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Your Take: Ever Buy Checks Online?
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My initial supply of personal checks, a checkbook worth, is coming to an end soon and I’ll be needing a fresh new supply. I don’t use checks very often anymore, I think they are antiquated and very insecure, but every few months I have to deal with a company that requires personal checks. It usually comes down to the company not wanting to deal with the headaches of credit cards and me not wanting to deal with the headaches of their 0% same-as-cash-but-not-quite financing offer! Anyway, the end result is that I write them a personal check and my initial stock is dwindling rapidly.
I looked into reordering checks directly from Bank of America, who gets them through Clarke American, now named Harland Clarke; but they want $20 for 50 checks! That’s outrageous! (and doesn’t include shipping) To prove how both absurd and true it is, here’s the screenshot from the order page (to be honest, if I were you, I wouldn’t believe me unless I saw this screenshot):
OK, order checks from the bank is out. It looks like I’ll have to order checks online. I looked at a couple places but it appears that Costco will probably be my best bet. Costco sells checks for pretty reasonable prices, though that option is only available for Costco members. You can get two boxes of standard single checks (400) for $10.59, $8.47 if you’re an executive member. Four boxes doubles the price, so there’s no discount for quantity. Shipping is a reasonable $4.95. That’s 400 checks for less than 4 cents a check – a song compared to the 40 cents BoA wanted!
Have you ever ordered checks online? If so, what has your experience been and who have you used?
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I always ordered mine from those flyers that come in the Value coupon envelopes in the mail (the blue envelope) — now it’s true I haven’t ordered checks in a ridiculous number of years — but I think I paid like $3 or $4 a box total… you might check that out.
Check? What are these things?
In all seriousness, I get extra checks from my bank. I just complain about something that is bothering me and they offer me new ones.
Before I switched to Fidelity for my primary checking account (which provides free checks and free billpay), I purchased checks from WalmartChecks.com. It looks to be a little more expensive than the Costco option, but they were still pretty cheap compared to Chase’s offer. This was about 5 years ago, though, so YMMV! No problems with the checks and I probably still have a few boxes sitting around.
I’ve used Promise Checks (http://promisechecks.com/) many times. Their cheapest checks are $3.95 for 150 checks. Never had a problem.
Stopped buying checks by opening an ING Checking account and using their bill pay. If I need a check for anything, my local credit union account will provide one “counter check” free of charge per day. Sweet deal!
I have ordered checks online for over ten years. I used Liberty which it looks like is now Clarke American and paid maybe $20 for two boxes. I’ll have to look into Costco next time. The only issue I had with ordering online is the delivery and it turned out not to be a problem after all. For standard delivery, the postal person leaves the box on the porch which I never understood because the box is small enough to go in the mailbox. Sometimes the postal person would place it inside the screen door, but there was not any consistency. Once, I jumped the gun and thought the delivery should have arrived and had the checks canceled. They sent out another set (at no cost) and I eventually ended up with both boxes. So, depending on your mailing situation, you just need to look out for delivery for peace of mind.
I’ve ordered checks online through Harland and Costco. I had a great experience with Costco and the prices were good.
Last time I got checks it was on my banks dime. I had an account that got free checks do to the amount of debt I held with them. I ordered two boxes of checks then paid off my debt. Not sure what I will do next time. Lately though I just use BillPay
I got my last batch from Sams Club. Starting at $8.70 for a box of single checks (not duplicates), two boxes with 480 checks. Shipping is $3.50.
Banks dislike checks more then we do. Maybe that’s why BoA is charging so much for them. I would call and ask for some check gratis.
You can always have ING send you a paper check made out to whomever needs to be paid.
Have not ordered from Costco, but have ordered online and had a good experience.
I ran out of checks from Citibank months ago, and for the exact same reason I refrained myself from re-ordering.
Now I either pay someone from the Citibank web site (they send checks to Payees on my behalf), or write leftover checks from Scottrade.
I’ve been ordering checks from Costco – it’s amazing how expensive it is at banks.
I hope I don’t ever have to buy checks again. I am still on the pack Suntrust gave us when I signed up with them. I don’t use them often enough to warrant buying new ones.
