In our increasingly cashless and digital society, paper checks have become a much less common payment method. However, there are still instances when you might need to write one. For instance, you may need to use a check for payments to the government, your school, or your landlord. In other words, you may still need checks occasionally, even if you prefer to do everything digitally.

Read more: 5 ways to transfer money from one bank to another

The costs of ordering checks online can vary widely. However, ordering online can be a convenient and cost-effective option. It lets you quickly compare prices, choose your preferred design, and select the number of checks you need. Even if you rarely write a check, it’s helpful to have them on hand just in case.

Steps for ordering checks online

The exact steps for ordering checks online may vary, depending on your bank or financial institution. However, these are the general steps to help guide you through the process.

1. Compare prices

The first step when ordering checks online is to compare prices, as the cost of checks can vary significantly.

The most obvious place to order checks is through your bank — and many banks will send you a few checks for free. However, if you want a larger number of checks, the bank may charge you for more, potentially at a high rate.

If your bank charges too much for checks, you can check other online check printing services. For instance, companies such as Deluxe, Checks Unlimited, and Vistaprint offer convenient online check printing. Compare rates from a few online providers and find the best rates for the number of checks you want. These providers sometimes have sales and deals, which can reduce prices.

2. Choose a design

Online check printing services often have many different check designs. Many designs are available, including everything from puppies to the American flag. Some even let you add your own photo to your checks. You can also choose a classic design for your checks if you prefer a more neutral look.

3. Select the number of checks needed

Next, choose the number of checks you need. Generally, the larger the number of checks, the lower the cost per check. For instance, Vistaprint charges $15 for 150 checks (10 cents each) or $38 for 600 checks (7 cents each). One hundred fifty checks might be enough if you expect to use checks only occasionally. But if you use them often, ordering a larger number may save you money in the long run.

4. Complete and track the order

Next, complete your order by choosing your shipping options and filling in your payment information. Once your order is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation. You can check the delivery estimate and monitor shipping progress if tracking is available. Contact the printing service company if there are any delays or you need to cancel your order.

5. Receive and verify the checks

Once you receive the checks, ensuring everything is correct with the order is good practice. For instance, verify that the order contains the correct number of checks and that all your personal information is accurate, including the routing and account number. If there are any issues, contact the printing service. Otherwise, store your checks safely so they don’t get lost or stolen.

Read more: What is a certified check, and how does it work?

Troubleshooting common issues

Sometimes, there can be issues when ordering checks that require your attention. If you encounter one, contact the printing service and ask about the next steps. For instance, you might have missing or damaged checks or find your information is incorrect.

Generally, these aren’t huge issues, and you can address them easily. As you might expect, contacting the printing company is best. Clearly describe the issue with the order, and include photos with your report if requested. Photos can be helpful in cases like damaged checked or wrong personal details.

Depending on the company’s policy and your preferences, you can ask about receiving a refund or replacement. Describe the issue as accurately as possible to ensure the company takes the appropriate action.

Best places to order checks online

As mentioned, you can usually order checks online through your bank’s website or mobile app. This convenient method can help avoid potential errors and discrepancies with your order. However, it can also be expensive if you need more than a few checks.

For a cheaper alternative, consider options such as:

• Checks Unlimited: Large number of designs available, with over 250 choices.

• Vistaprint: Competitive pricing and custom printing options.

• Deluxe: Interesting check designs, such as Alzheimer’s Association checks.

• Walmart Checks: Affordable options that start at under $10.

• Costco Checks: Competitive pricing for Costco members.

If you have only considered ordering checks from your bank, you may not realize that cheaper options may be available. These check printing services are from trusted names and may be more affordable than ordering from your bank. Paying to access your money is not ideal, so it’s best to keep those costs down as much as possible.