How to Order Checks Online: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What You Need Before You Start

The entire check ordering process depends on three numbers from your bank account. Without them, you cannot place an order. Gather these before opening any ordering page so the process runs cleanly in one sitting.

Your ABA routing number. A nine-digit number that identifies your specific bank or credit union in the US banking system. Every bank has at least one. Large national banks have several, one per region. The routing number for your paper checks may differ from the ACH routing number used for direct deposit or wire transfers. Use the routing number from the bottom of an existing check for the same account, not a number from a third-party lookup site.

Your checking account number. The number that identifies your specific account at that bank. It typically runs nine to twelve digits, though some banks use longer formats. It is printed on the MICR line at the bottom of every check you currently have.

Your starting check number. The number you want printed on the first check in your new order. This should continue from where your last checkbook ended. If your most recent check was number 452, start your new order at 453. Sequential check numbers create an unbroken paper trail that matters for bookkeeping, reconciliation, and any dispute resolution with a bank.

You also need your name and address exactly as you want them printed. For business checks, your business name, business address, and optionally your logo file. Having all of this in front of you before you start reduces errors significantly.

How to Read the MICR Line on an Existing Check

The MICR line is the row of numbers printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of every check. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. Bank processing equipment reads these characters magnetically during the clearing process, which is why the numbers look slightly unusual compared to standard printed text. The font is called E-13B and was standardized specifically for machine readability.

Reading the MICR line from left to right, the three sections are:

Routing number (far left). The first nine digits, enclosed on each side by a transit symbol that looks like a colon with two vertical bars. These nine digits are your ABA routing number. The first two digits identify the Federal Reserve district, digits three and four identify the specific Federal Reserve office, digits five through eight identify the bank, and the ninth digit is a check digit calculated from the previous eight using a weighted formula. This built-in check digit is how Checkomatic and other manufacturers verify you have not transposed digits before printing.

Account number (center). The middle set of digits, following your routing number. This is your specific checking account number. It may be preceded or followed by process control symbols. The account number varies in length depending on your bank's formatting.

Check number (far right). The final set of digits, which matches the check number printed in the upper right corner of the check face. This is the number you want to continue from when ordering new checks.

When you order checks online, you type these three values exactly as they appear on the MICR line of an existing check. The manufacturer's system encodes them in the same E-13B MICR font using magnetic ink on the finished checks. Any transposition or substitution produces checks that process incorrectly or fail outright at deposit. For a full explanation of the routing number specifically, see our ABA routing numbers guide.

Step 1: Choose Your Check Type

The first decision in any check order is the type of check you need. This is not just personal versus business. It determines the physical layout, the software compatibility, and the use case the check is designed for. Ordering the wrong type means the checks will not fit your checkbook, will not align in your printer, or will not work with your accounting software.

Personal Checks

Personal checks are wallet-sized checkbooks used for everyday transactions: rent, utilities, personal payments, donations, and anywhere a check is the expected or required payment method. Checkomatic offers five personal check formats:

Personal checkbooks: The standard personal checkbook in multiple colors including blue, burgundy, and green. Single or duplicate format. Includes deposit slips and a check register. Free black and white logo printing on every order.
Personal top stub checks: Spiral-bound checkbook with a record stub above each check. The stub stays in the book after the check tears away at the bottom perforation. Four unique style options.
Personal deskset checks: Larger than wallet checks, designed to sit on a writing surface. More writing room on the stub and check face. Good for home-based check writing or anyone who writes frequent checks at a desk.
Secretary deskbook checks: The secretary deskbook format with a larger record section. Popular for households with frequent check activity who want detailed stub records.
QuickBooks wallet checks: Wallet-sized personal checks formatted to print from QuickBooks personal check templates. Useful for small business owners who use QuickBooks for personal account management.

Business Checks

Business checks are larger than personal checks (typically 8.5 x 11 inches per sheet) and come in layouts designed for printing through accounting software or writing by hand. Checkomatic's business check range covers:

Check on top: The check prints in the upper third of the sheet, with two stubs below it. Standard format for accounts payable and payroll through QuickBooks, Sage, and other platforms.
Check in middle: The check prints in the center of the sheet, with one stub above and one below. Used with Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree) and some MYOB templates.
Check on bottom: The check prints at the bottom of the sheet. Some accounting platforms use this layout for specific voucher check workflows.
3-on-a-page checks: Three checks per sheet, typically used for high-volume check printing where sheet count efficiency matters.

