Get My First Check Book

You can order personal checks from anywhere you like. Some banks charge $20 or more per box, unless you're a premium account holder. ... Here's a list of what some major banks, check printers and big-box stores charge for ordering personal checks. Prices shown are for basic checking account customers.

Choosing Checks from Your Bank. Get checks from your bank. You can always order checks directly from your bank. While these checks will likely have your bank logo instead of personalized checks, they are relatively easy to order directly through your bank.

But if you're in a pinch after having run out of checks before your new ones arrive, you can often get several instant counter checks from your bank to meet your temporary need. A teller or personal banker can print counter checks for you.

The safest and fastest way to get cash is to take your check to the check writer's bank. That's the bank or credit union that holds the check writer's funds, and you can get the money out of the check writer's account and into your hands instantly at that bank.

Checks should arrive anywhere from one to two weeks. If you need the checks immediately, you can usually pay more for expedited shipping. Whether ordering from your bank or a separate company, your checks usually will take 10-14 business days to arrive. You should get them all at once in a small package.

For same-day check printing, you can visit your local bank branch to get counter checks, print your own checks at home, or contact a local print shop to see if it offers same-day check printing.

Visit your bank in person. Most banks will allow you to order checks by visiting a local branch in person. You can either visit your regular branch, or search online or in the phone book to find the bank branch closest to you.

You can start your check number with any number you wish. When ordering checks, there is usually a line on the order form that asks you what number should they start with.

When someone writes you a check, it has "cleared" as soon as the check writer's bank transfers money to your bank and you can spend the funds. However, it's not always clear if or when the money arrives. Your bank often allows you to spend money from deposited checks and even withdraw cash before a check clears.