Where To Buy Checks: Avoid Your Bank To Save Money
Compare check prices across retailers and banks. Learn where to buy checks affordably and avoid expensive bank fees.
In today’s digital world, the use of paper checks has declined significantly as consumers embrace online bill payment, mobile wallets, and peer-to-peer payment solutions. However, for those who still need to write checks, the cost of reordering them can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you’re ordering directly from your bank. By understanding where to purchase checks and comparing prices across different vendors, you can save considerable money on this often-overlooked banking expense.
The key to finding affordable checks lies in shopping around and avoiding the default option of ordering through your bank. Third-party check printers and retailers frequently offer checks at substantially lower prices than traditional banks, sometimes charging just a fraction of what your financial institution would charge. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options, compare prices, and implement strategies to minimize your check-buying expenses.
Understanding Check Pricing: Banks vs. Third-Party Vendors
When it comes to purchasing personal checks, the price difference between ordering from your bank and buying from third-party vendors can be substantial. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making smart purchasing decisions.
What Banks Charge for Checks
When you order checks directly from your bank, you can expect to pay significantly more than you would from alternative sources. Based on current market research, banks typically charge around 40 to 66 cents per check for single standard checks with security features. For duplicate checks that come with carbon copies, bank pricing typically ranges from 43 to 75 cents per check. These prices vary depending on your specific financial institution and the type of checks you’re ordering.
Many banks partner with check-printing vendors to provide this service, and the markup they apply makes ordering from your bank one of the most expensive options available. Additionally, banks often charge shipping fees and may have limited design options compared to specialized check printers.
What Third-Party Vendors Charge
Third-party check printers offer dramatically lower pricing than traditional banks. For standard single checks with security features, you’ll typically pay between 5 to 24 cents per check depending on the vendor and order volume. For duplicate checks with carbon copies, third-party pricing generally ranges from 8 to 31 cents per check.
This pricing structure means you could save 50 to 85 percent by ordering from a third-party vendor instead of your bank. The savings accumulate quickly, especially if you regularly need to reorder checks.
Banks That Offer Free Checks
Some financial institutions recognize the value proposition of offering free checks to account holders. These providers typically include online-only banks and credit unions, which have lower operational costs and can pass those savings to customers. Notable examples include Ally Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, and USAA Federal Savings Bank. If you’re shopping for a new checking account, the availability of free checks can be a valuable benefit worth considering.
Best Places to Buy Personal Checks
Numerous retailers and specialized vendors offer check printing services at competitive prices. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options and their pricing structures.
Warehouse Clubs and Retail Giants
Major retailers and warehouse clubs have emerged as some of the most affordable sources for personal checks. Sam’s Club leads the market with single standard checks priced at approximately 5 cents per check, making it the cheapest option available. A two-box order of 200 checks costs just $20.39.
Costco offers single checks at 8 cents per check, with 120 checks per box costing $19.52 for two boxes. Walmart provides single checks at 9 cents per check, with 120 checks per box costing $21.99 for two boxes.
For duplicate checks, Sam’s Club again leads at 8 cents per check, followed by Costco at 10 cents per check and Walmart at 11 cents per check.
Specialized Check Printers
Companies that specialize exclusively in check printing offer competitive pricing and often provide greater customization options. Vistaprint offers single checks at 10 cents per check for orders of 100, with duplicate checks available at 14 cents per check. Promise Checks charges 10 cents per check for singles and 14 cents per check for duplicates.
Checks.com prices single checks at 12 cents per check and duplicate checks at 13 cents per check. Checks in the Mail is more expensive at 24 cents per check for singles and 28 cents per check for duplicates. Checks Unlimited charges 24 cents per check for singles and 31 cents per check for duplicates.
Bank-Provided Services
When you order checks through your bank’s designated vendor, you’ll pay a premium. For example, Chase Bank provides checks through Deluxe at 38 cents per check for singles and 43 cents per check for duplicates. This pricing falls between typical warehouse club prices and traditional bank prices but remains significantly higher than most specialized check printers.
Practical Strategies to Save Money on Checks
Beyond choosing the right vendor, several proven strategies can help you further reduce your check-buying expenses.
Verify If Your Bank Offers Free Checks
Before shopping elsewhere, contact your bank to confirm whether your checking account includes free checks as a benefit. Some account types, particularly premium or high-balance accounts, may include complimentary standard checks for the first order or ongoing refills. Even if your bank doesn’t offer completely free checks, they may provide the first book of checks at no cost, allowing you to defer expenses.
Search for Online Deals and Promotional Codes
Many check retailers and coupon aggregator websites regularly feature promotional offers. Websites like CouponCabin and RetailMeNot frequently list discount codes and special offers for check purchases. These promotions might include percentage discounts, free shipping offers, or reduced pricing on first-time orders. Spending a few minutes searching for available coupon codes before placing an order can yield significant savings.