Manual Business Checks

Manual business checks are handwritten rather than printer-filled. No software, no printer alignment, no computer required. You write the payee, amount, and date by hand, and the check prints with your business name, address, and check number pre-applied at the factory. Checkomatic's manual range includes:

Accounts payable checks: Three-on-a-page manual format for vendor payments and accounts payable. Each check includes two stubs for record copies.
Payroll checks: Three-on-a-page manual payroll format with an earnings statement stub attached to each check.
Multi-purpose checks: This multi purpose manual format works for businesses that write checks across multiple payment categories without needing separate books.
Executive deskbook: Compact three-per-page format that fits in a briefcase or desk drawer. Popular with sole proprietors and small businesses that want a professional manual check without the bulk of a full-size business check binder.
Pocket checks: A compact manual check format that fits in a jacket pocket or purse. Useful for business owners who write checks in the field, at client sites, or while traveling.

QuickBooks Checks

QuickBooks-compatible checks are formatted to work with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online print templates without manual alignment adjustment. Checkomatic's QuickBooks checks come in check-on-top, three-on-a-page, and wallet personal formats, with a QuickBooks starter pack available for new users.

Blank Check Stock

Blank check stock is security-grade paper with no pre-printed bank details. Your accounting software prints all the check information, including the MICR line, at print time using a MICR toner cartridge. Checkomatic's blank checks come in top, middle, bottom, and three-per-page layouts, plus a Z-fold pressure seal format for mailing payroll checks without a separate envelope.

Step 2: Choose Single or Duplicate Format

Every personal check format and most manual business check formats come in single and duplicate versions. This is one of the more consequential choices in the order because it affects your physical record-keeping.

Single checks are individual sheets. When you write and tear out the check, nothing stays in the book. The transaction is gone from your hand the moment you hand it over. You need to record it separately in a check register or rely on your bank statement for the record. Single checks cost less per box.

Duplicate checks include a carbonless copy behind every check. Writing on the original transfers pressure through to the copy, recording the check number, date, payee, and amount on the copy below. When you tear out the original, the copy stays in the book permanently. The signature does not transfer, by design. This is not a flaw: a permanent copy of your signature in an unattended checkbook is a security risk. Duplicate checks cost slightly more per box but eliminate the need to manually record every payment.

For most personal check users who write occasional checks for rent, utilities, or donations, duplicate format is the better default. The modest price difference is worth the automatic payment record in the book. For heavy check writers who already use accounting software or a detailed register, single checks may be the more practical choice.

Our full guide on how to use a check register covers both formats and when each one makes sense alongside your reconciliation process.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal or Business Information

This step populates the printed fields on the upper portion of the check face. Errors here appear on every check in the batch and cannot be corrected after printing.

For personal checks, enter your full name as you want it to appear. Most people use first and last name. Joint account holders typically print both names, either on one line or stacked on two lines. Enter your current mailing address, including the city, state, and ZIP code. If you want an optional phone number on the check, enter it here. Some buyers add an email address instead of a phone number.

For business checks, enter your business name exactly as it appears on your bank account. Your registered business name and the name on your bank account must match, because banks verify the payee and drawer name on business checks during deposit. Enter your business address. This is also where you upload a logo file if you want it printed on the check. Logo printing in black and white is free on every Checkomatic order. Color logo printing is available for a small additional fee. Submit a high-resolution PNG or vector file for the sharpest result.

Verify every character before moving to the next step. Spelling errors, wrong ZIP codes, and wrong business names all require a full reorder to correct.

Step 4: Enter Your Banking Details

This is the most consequential step in the entire order. The routing number and account number you enter are encoded directly into the MICR line of every check in the batch using magnetic ink. These are the numbers banks read during processing. An error here means the check will not process correctly.

Enter your routing number from an existing check from the same account, not from your bank's website or a routing number lookup tool. Large banks have different routing numbers for different states and transaction types. The number on your existing check is definitively correct for paper check ordering for your specific account. Type all nine digits carefully. Do not add spaces, dashes, or any other characters.

Enter your account number from the MICR line of an existing check. The account number follows the routing number in the center section of the MICR line. Some banks use leading zeros that are easy to miss when reading. Count every digit and enter them all. Account numbers vary in length between banks, so there is no universal digit count to use as a verification check.

