Once upon a time, checks were a standard form of payment in many businesses. Today, many customers prefer digital transactions, to the point where many people no longer even own a checkbook. Still, there are plenty of situations in which a check is the only accepted method of payment, including paying rent, purchasing a large item, or making a deposit for an event or catering service. When this happens, your best bet is to print your checks on an as-needed basis. Whether you work with a bank or a local print shop, there are plenty of check printing services that will help get your money where it needs to go.
Counter Checks From Your Local Bank
If you ran out of checks, one of the best ways to solve this problem is to talk to the local branch of your bank. Many banks offer same-day check printing services to fulfill a variety of purposes. Depending on how large the checks need to be, your options include:
- Counter checks: Most banks will print a small number of temporary checks on demand. These checks can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 each and usually come printed in sheets of three. Counter checks resemble regular checks; this means that you need to fill them out by hand, and vendors won’t accept them as certified funds. Not all banks offer temporary checks, so be sure to call ahead if you need them quickly. There may also be a limit to the number of temporary checks that you can request at one time.
- Certified checks: A certified check is a standard check that has been guaranteed to clear by the bank after verifying the value of your account. Some vendors will only accept certified funds, especially when making a late payment. Many businesses will also ask for a certified check if the transaction value is particularly high. You usually need an account with the bank in order to request a certified check, but some banks will work with you even if you don’t have an account.
- Cashier’s checks: A cashier’s check is similar to a certified check, but is wholly managed by your bank. Whereas certified checks are drawn from your account and guaranteed by the teller, cashier’s checks are “purchased” and then drawn from the bank’s personal funds. Most vendors who require certified funds will typically accept both cashier’s checks and certified checks, so ask your teller which option is more suitable for your situation.
- Money orders: A money order is similar to a cashier’s check, but it is typically worth less than $1,000. You can purchase a money order from banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, and many other local businesses. Money orders typically cost between $10 and $30, or the fee may be a percentage of the amount you wish to send. Remember that money orders are non-refundable, so be careful not to lose them after they’re printed out. In an emergency, the institution that issued the money order may be able to place a “stop payment” request; however, this is not guaranteed, and you will incur a fee for doing so.
If you need a bulk order of checks, ask your teller how many they can print at one time. Your bank will recommend the best solution based on the value of your transaction and the number of checks in your order. Large orders may take a few days to fulfill, especially if payment is required in certified funds.
Digital and Printable Checks
Thanks to modern technology, it’s entirely possible to write, send, and cash a check without ever touching a piece of paper. Digital checks arrive in the payee’s inbox instantly, making them a great choice for same-day situations. High-end encryption technology ensures that the entire process is safe and secure for both payer and payee.
Every digital check platform is different, so be sure to know what you’re getting before creating an account. Our digital check service is compatible with all types of bank accounts, including those that do not accept ACH deposits. You can also send as many checks as you need at one time, making this a great solution for paper-free payroll. ASAP checks can be issued the same day you create an account, which is incredibly helpful in emergency situations.
Check Issuing’s digital platform features a user-friendly interface with an encrypted authentication service. Writing a check is as simple as setting up an account, adding your bank information, and selecting the amount of money you need to send. Don’t worry about your recipient’s address or direct deposit details; the only information you need to include on the check is their current email address.
Although email is the quickest way to send a digital check, be aware that some recipients may not accept checks through this method. To solve this problem, try printing your check and submitting it in paper form. Because the check is uniquely encrypted, you don’t need to worry about it being cashed twice – even if you accidentally print multiple copies. As long as the vendor’s bank is willing to take the printed check, you should have no problems paying with this method.
To cash one of our digital checks without visiting the bank, try using the image capture feature on your bank’s digital app. Using this method, most banks can deposit funds into your account within 1-2 business days. Otherwise, print the digital check out and deposit it at your bank like normal. If the ATM will not take your printed check, try taking it to the front desk so that the teller can accept it. Digital and printed checks are a common part of modern transactions, but some machines may not work without standard ink and paper. When this happens, your teller will need to enter the check by hand.
Bulk Check Printing
If you require a large number of checks to be printed, your best solution is to work with an online check printing service. Try taking advantage of Check Issuing’s check writing and mailing services. We offer security envelopes, speedy delivery, and personalized templates with your company’s logo. After you place your order, we will print, stuff, and mail checks to everyone on your list. Delivery tracking is available, and depending on your shipping choice, the checks will arrive at their required locations in as little as 1-2 days. We also provide the ability for one account holder to issue checks from multiple banks, making it easy to manage payments for all of your clients.
Check Issuing’s services are hassle-free and incredibly easy to use. Whether you need a single digital check to send to a friend or a bulk number of checks printed and mailed within the next few days, we have the ability to move your money for a minimal cost. If you need a check today, please contact us immediately, and we’ll assist you in setting up your account.
Last updated: September 2025