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 recently analyzed the best prices available for both single and duplicate checks online from 10 different retailers, then we ordered checks from the top five:
If you’re looking for cheap checks online, we found that Costco, Sam’s Club and Bradford Exchange all offer options for less than $0.03 per single check and around $0.04 for duplicates.
In this article, we’ll break down the best buying options from these stores and more in addition to customer service options, delivery times and other 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 ordering directly through your bank.
Below are the prices we found on October 24, 2019, for personal checks at a selection of popular retailers with an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau:
Single Checks
| # of Checks Per Box | Price for Two Boxes | Price Per Check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 246 | $13.18 | $0.0268 |
| Sam's Club | 240 | $13.20 | $0.0275 |
| Bradford Exchange | 120 | $6.99 | $0.0291 |
| 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 | $18.74 | $0.0625 |
| Current Catalog | 100 | $24.98 | $0.1249 |
| Checks Unlimited | 100 | $29.98 | $0.1499 |
The Top Five Places to Order Cheap Checks Online:
- Costco: $0.027 per check
- Sam’s Club: $0.028 per check
- Bradford Exchange: $0.029 per check
- Super Value Checks: $0.031 per check
- Carousel Checks: $0.047 per check
You can find single checks for less than $0.03 at Costco, Sam’s Club and Bradford Exchange. Of course, these numbers don’t reflect the membership costs of Costco or Sam’s Club.
Although the price during checkout may look higher at Costco than at Bradford Exchange or Super Value Checks when you buy two boxes, note that you’ll be getting at least 252 more checks for a lower cost per check overall. That means you’ll be saving more in the long run!
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 instead. If so, here are the prices we found at the same online retailers per duplicate check:
Duplicate Checks
| # of Checks Per Box | Prices for Two Boxes | Price Per Check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 174 | $13.37 | $0.0384 |
| Sam's Club | 180 | $13.96 | $0.0388 |
| Bradford Exchange | 100 | $8.49 | $0.0425 |
| Walmart | 150 | $16.92 | $0.0564 |
| Super Value Checks | 100 | $11.90 | $0.0595 |
| Checks.com | 100 | $11.90 | $0.0595 |
| VistaPrint | 150 | $20.60 | $0.0687 |
| Carousel Checks | 100 | $19.98 | $0.0999 |
| Current Catalog | 100 | $30.29 | $0.1515 |
| Checks Unlimited | 100 | $35.98 | $0.1799 |
The Top Five Cheapest Places to Order Duplicate Checks Online:
- Costco: $0.038 per check
- Sam’s Club: $0.039 per check
- Bradford Exchange: $0.042 per check
- Walmart: $0.056 per check
- Super Value Checks: $0.059 per check
The top three stores hold their spots for both single and duplicate checks, but Walmart appears in fourth place for the cheapest duplicate checks available.
Online retailers like Checks.com, VistaPrint, Current Catalog and Checks Unlimited 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 available 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 Costco, Sam’s Club, Bradford Exchange, Super Value Checks and Walmart 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 nearby as well as my Costco and Sam’s Club membership numbers.
I ordered the smallest packages available without any additional features and received each of my orders in just over one week in every case. I also selected standard, non-trackable shipping. If you’re placing a bigger or more elaborate order, it may not arrive as quickly. Alternatively, you can pay more for expedited services.
Clearly, ordering checks in the mail takes a little time, so be prepared and order early! In any case, 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 orders at each store, 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 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
After receiving the checks from each store, I reflected on the overall experience to determine where you’ll save the most when it comes to ordering checks online. Here are the main takeaways:
1. 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: $0.0267
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
2. 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
3. Bradford Exchange Checks
In addition to an easy ordering process, Bradford Exchange’s customer service 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: $0.0291
Standard shipping: Free
Delivery time: 8 days
4. 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
5. 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
More Ways to Save
- Consider ordering more than one box at a time to avoid additional delivery fees, and make the most of online promotions, deals and discounts if you use checks often.
- Check 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.