Enter your starting check number. This should be one more than the last check number you used from your current checkbook. Look at the upper right corner of your most recent check to confirm the number. If your last check was 0847, start the new order at 0848. Maintaining the check number sequence is required by most businesses for bookkeeping, and gaps in sequence can trigger questions from accountants and auditors.

If you do not have an existing check to copy from, because you are opening a new account or have completely run out, use the account number and routing number from your online banking portal's account details page. Contact your bank if the portal does not display them clearly. Do not order checks based on a number you found on a check-lookup website.

Step 5: Select Quantity and Add Accessories

Check orders are priced on a sliding scale: more boxes means lower cost per check. A single box of personal checks typically contains 100 to 200 checks depending on format. Ordering two to four boxes at once significantly reduces the per-check cost and reduces how frequently you need to reorder.

At this stage you can also add check accessories to the same order:

Business deposit slips: Pre-printed with your routing and account number so you do not have to write them on every deposit. Padded in sets for easy tear-off use. Ordering with your check batch ensures the same account information across all your banking documents.
Check envelopes: Double-window envelopes designed to display the payee and return address through the windows when a check is folded correctly, eliminating the need to address envelopes by hand. Standard size for personal and business checks.
7-ring check binders: A professional binder for storing and organizing business checks. Fits standard three-on-a-page manual business checks. Keeps your check stock secure and organized in a single location.
Self-inking custom stamps: Endorsement stamps, signature stamps, and address stamps. An endorsement stamp pre-printed with "For Deposit Only" and your account number eliminates the need to manually endorse every check before depositing. Especially useful for businesses that receive high volumes of incoming checks.

Step 6: Review the Digital Proof Before Approving

The digital proof is a rendered image of exactly how your check will look when printed. Every field you entered is placed in its correct position on the check face. This is your last opportunity to catch an error before any paper is printed. Once you approve the proof, production begins and errors cannot be corrected without a new order.

Work through the proof systematically rather than scanning it for obvious problems. Go field by field:

Your name or business name: every character, correct capitalization
Your address: street number, street name, city, state, ZIP all correct
Routing number on the MICR line: compare digit by digit against an existing check
Account number on the MICR line: compare digit by digit against an existing check
Starting check number: verify it continues from where your last checkbook ended
Logo placement and appearance if you uploaded one
Check format: confirm it matches the type you ordered (check-on-top, 3-on-a-page, wallet, etc.)

The routing number and account number are the fields that matter most. A transposition of two digits in either number produces a batch of checks that either routes to the wrong bank or cannot be matched to a real account. Every single check in the order is affected. There is no partial correction; the entire order must be reprinted from scratch.

Checkomatic runs an additional server-side verification on every routing number submitted before the proof is generated. The routing number passes through three checks: the ABA check-digit formula, a match against the Federal Reserve's E-Payments Routing Directory, and a cross-reference between the bank name you entered and the bank name in the Fed directory. If the routing number fails any of these, the order pauses and we contact you before printing. This catches the most common error pattern, a wrong routing number, before it results in a useless batch of checks.

Bank Checks vs Ordering Online: Real Cost Comparison

Banks do not manufacture their own checks. They outsource check printing to fulfillment vendors and add a markup on top. You pay the bank's margin every time you reorder from your branch or banking app. The markup is often substantial.

Major bank pricing per box (one box, standard personal checks, as of 2024 to 2025):

Citi: approximately $35 per box
Truist: approximately $34.95 per box
TD Bank: approximately $25 per box
Citizens Bank: approximately $27 per box
Capital One: approximately $20 per box
Chase: approximately $20 per box
Bank of America: approximately $12.66 per box
Ally and U.S. Bank: free for qualifying accounts

Third-party manufacturers sell the same ABA-compliant product at manufacturing cost without a bank's distribution margin. The checks meet identical security and compliance standards and are accepted at every financial institution in the United States. The paper grade, MICR encoding, and security features are the same.

The price difference is not a quality difference. It is a channel difference. Banks outsource and mark up. Checkomatic manufactures in-house in Monroe, NY (that Monroe NY facility has been operating since 1997) and sells direct. Every order that goes through Checkomatic goes from our production floor to your mailbox without a bank layer in between.

