety features that are included in your order, such as fraud protection. That way, you can be confident that you’re getting cheap checks that are still a safe option for managing your finances.