Affordable Personal Checks: Top Spots for Budget-Friendly Purchases
Even in a world full of credit cards, online bill pay, and payment apps, personal checks are still around. If you don’t shop for the best deal or have a checking or savings account that offers cheap personal checks, they can end up costing you a lot. Luckily, just like other payment methods, you have plenty of options when it comes to ordering new personal checks.
### Online Personal Check Printers
Independent online check printers often provide some of the cheapest personal checks. There are so many options available that it can be overwhelming. Prices can range from under $0.10 per check to more than double that. The price you pay will depend on more than just the service you choose. Many online check printers offer a variety of designs, from simple nature motifs and cityscapes to trademarked designs like Disney characters and holiday themes. The design you choose can affect the price. Additionally, shipping charges can increase your final cost, so be sure to read the fine print and only pay for the add-ons you want at checkout.
### Big Box and Discount Warehouse Check Printing
It’s probably no surprise that stores like Walmart and Costco offer cheap personal checks. These are secure and fairly inexpensive options for those who might not want to open a bank account just for affordable checks. However, like buying toilet paper or toothpaste, you might have to buy in bulk. For example, Costco’s inexpensive checks come with a minimum order of two packs, or 200 checks. The least expensive checks at Sam’s Club require an order of 330 checks.
### How Much Does a Box of Personal Checks Cost?
The cost of a box of checks can vary widely, from $5 to $20 or more. Comparing the cost of checks by the box can be misleading because one company’s box might contain 100 checks while another includes 200 or more. If the prices are the same or close, the comparison is meaningless. Therefore, it’s more informative to compare the price per check.
### Cheap Personal Check Options
Here’s a look at how much personal checks cost at various retailers:
– **Sam’s Club**: 480 singles / 330 duplicates, $17.38 / $18.85, $0.04 / $0.06 per check
– **Costco (Executive Member)**: 250 singles / 200 duplicates, $16.18 / $16.56, $0.07 / $0.08 per check
– **Walmart**: 120 singles / 120 duplicates, $9.81 / $11.28, $0.08 / $0.09 per check
– **Costco (Gold Star / Business Member)**: 250 singles / 200 duplicates, $20.22 / $20.70, $0.08 / $0.10 per check
– **Checkworks**: 125 singles / 100 duplicates, $11.99 / $16.99, $0.10 / $0.17 per check
– **VistaPrint**: 150 singles, $15, $0.10 per check
– **Check Advantage**: 150 singles / 120 duplicates, $15.84 / $19.25, $0.11 / $0.16 per check
### Beware of Poor Quality Checks or Service
As with most online industries, the online check printing world has its share of bad or incompetent actors. Your personal checks, which include your bank information, are not the place to potentially sacrifice security to save a few pennies. Do your homework by checking online reviews for customer satisfaction or stick with known national brands. Verify that the check printer uses industry-approved security measures, such as Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, chemically sensitive paper to prevent tampering, and a security padlock icon indicating compliance with security standards set by the Check Printers Stationery Association.
### Final Take
In our technologically advanced world, you might get through life without ever writing a check, but it’s still good to have a pack on hand. While bank transfer services like Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are convenient, they have transfer limitations and processing times. Moreover, not all creditors accept digital payments. In these cases, having a supply of cheap personal checks can ensure you are prepared for any financial scenario.
### FAQ
**Are duplicate checks more expensive?**
Yes, duplicate checks generally cost more than single checks.
**Can you print checks yourself?**
Yes, but it requires special software and paper, and it may not be as secure as ordering from a professional printer.
**How can I get free checks?**
Some banks offer free checks as part of their account perks, so check with your bank.
**Where is the least expensive place to order checks?**
The least expensive place can vary, but big box stores like Sam’s Club and Costco often offer competitive prices.