Two things banks do that third-party manufacturers cannot replicate: some banks offer free checks for premium account holders, and a bank already has your account information on file, making the reorder process a few clicks. If your bank provides genuinely free checks with no conditions and no account fee offset, that is hard to beat on pure cost. But if your bank is charging $20 to $35 per box, you are paying for a service that adds no value to the check itself.

This bank vs third party pricing difference is significant. See our full comparison of check ordering services for a side-by-side breakdown of options.

How to Verify a Check Manufacturer Is Legitimate

You are handing over your routing number and account number when you place a check order. That information is already on every check you write, so it is not inherently secret, but you still want to confirm the manufacturer handles it responsibly and produces checks that actually work.

Look for the CPSA Padlock Icon

The Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) is the industry body that sets security standards for check paper and printing. Member manufacturers agree to use ABA-compliant security stock. The CPSA padlock icon on an ordering page is the fastest signal that the manufacturer meets these standards. It does not guarantee everything, but its absence is a red flag worth investigating before you proceed.

Confirm the Security Features Are Listed

A legitimate check manufacturer will state explicitly what security features their paper includes. The six standard check security features on ABA-compliant stock are: chemically reactive paper that discolors when washing solvents are applied, genuine foundry watermarks embedded in the paper fiber during manufacturing, microprinting along the signature line that appears as a solid line to the naked eye but resolves as text under magnification, heat-sensitive thermochromic ink (also called heat sensitive ink) that disappears when rubbed and returns when released, void pantographs that cause the word VOID to appear across the check face when photocopied, and invisible fluorescent fibers that glow under UV light at bank verification points.

If a manufacturer's product page does not mention these features, their paper may be a lower security grade. All Checkomatic checks ship on ABA-compliant security stock with all six features as standard on every order, including personal checks.

Check for Proof Review Before Printing

A reputable manufacturer will show you a digital proof of your order before printing begins. If a manufacturer ships without a proof step, there is no opportunity to catch errors before they become a useless batch of checks. Checkomatic generates a digital proof on every order and requires your approval before production begins.

Look for a Physical Address and Real Contact Information

Checkomatic has manufactured checks from Monroe, NY since 1997. In-house manufacturing means direct accountability. The factory and the customer service team are the same company. There is no fulfillment middleman to blame when something goes wrong. Check any manufacturer's contact page for a real address, phone number, and established operating history before trusting them with your banking details.

Ordering Personal Checks Online

Personal check ordering is the most common use case and the most accessible. You need your routing number, account number, and starting check number. Most personal check orders complete in under ten minutes from start to proof approval.

The main decision beyond check type and format is color. Checkomatic personal checks are available in blue, burgundy, and green. The color is the background tint of the check. It does not affect security features or banking compatibility. It does affect how the check looks when you hand it to someone or mail it. Some buyers consistently choose one color to make their checkbooks immediately recognizable among their belongings. Others choose a color that coordinates with their company branding when ordering personal checks with a business logo.

Free logo printing is included on every personal check order. If you have a personal logo, a professional mark, a farm or ranch brand, or a small business logo you want on your personal account checks, you can add it without any setup fee. Submit a high-resolution PNG or vector file at checkout.

Start at the personal checks page to see every format and color option before selecting.

Ordering Business Checks Online

Business check ordering involves one additional decision beyond what personal check ordering requires: which layout aligns with your accounting software. If you print computer checks through QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, or another platform, you need to match the check layout to the template that platform uses.

QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online both default to the check-on-top layout for standard AP and payroll printing. Sage 50 uses a check-in-middle layout. Most other platforms that support check printing use check-on-top as their default, but verify your software's check template settings before ordering.

If your business does not use accounting software to print checks and you write all checks by hand, a manual business check format is the right choice. Manual checks from Checkomatic arrive with your business name, address, logo, and check number already printed. You fill in the payment fields by hand.

Business check orders qualify for free black and white logo printing. Color logo printing is available for a small additional fee. A business check with your logo looks more professional than a plain check and signals to vendors and employees that your business has its financial processes organized. It is a small thing that creates a consistent impression across every payment your company makes.

Start at the business checks page for the full range of computer and manual formats.

How to Reorder Checks When You Run Out

Reordering is faster than the first order because you already know what you ordered and what works. Most manufacturers, including Checkomatic, store your previous order details in your account so you can reorder with a few clicks and just update the starting check number.

The starting check number is the one field that must change on every reorder. Look at the last check in your current book before placing the reorder, note the number, and set the new order to start one higher. Everything else, routing number, account number, name, address, format, can typically remain identical to the previous order.

