They say it takes money to make money, but spending it shouldn’t cost any more than necessary. If you’re ordering personal checks through your bank, chances are you’re overspending.
Team Clark analyzed the best prices available for both single and duplicate checks online from 10 different retailers, and then we ordered checks from five of the best:
If you’re looking for cheap checks online, we found that Sam’s Club, Bradford Exchange and Super Value Checks all offer options for less than $0.04 per single check and around $0.05 for duplicates.
In this article, I’ll break down the best buying options from these stores and examine customer service options, delivery times and more ways to save.
Where to Buy Cheap Checks
The price of checks can vary greatly, and often you can find cheaper alternatives online compared to what you can get through your bank.
Below are the prices we found on January 13, 2021, for personal checks at a selection of popular retailers, all of which have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau:
Single Checks
| # of Checks Per Box | Price for Two Boxes | Price Per Check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 125 | $16.04 | $0.0641 |
| Sam's Club | 240 | $13.20 | $0.0275 |
| Bradford Exchange | 120 | $4.99 | $0.0208 |
| Super Value Checks | 125 | $7.90 | $0.0316 |
| Checks.com | 100 | $9.90 | $0.0495 |
| Walmart | 150 | $14.92 | $0.0497 |
| Carousel Checks | 125 | $13.98 | $0.0559 |
| VistaPrint | 150 | $22.79 | $0.0759 |
| Current Catalog | 100 | $24.98 | $0.1249 |
| Checks Unlimited | 100 | $29.98 | $0.1499 |
The Top Five Places to Order Cheap Checks Online:
- Bradford Exchange: $0.021 per check
- Sam’s Club: $0.028 per check
- Super Value Checks: $0.032 per check
- Checks.com: $0.049 per check
- Walmart: $0.049 per check
You can find single checks for less than $0.03 at both Bradford Exchange and Sam’s Club. There are also low prices at Super Value Checks, Checks.com and Walmart among others.
If you’re a Costco Executive member, the price for two packs of single checks drops to $12.83, which brings the per-check price to a competitive $0.051. Of course, these numbers don’t factor in the annual membership cost.
If ordering duplicate checks makes it easier for you to keep track of your finances, it may be worth the extra dollar or two to purchase them. Here are the prices we found at the same online retailers for duplicate checks:
Duplicate Checks
| # of Checks Per Box | Prices for Two Boxes | Price Per Check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 100 | $16.39 | $0.0819 |
| Sam's Club | 165 | $13.96 | $0.0423 |
| Bradford Exchange | 100 | $6.49 | $0.0325 |
| Walmart | 150 | $16.92 | $0.0564 |
| Super Value Checks | 100 | $11.90 | $0.0595 |
| Checks.com | 100 | $11.90 | $0.0595 |
| VistaPrint | 150 | $25.15 | $0.0842 |
| Carousel Checks | 100 | $19.98 | $0.0999 |
| Current Catalog | 100 | $30.29 | $0.1515 |
| Checks Unlimited | 100 | $39.98 | $0.1999 |
The Top Five Cheapest Places to Order Duplicate Checks Online:
- Bradford Exchange: $0.032 per check
- Sam’s Club: $0.042 per check
- Walmart: $0.056 per check
- Super Value Checks: $0.060 per check
- Checks.com: $0.060 per check
The top two stores hold their spots for both single and duplicate checks, but Walmart moves up to third place for the cheapest duplicate checks available.
Other online retailers like VistaPrint, Current Catalog, Checks Unlimited and Carousel Checks turned out to be more expensive per check for both singles and duplicates. Although the stores’ base prices are higher, you should still consider checking these websites for discounts before ordering checks online.
Occasional promotions (like getting a free box with a purchase, percent-off sales and free shipping) may help you save big! Just don’t forget to look at the per-check price to avoid overpaying during a “deal.”
Ordering Checks Online
When ordering personal checks online, there are many factors to take into account beyond the base price. In addition to shipping and processing, it’s also helpful to know how long it will take to place an order, to receive your checks in the mail and to contact customer support.
I ordered checks from Sam’s Club, Bradford Exchange, Super Value Checks, Walmart and Costco for a first-hand look at each of these factors.
Time Spent Ordering Checks Online and Receiving Checks in the Mail
| Placing the Order | Receiving the Checks | |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | 6 minutes | 8 days |
| Sam's Club | 6 minutes | 8 days |
| Bradford Exchange | 5 minutes | 8 days |
| Super Value Checks | 5 minutes | 8 days |
| Walmart | 5 minutes | 8 days |
Ordering checks online at each of these stores was a fairly quick, simple process. It helped that I had my bank account and routing numbers handy as well as my Costco and Sam’s Club membership numbers.
I ordered the smallest packages available without any special features. In each case, I received my order in just over a week (I’d selected standard, non-trackable shipping). If you’re placing a bigger or more elaborate order, it may not arrive as quickly. And if you need to, you can pay more for expedited services.
Ordering checks in the mail takes a little time, so be prepared and order early! And remember that having at least one check from your old box will make it easier to locate your routing and account number.
Customer Service
Once I finished placing my orders with each seller, I contacted customer service with a simple question regarding the order to see how long it took to hear back from a representative.
| Reaching a Live Representative by Phone | |
|---|---|
| Costco | 3 minutes, 39 seconds |
| Sam's Club | 6 minutes, 8 seconds |
| Bradford Exchange | 53 seconds |
| Super Value Checks | 3 minutes, 4 seconds |
| Walmart | 4 minutes, 35 seconds |
I called each company’s customer service phone number listed online and was connected to a live representative in under seven minutes each time. I called on a Tuesday morning, and honestly, I had expected longer hold times.
Bradford Exchange was the fastest to respond, followed by Super Value Checks, Costco and Walmart. Sam’s Club took the longest to connect at just over six minutes. When calling Costco or Sam’s Club customer service, be sure to have your membership number ready for faster service.
The Overall Best Stores for Ordering Cheap Checks Online
I reflected on my overall experience to determine where you’ll save the most when it comes to ordering checks online. Here are the main takeaways:
1. Sam’s Club Checks
Sam’s Club makes the check-ordering process simple for its members. Like many other companies, it automatically ships to the address that will be displayed on the check for added security.
Best price per single check: $0.0275
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
2. Bradford Exchange Checks
In addition to an easy ordering process, Bradford Exchange’s customer service department was also the easiest to reach. When I called on a Tuesday morning, I was connected in less than one minute.
Best price per single check: $0.0275
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
3. Super Value Checks
Ordering from Super Value Checks was quick and easy, but this is the only company I ordered from that allowed you to enter a different address for shipping. Be sure to double-check all of your information before placing your order here.
Best price per single check: $0.0316
Standard shipping: $2.99
Delivery time: 8 days
4. Walmart Checks
Ordering checks from Walmart took just around five minutes, and it was easy to reach customer service. As with the other companies, trackable shipping was available for an additional fee.
Best price per single check: $0.0497
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
5. Costco Checks
Ordering checks from Costco as a member was simple and quick. Customization was available, though if you’re going to pay additional fees, go for added security features instead.
Best price per single check: $0.0642
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
More Ways to Save
- Consider ordering more than one box at a time to avoid additional delivery fees.
- Check for online sales and promotions.
- Make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller by checking the Better Business Bureau page.
- If you’re going to pay more than the base price for classic checks, pay for added security features. These are a far better use of your money than getting a pricey design.
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