In an era dominated by digital transactions, checks might seem like a thing of the past. However, they remain surprisingly relevant for many, from small businesses managing expenses to individuals handling rent, utilities, or even gifting cash in a tangible form. While your bank may offer a starter set of checks upon account opening, reordering through them can be costly. Fortunately, ordering Cheap Checks Online presents a significantly more affordable and often more customizable alternative.
This guide dives into the world of online check ordering, highlighting the best places to find cheap checks online without compromising on security or quality. We’ll explore top providers, compare prices, discuss essential features, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision and save money.
Top Online Check Providers for the Best Deals
When your initial bank checks run out, turning to online providers is a smart move to avoid hefty bank fees. Here are six of the leading online check companies, each offering unique advantages in terms of price, selection, and features:
1. Walmart Checks: Best Overall Value
Walmart Checks consistently ranks as a top choice for ordering checks online, and for good reason. They boast an extensive selection of both personal and business checks at highly competitive prices.
One of the standout benefits of Walmart Checks is their free standard shipping, ensuring you receive your order within approximately 12 business days without extra costs. Their website is user-friendly, making the ordering process straightforward and efficient.
Price-wise, Walmart Checks is hard to beat. You can secure a box of 120 single checks for as low as $10.27, which translates to roughly 9 cents per check. This makes them an exceptionally cheap checks online option.
Beyond affordability, Walmart Checks offers a wide array of customization options. While basic checks are the most budget-friendly, you can personalize your checks with various designs, including landscapes, nature scenes, animals, dog breeds, and popular cartoon characters. Buzz Lightyear designs are particularly trendy right now.
Customers can choose between single and duplicate check formats and select options with enhanced security features for added peace of mind. For businesses or personal use, you can even upload a logo or photo to truly personalize your checks.
A variety of check designs are displayed on a website, illustrating the customization options available when ordering checks online.
2. Super Value Checks: Cheapest Checks Available
If your primary concern is finding the absolute cheapest checks online, look no further than Super Value Checks. They offer an incredibly low starting price of $1.95 for a box of 40 checks, working out to about 5 cents per check. This makes them the most budget-friendly option for cheap checks online.
However, it’s important to note that unlike other providers on this list, Super Value Checks does not offer free standard shipping. Their basic shipping option adds $3.79 to your order and takes 10 to 14 business days for delivery. Even with this shipping fee, Super Value Checks remains one of the most economical choices.
Despite the low cost, Super Value Checks provides access to over 200 designs, including both single and duplicate check formats. You can choose from various styles, but keep in mind that more elaborate designs or added security features may increase the overall price. For those strictly seeking cheap checks online, sticking to basic designs will maximize savings.
3. Costco Checks: Best for Security Features
Costco Checks, powered by Harland Clarke, is a compelling option, especially for Costco members. Membership is a prerequisite, but the benefits for Costco members seeking checks are significant.
Costco Checks operates on a bulk-buy model, with the smallest box containing 240 checks. This might be more than some individuals need, but for businesses or those who use checks frequently, it can be a cost-effective approach.
Security is a major advantage of Costco Checks. They are renowned for incorporating over 25 security features in their high-security checks. These features include advanced measures like heat-sensitive ink, holograms, watermarks, and both visible and invisible fluorescent fibers, providing superior protection against fraud.
For the most economical option at Costco Checks, a 240-count box of basic checks is priced at $17.99 for Gold Star and Business members, equating to roughly 7 cents per check. Executive members enjoy an additional 20% discount, further reducing the cost of these cheap checks online.
Shipping is free and trackable, with delivery in approximately nine to 12 business days. Express delivery is available for a $19.90 fee, shortening the delivery time to seven to nine business days.
4. Checks in the Mail: Best for Discounts and Deals
Checks in the Mail is a well-established player in the online check industry, processing over a billion checks annually. While not always the absolute cheapest option, they frequently offer discounts and deals that can make them a very attractive choice for cheap checks online.
While a pad of 25 single checks starts at $5.25 (or 21 cents per check), Checks in the Mail regularly features promotions. At the time of writing, they were offering a 20% discount on laser checks, $6.49 packs of checks for new customers, and 20% off all personal checks. Checking their website for current deals is highly recommended to maximize savings.
Checks in the Mail boasts a wide selection of over 200 check styles, including licensed designs featuring Disney and Peanuts characters, patriotic and religious themes, animals, and high-security options. Both single and duplicate check formats are available.
Standard shipping is free and typically takes 12 to 14 business days. Their consistent discounts and wide selection make them a strong contender when looking for cheap checks online.
5. Bradford Exchange Checks: Best Quality Designs
Bradford Exchange Checks positions itself as a provider of higher-quality checks, which is reflected in their slightly higher price point. A box of 100 checks is priced at $24.95, making them around 25 cents per check.
However, customers often praise Bradford Exchange Checks for their exceptional customer service and superior print quality, particularly when it comes to artwork and designs. The visual appeal of their checks, featuring characters, landscapes, and other artistic themes, often surpasses that of cheaper alternatives.
For customers who prioritize design quality and customer service over rock-bottom prices, Bradford Exchange Checks provides excellent value. Free shipping is offered, with delivery typically within 12 to 15 business days. While not the cheapest checks online, they offer a premium feel and aesthetic.
6. Check Advantage: Best Variety of Designs
If you are overwhelmed by choices, Check Advantage might not be for you, as they offer an astounding selection of over 2,500 check designs. This vast variety ensures you can find a design that perfectly matches your personal style or business branding.