Yep – from these guys – http://www.checkgallery.com/Home.aspx Recycled paper, vegetable based inks, and the same price as everyone else. Good stuff.
I order them online from Sam’s Club – really cheap!
I switched to a Schwab Checking account and they provide free checks (even duplicates).
However, I have ordered from Walmart online in the past. They were the cheapest non-membership club option I could find that wasn’t some shady promo where people reported them sending you bills later.
WaMu is offering free checks if you open an account with them, but even better you receive $100. You do have to set up direct deposit. A coupon came in the weekly throwaway junk that comes in the mail.
Hm, there’s another Chuck here. I might have to change my name.
My local credit union gives me free checks. I can also get a few free counter checks every day. The basic checking account has interest, and they have a somewhat reasonable money market. If I visit a branch, I get a free cup of coffee.
Seriously, when credit unions are an option, there’s no reason to use a big evil bank.
I have a draft article on my blog about why you should have a credit union instead of a bank. I should probably finish it.
I’ve used currentchecking, artisticchecks, checkgallery, checksinthemail and probably others over the years. Normally I write one check a month, so a box lasts me years. I need new checks when I open a new account or my information printed on them needs to be changed. No way would I pay bank prices.
Sometimes websites have shady checkouts, the worst I’ve ever encountered being Vista Print, where I was charged more than I authorized for business cards. I closed the bankcard I used after that purchase. If I recall correctly, Artistic Checks had a shady checkout, but I got through it intact and the checks are beautiful and have extra customization.
I’ve used ChecksUnlimited most recently. They seem to always have specials going on (buy 1 get 1 free, etc.
No hassle, great customer service. Try ‘em out!
I’ve used Deluxe.com for my checks. I don’t recall how much they were, but a whole box of duplicates that will last me about 3 years was something like $22.
I finally ran out of my original 500 checks I got when opening my current checking account 5 years ago a few months ago. So I searched through the Sunday paper inserts and figured out which check place was cheapest for me to order as many checks at once as possible. I even wrote a post on my blog about it lol.
At the time (again, this was several months ago) I found I got the best deal with designerchecks.com – 1500 checks for about $20 (including shipping). So just over $0.01 a check (vs your $0.40 a check).
But the deals change continually. And make sure to look if you get charged a per box non-waivable fee! I’d recommend looking in the Sunday paper for flyers and then using the code they give you for the best deal, but order it online. Was what I did and now I will not need checks for… well… ever. Heh.
I used Checks in the Mail some years ago when I was still using checks frequently and they were quite nice and not too expensive, but more expensive than my credit union, who charges $8 for a box of 250. Their checks only come in one design, and are printed by Harland. BoA is jacking you up bigtime.
WALMART -
checks from plain to cartoons & even put your own photos (kids/family/pets) on your checks, FUN!!
Singles are around $5.96 for 150 checks & 30 deposit slips, Duplicates $6.96.
[$2.50 shipping cost, 10-12 days]
http://www.walmart.com/moneycenter
**They also offer credit reports & scores.
Anothter vote for Walmart -
Singles are around $5.96 for 150 checks & 30 deposit slips, Duplicates $6.96.
[$2.50 shipping cost, 10-12 days]
http://www.walmart.com/moneycenter
Do note that if you order from the companies which advertise in the cheap flyers in newspaper that many of them are the same company, but with different names. Therefore if you have ever purchased checks through them, they will charge you the full rate (often 3x or 4x the promo rate).
I used ChecksInTheMail.com way back, but recently used Walmart for just plain ole’ checks. I can’t remember the price, but with the rate of checks I use (20 or less per year), I’ll have enough for a good decade or more…or until I move out of my house.
Hi – I used online service and it was just fine. Style checks is a good one. There is usually a coupon for one provider or another in the Sunday newspaper. Your costco offer sounds pretty good, too.
Thanks, this is a very timely post for me. I’m almost finished with my original box of 500 but I didn’t want to pay the BOA check fee either especially since my name and address will be changing in a few months. I’m going to try and stretch make the checks last until then and then I’ll probably go through Walmart (I had no idea they do checks).