A common mistake is waiting until you are completely out of checks before reordering. Standard delivery takes three to five business days from proof approval. If you run out on a Friday and need checks Monday, that timing does not work. Order when you have twenty to thirty checks remaining so the new batch arrives before the old one runs out. Rush delivery is available at checkout if you need faster turnaround.

Existing Checkomatic customers can log into their account and access order history directly. The reorder process from the order history page pulls your previous specifications automatically.

Why Order From Checkomatic

Checkomatic has manufactured personal and business checks from Monroe, NY since 1997. Every check ships on ABA-compliant, ABA compliant security stock with all six fraud deterrent features as standard. No upgrades, no tiers, no security add-ons to buy separately.

In-House Manufacturing

Checkomatic controls the full production process from paper sourcing to MICR printing to shipping. There is no outsourced fulfillment vendor between your order and your mailbox. In-house manufacturing means consistent quality control, faster turnaround, and direct accountability. When something needs to be corrected, you deal with the same company that made the product.

Free Logo Printing on Every Order

Black and white logo printing is included free on every personal and business check order. No setup fee. No additional charge. Color logo printing is available for a small fee. This is standard, not an upgrade.

Three-Step Routing Number Verification

Every routing number submitted to Checkomatic passes through the ABA check-digit formula, a live match against the Federal Reserve's E-Payments Routing Directory, and a cross-reference between the bank name on the order and the name in the Fed directory. Orders that fail any step are paused before printing begins. This catches the most common cause of unusable check batches before any paper is wasted.

Digital Proof on Every Order

You see a complete digital proof of your check before production starts. Verify every field, including the MICR line digits, before you approve. Standard orders ship in three to five business days from proof approval. Rush delivery is available at checkout.

Full Product Range Under One Roof

Personal checks, business checks, QuickBooks checks, manual checks, blank check stock, deposit slips, check envelopes, binders, and endorsement stamps. Every product your checking account operations require, ordered from one manufacturer with one account login and one reorder process.

Start your order at checkomatic.com. If you are not sure which check type fits your situation, our personal checks vs business checks guide covers the differences in detail, and our types of checks guide maps out every format with the use cases each one serves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need to order checks online?

You need five things: your ABA routing number (nine digits from the bottom-left of the MICR line on an existing check), your checking account number (the center digits on the same MICR line), your starting check number (one higher than the last check you used), your name or business name exactly as you want it printed, and your mailing address. For business checks you can also provide a logo file for free logo printing.

Where do I find my routing number and account number?

Both are on the MICR line at the bottom of any existing check from the same account. The routing number is the first nine-digit number on the bottom left, enclosed by transit symbols. Your account number is the middle set of digits. Your check number is the last set on the right. You can also find the routing number in your online banking portal under Account Details. For paper check ordering, always use the number from an existing check rather than a third-party lookup site. Large banks have multiple routing numbers and lookup sites are frequently outdated. Checkomatic's ABA routing numbers guide covers this in full detail.

Is it safe to order checks online from a third-party manufacturer?

Yes, with a reputable manufacturer. Look for the CPSA padlock icon on the ordering page, which confirms membership in the Check Payment Systems Association and compliance with ABA security standards. Verify that the product description explicitly lists chemically reactive paper, microprinting, and watermarks. Checkomatic has manufactured checks from Monroe, NY since 1997 and ships every order on ABA-compliant security stock with all six standard fraud deterrent features.

How much cheaper are online checks compared to bank checks?

It depends on your bank. Major banks charge between approximately $12.66 and $35 per box for personal checks, with some like Citi near the top and Bank of America near the bottom. Some banks provide free checks for qualifying account types. Third-party manufacturers sell ABA-compliant checks at manufacturing cost without the bank's markup. The checks meet identical security and banking standards. The price difference reflects only the distribution channel, not the product quality.

What happens if I enter my routing number or account number incorrectly?

Checks printed with an incorrect routing or account number are unusable. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to route the check to. An error routes the check to the wrong institution or returns it unpaid. An account number error means it cannot be matched to a real account at deposit. The entire batch must be reprinted from scratch. This is why reviewing the digital proof digit by digit before approving is the single most important step in the ordering process. Checkomatic also runs a server-side verification on every routing number before generating the proof, catching transpositions and invalid numbers before any paper is printed.