Order Checks in Bulk
Purchasing checks in larger quantities typically results in a lower per-check cost. If you don’t write many checks but need a supply for several years, ordering a bulk quantity at once can reduce your overall expenses. Similarly, ordering basic standard designs without customization, multicolored patterns, or special images will substantially decrease your per-check cost compared to decorative options.
Choose Economy Shipping Options
If you’re not in a rush to receive your checks, selecting the slowest available shipping option can save considerable money. While expedited shipping might cost several dollars more, standard or economy shipping often qualifies for free delivery or significantly reduced rates. Unless you urgently need your checks, choosing the longest delivery timeframe is a smart money-saving tactic.
Ensuring Safety and Security When Ordering Checks Online
While price is an important consideration, security and trustworthiness should never be compromised. Before placing an order with any check printer you’re unfamiliar with, verify their legitimacy and reputation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides searchable databases where you can confirm whether a company is registered, review customer complaints, and assess their overall reputation.
Never provide sensitive banking information such as your account number, routing number, or personal identification details to unverified or suspicious websites. Stick to well-known retailers, established check printers, or services recommended by your financial institution when uncertain about a vendor’s credibility.
Comparison of Check Prices by Vendor
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed price comparison for single standard checks:
| Vendor | Checks Per Box | Cost (2 Boxes) | Cost Per Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam’s Club | 200 | $20.39 | $0.05 |
| Costco | 120 | $19.52 | $0.08 |
| Walmart | 120 | $21.99 | $0.09 |
| Promise Checks | 80 | $15.90 | $0.10 |
| Vistaprint | 100 | $19.99 | $0.10 |
| Checks.com | 80 | $18.40 | $0.12 |
| Checks in the Mail | 80 | $38.25 | $0.24 |
| Checks Unlimited | 80 | $38.99 | $0.24 |
| Chase Bank (Deluxe) | 80 | $60.00 | $0.38 |
For duplicate checks with carbon copies, pricing follows a similar pattern, with warehouse clubs again offering the lowest rates and bank-affiliated vendors commanding premium prices.
The Long-Term Financial Impact
Understanding the cumulative savings from choosing the right check vendor can be eye-opening. If you order 200 checks annually, ordering from Sam’s Club at 5 cents per check costs just $10 per year. The same quantity from your bank at 40 to 66 cents per check would cost $80 to $132 annually. This represents annual savings of $70 to $122 for a single customer, amounts that compound significantly for households with multiple accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Checks
Q: Can I order checks directly from my bank?
A: Yes, most banks provide check ordering services, though they typically charge significantly more than third-party vendors. You can usually order through your bank’s website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.
Q: How long does it take to receive checks after ordering?
A: Delivery times vary depending on your shipping selection. Standard shipping typically takes 5-10 business days, while expedited options may take 2-3 days. Economy shipping might take 10-14 days but usually offers the lowest or free cost.
Q: Do I need to provide my account information when ordering checks online?
A: Yes, reputable check printers will need your account and routing numbers to print accurate checks. Always verify the vendor’s security credentials and only provide this information to trusted, established companies.
Q: Can I customize my checks with personal designs or logos?
A: Many specialized check printers offer customization options including personalized images, special colors, and custom designs, though these options typically increase the per-check cost. Stick with standard designs if you want to minimize expenses.
Q: What should I do if my checks arrive damaged or with errors?
A: Contact the check printer immediately with photos of the damaged checks or details about any errors. Reputable vendors typically offer replacement orders at no additional cost for manufacturing defects.
Q: Are online check orders secure?
A: Established check printers use encryption and security protocols to protect your financial information. Always look for secure website indicators (https://) and verify the vendor through the Better Business Bureau before ordering.
Conclusion
Ordering checks from your bank is convenient but expensive—a habit that can cost you hundreds of dollars annually. By shopping around and comparing prices from warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club, specialized check printers like Vistaprint, and major retailers like Walmart, you can reduce your per-check costs by 75 to 85 percent.
Implement the money-saving strategies outlined above, including searching for promotional codes, ordering in bulk, choosing economy shipping, and selecting basic designs. Most importantly, if your financial institution offers free checks, take advantage of this valuable benefit. With minimal effort and careful planning, you can keep your check-buying expenses to just a fraction of what your bank would charge, freeing up money for more important financial priorities.
References
- Where To Buy Checks: Avoid Your Bank To Save Money — Bankrate. 2025-11-04. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/where-to-buy-checks-save-money/
- How to Order Checks Online — Bankrate. 2025-02-16. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/how-to-order-checks-online/
- How To Write A Check: A Step-By-Step Guide — Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/how-to-write-a-check/
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