People still use checks? I’ve written a grand total of 7 checks in my entire life — the last of which was written over a year ago. I use my credit card or online bill pay for everything else, and for the rare company that won’t accept a credit card, I just pay cash.
Bought at Designerchecks.com – The Wife and I got BOXES UPON BOXES!!!!! for like 12 bucks
I ordered Costco checks for our biz account last year and it was mostly good. I’d recommend demanding that they be shipped with a demand for your signature before delivery.
They shipped our checks allowing delivery without signature the first time. Unfortunately, this was at the start of our two week vacation. When we got home, no checks were there. Lots of phone calls to them and the bank. Costco service was very nice as was the bank, but it was worrysome and a time waster.
Before I got them free from my bank, I used to order them from a flier in the Sunday paper. Something like 300 for $5
Thankfully I only write about 5 checks a year so it’s not really a concern for me. Wamu used to have free checks but don’t know since the merger. Duplicates are always going to cost more, but BOA and other brick and mortars have to nickel and dime you somewhere. It’s bad enough they don’t offer competitive interest rates.
Sorry to repeat myself, but they do (offer free checks) and $100 to boot if you set up a direct deposit account. See post above. Disclaimer: I don’t have an account with them but my dad does.
Been so long since I bought checks. I use so few checks that on the rare occasion I do I am still using checks that say First Union on them First Union was taken over by Wachovia. Now that Wells Fargo has taken over Wachovia I guess the First Union checks will still be good. Won’t be buying any new ones if not.
make your own checks. frys & office supply stores sell a kit. comes with a printer [with magnetic ink] & check templates & software to design your own. they’re legal.
google for more info. various software packages & companies.
I didn’t read all responses, so if someone already pointed this out, I apologize. Believe it or not, online at WalMart.com is a great place for checks; they start at around $4/box, shipping is nominal, and they have some sound security checks (no pun intended) in place before they actually print and ship your order. I last took the free ones from WaMu, but they were ugly, so I bought (again) at the WalMart website. I’ve been purchasing from them for about 3 yrs now and have been 110% satisfied. I’ve used the ones from the flyers, and others I’ve found online, but they kill you in added fees such as the security feature, different typeface, added messages, and the dreaded “shipping fees.” Try them; you’re out $10 max if you’re not happy, and I think you will be. Love your blog, BTW, and I’m an avid reader.
Thanks for contributing Pattie and thank you for the kind words. People have mentioned WalMart before and they look like a solid option… unless you have serious qualms about WalMart (I don’t).
Personally, I would NEVER buy generic checks through a newspaper flier or even Costco. It costs much more, but given the problems of check fraud, I buy checks from SafeChecks: http://www.safechecks.com/
They have multiple security features, confirm your account with the bank before printing & shipping… and each set of checks is unique.
If you buy generic checks, it’s just too easy for anyone to order fraudulent checks printed by the same supplier on exactly the same paper stock as your checks.
Some will say that the chances of being the victim of check fraud are low. Maybe. But I also wear my seatbelt and pay my insurance premiums to protect against somewhat unlikely occurrences.
I agree with your reasoning but your bank will accept any check as long as it has the minimum security features, right? I mean a scammer can still print up checks and get away with it, regardless of how secure YOUR checks are.
I use Bill Pay through my bank. They will print and send a check to anyone you want absolutely free.
One thing that really annoyed me at one of the places I ordered checks from online is at checkout, I had a choice between UPS delivery for a high price, or the postal service for less. The site recommended UPS and if I chose the postal service, they had me choosing “slow” service, according to them. The postal service has always given me excellent service with everything, and it is only UPS that has given me a pain at times. This was highly irritating, because obviously the seller just wanted to make more money, and chose an obnoxious way to promote expensive delivery.
I’ve always been able to re-order checks through Bank of America for free. They even have carbon copy’s included. Did you ask why they were going to charge $20?
You can buy VersaCheck for Windows and print your own checks. They supply the paper, and it’s not more than a few cents per check, no minimum quantity, and any time you need more, you get them instantly, as you print them yourself. I’ve been doing this for years. One caveat: If you have a solid-ink printer like I do, the output is waxy and hard to write on, so use a Sharpie or Flair pen.