Price-wise, Check Advantage falls in the mid-range, with their most affordable option being a box of 150 single checks for $17.45, or approximately 12 cents per check. What sets Check Advantage apart is their on-time guarantee, promising that checks are printed and shipped within three business days.
Shipping is free and takes 11 to 15 business days for delivery. The combination of a massive design library and a quick turnaround time makes Check Advantage a compelling option for those seeking cheap checks online with extensive customization choices and efficient service.
Honorable Mentions
While the above six are our top picks, a few other online check providers are worth considering:
- Checks Unlimited: Checks Unlimited is known for specialty checks, including Warner Bros. cartoon designs, appealing to those seeking licensed character checks.
Understanding the Cost of Ordering Checks Online
To provide a clear comparison of costs, the table below summarizes the pricing for basic single checks from our top providers and honorable mentions. Shipping costs are excluded, as most offer free standard shipping (except Super Value Checks).
Online Check Costs at a Glance
| Check Printer | Price Per Box | Checks Per Box | Price Per Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $10.27 | 120 | $0.09 |
| Super Value Checks | $1.95 | 40 | $0.05 |
| Costco Checks | $17.99 | 240 | $0.07 |
| Checks in the Mail | $5.25 | 25 | $0.21 |
| Bradford Exchange | $24.95 | 100 | $0.25 |
| Check Advantage | $17.45 | 150 | $0.12 |
| Carousel Checks | $19.99 | 100 | $0.19 |
| Checks.com | $8.20 | 100 | $0.08 |
| Sam’s Club | $18.92 | 400 | $0.05 |
| Checks Unlimited | $22.44 | 100 | $0.22 |
This table clearly illustrates the range of prices available for cheap checks online, with Super Value Checks and Sam’s Club (for bulk orders) offering the lowest per-check costs.
Ordering Checks Online: Essential Basics
Before you start browsing designs and placing your order for cheap checks online, understanding a few key basics will streamline the process:
Single Checks vs. Duplicate Checks
The primary difference lies in record-keeping. Duplicate checks include a carbon copy that remains in your checkbook when you write a check. This provides an automatic record of the payee, amount, and date, simplifying reconciliation and tracking expenses.
Single checks lack this carbon copy. They are generally more affordable, contributing to the goal of finding cheap checks online, but require more diligent manual record-keeping to balance your checkbook and monitor payments.
Basic Checks vs. High-Security Checks
All checks incorporate some security features, including MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) encoding at the bottom, which uses magnetic ink and special font for automated processing and fraud prevention.
High-security checks offer enhanced protection with additional features such as:
- High-resolution borders: More intricate designs that are harder to replicate.
- Chemically sensitive paper: Reacts to chemical tampering.
- Visible and invisible fluorescent fibers: Detectable under UV light to verify authenticity.
- Complex color patterns: Difficult to photocopy accurately.
- Foil holograms: Tamper-evident holographic images.
- Heat-sensitive ink: Disappears or changes color when heated.
- Anti-copy technology: Prevents unauthorized duplication.
While high-security checks offer greater protection, they typically come at a higher cost. For those prioritizing cheap checks online, basic checks still provide a standard level of security for everyday use. Some providers may also offer add-on services like EZShield Check Fraud Protection, which can provide further security against identity theft related to check writing.
How to Order Checks Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ordering cheap checks online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get your checks quickly and affordably:
- Choose a Check Printer: Utilize comparison resources like this guide to narrow down your options based on price, design selection, security features, and customer reviews. Check for CPSA (Check Payment Systems Association) certification and Better Business Bureau ratings to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company.
- Select Check Type and Design: Decide between single or duplicate checks and the desired level of security. Explore the design options and choose one that suits your preferences. For the cheapest checks online, opt for basic designs.
- Choose Accessories (Optional): Consider if you need accessories like deposit tickets, extra check registers, or a new checkbook cover. These are often offered during the ordering process but are not mandatory. You can reuse existing checkbook covers to save money.
- Enter Bank Information: You will need your bank routing number and checking account number. This information is essential for printing your checks correctly. You’ll also need to provide personal contact information (name, address, phone number) as you want it to appear on the checks. Ensure your bank’s name, address, and phone number are also included.
- Set Check Number: To maintain organized record-keeping, set the starting check number to follow sequentially from your previous checkbook. For example, if your last check was number 40, start your new checks at 41.
- Choose Shipping Method: Select free standard shipping to minimize costs, unless you require expedited delivery. Expect standard shipping to take approximately two to three weeks. If available, opt for free tracking to monitor your order’s progress.
- Review Your Checks Upon Arrival: Carefully inspect your checks when they arrive to verify that your personal and bank information are accurate. Check for any errors before using them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buying Checks Online
How Can I Get Free Checks?
Banks typically provide a free starter pack of checks when you open a new account. However, reordering from banks is usually not free and is more expensive than online options. To get cheap checks, ordering online from third-party providers is the most effective way to save money after your initial free checks run out.
How Much Does It Cost To Order Checks?
The cost of checks varies based on factors like check type (single or duplicate), security features, and design complexity. Generally, you can expect to pay between 5 to 25 cents per check when ordering cheap checks online. Standard shipping is often free, further reducing the overall cost compared to bank-ordered checks.
Where is the Cheapest Place To Buy Checks?
For the best combination of low prices, selection, and free shipping, Walmart Checks is a top recommendation for ordering cheap checks online. Super Value Checks offers the absolute lowest per-check price, but shipping costs apply. Costco Checks provides excellent value for members, particularly for bulk orders and enhanced security features.
By exploring these online options and understanding the different features and price points, you can confidently find cheap checks online that meet your needs without breaking the bank.