I ordered mine through Walmart.com. They’re super cheap compared to the bank.
Costco Executive Club member – you can order online and they ship fast. I don’t think you can beat their prices.
wow! that is a crazy price. i don’t understand why it is so high. i work at a CU & we use Harland Clarke to order our member’s checks and the cheapest option is a box of 150 checks for $13. Bank of America must be really jacking up the price!
I had ordered checks online or through the mail for about 10 years now. I could not stomach the fact of giving that much to a bank. I also second the walmart checks. No problems with them.
i don’t ever recall having to pay for checks.
Checks???.. what are those? I have not written a check in at least 3 years!. I have had two instances where I needed to use a check, and I just added those people to my online bill pay and let my bank mail the check for free.
My account offered free checks when I opened the account. A year and a half later, I am still on that same box of checks. When it comes time to order, I will probably check out Costco.
Ever think about printing your own? I, like you, do not write checks very often. I ended up buying Versacheck software (which included 100 blank check) for less than $10 delivered.
The software is very simple to use. I print 20 checks at a time to have on hand. The nice thing is that I can print small quantities and make adjustments as I need. For example, when I move, I can print checks with my new address (I remember throwing out about 500 unused checks at my last move). It’s also useful if you have more than one checking account.
I just got 4 boxes of custom checks (Wonder Woman! Didn’t get a golden lasso, though…)for $24.45 from Direct Checks Unlimited. Had no probs, they did a great job…but mailman decided for some strange reason to leave on my porch, not even between the screen and regular door (even though I have a MAIL SLOT in my door!) So yeah, safety is a bit of an issue…
The “leaving it on the porch” security issue is something I hadn’t thought about. I’m fortunate in that we have mail boxes where the postwoman can lock the box and stick the key inside our mailbox (which itself has a key), so that’s not a concern for me but I think I’m in a unique situation.
Jim, I’m surprised how many people seem to think you need magnetic ink and security fibers to make a check “legal”.
You can write a check on a napkin, or a watermelon, or a cow and it’s legal. It’s up to the individual bank as to whether they’ll accept it but it’s federally legal tender as long as it has the date, account number, routing number, amount and signature.
I move almost every year which makes ordering checks a nightmare. I print my own checks at home with my laser printer. Saves money and hassle and if a check that doesn’t look like my custom checks is cashed, I will know in a second that it wasn’t written by me.
About the leaving it on the porch thing – I highly recommend never giving out your physical address, and renting a box at the UPS Store. I also have a PO Box with the postal service, which should be enough except that some places demand a physical address and UPS does not deliver packages to PO Boxes.
The only problem I’ve run into is that some banks (most) demand your physical address, which I feel is none of their business in spite of the Patriot Act or anything else. The problem with this is that even if you give them a different mailing address, they will invariably send something important like a credit card to your physical address. After you’ve told them not to. This is a severe security risk. I put in a forwarding address change EVERY YEAR from my home to the UPS Store, to try to keep myself safe from mail/identity theft.
Only my credit union did not demand my home address, and therefore they do not put me at risk.
Over here in Malaysia only the bank branch where you have your account can issue you cheques. Yes you can order them online but only from them.
Its strange to learn that you can buy a bank’s cheques from 3rd parties. Do the cheques come with your account numbers printed on them? The image seems to indicate so.
How do you expect for BoA to pay for their new acquired assets(if that’s what you want to call them).
Schwab’s High Interest Checking Account sends me checks for free.
I also looked at BOA’s check reorder and was astounded! I wound up ordering twice the number of checks for half the price from Vista Print(two boxes, $10- I think). They were having a 50% off special and shipping charges were either reduced or already reasonable. The order and delivery process was easy, timely, and efficient. Take that BOA!!!
If anyone was curious, I just checked and Bank of America is still charging that ridiculous price. Hello Wal-Mart!
Outrageous? How about an outright scam? I reordered 250 personal laser checks through my bank and was charged $141 for them!!! No special handling, no rush order – just a regular slow delivery. That is nearly $.60 per check. Harland Clarke must be out of their mind. Never, repeat, never would I order anything from them! Be warned.