You’re staring at a stack of bills or maybe you’re at the closing table for a new house. Suddenly, you realize you need a physical check. Not a Venmo. Not a Zelle. A real, paper check. It feels a bit prehistoric, right? But even in 2026, the paper trail still rules certain corners of the financial world. If you need to order checks for Wells Fargo, you might assume you just click a button in your app and call it a day. You could do that. But honestly, you’d probably be overpaying by a landslide.
Banks aren't really in the business of giving away paper for free anymore. Unless you’ve got a high-tier premier account, Wells Fargo is going to charge you a premium for the convenience of ordering through their portal. Most people just eat the cost because they’re in a hurry. Don't be that person. There are actually a few different paths to take here, and some of them will save you enough for a decent dinner out.
The Standard Way: Ordering Through Wells Fargo Directly
The most obvious path is the one the bank lays out for you. You log into your Wells Fargo Online account, find the "Account Services" tab, and look for the link that says "Order Checks and Supplies." It’s seamless. It’s easy. It’s also where they get you with the pricing.
Wells Fargo uses Deluxe as their primary check printing partner. Deluxe is a massive corporation that handles printing for thousands of financial institutions. When you order through the bank's website, your information—routing number, account number, and address—pre-fills automatically. That’s the "convenience fee" you’re paying for.
You’ll see a massive catalog of designs. Disney characters, scenic landscapes, leather-bound covers. They look great, but the price tag can climb quickly. A single box of standard checks might run you $25 to $35. If you want high-security features or fancy foil stamping, you're looking at even more.
Why the "Preferred" Accounts Matter
If you have a Wells Fargo Premier or a Prime Checking account, stop right there. You shouldn't be paying a dime. One of the perks of keeping a high balance or paying those monthly service fees is that the bank usually throws in "Style 1" checks for free. These are basic, blue or green professional checks. Nothing flashy. But they work. Before you hit "confirm" on that $40 order, double-check your account type. If you're a senior or a student, sometimes there are unadvertised discounts too. It’s worth a quick chat with a teller if you’re already at a branch.
The Secret to Saving: Third-Party Printers
Here is what the bank won't tell you: you don't have to buy from them. Your routing number and account number belong to you. As long as the check meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications, any printer can make them.
Companies like CheckUnlimited, Vistaprint, or Walmart Checks are significantly cheaper. We’re talking $5 to $10 for a box compared to the $30 Wells Fargo wants.
Wait. Is it safe?
Yes. Mostly. You just have to be careful about where you enter your data. These third-party printers are legitimate businesses, but you’re handing over the keys to your bank account. Stick to the big names. Avoid those "too good to be true" fly-by-night websites that pop up in sketchy sidebar ads.
The Layout Requirements
When you order from a third party, you have to manually enter your details. This is where people mess up. If you mistype one digit of your routing number, that check is a useless piece of paper. Worse, if you get the account number wrong, you might accidentally pull money from someone else's account (or try to), which triggers all sorts of fraud alerts.
You’ll need:
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- Your 9-digit Routing Number (Wells Fargo has different ones depending on which state you opened the account in).
- Your 10 to 12-digit Account Number.
- The starting check number (look at your last check and add one).
Security Features You Actually Need
In 2026, check fraud is unfortunately still a thing. "Check washing" is a technique where criminals use chemicals to erase the ink on a check you’ve written and change the recipient and the amount. It’s low-tech, but it works.
When you order checks for Wells Fargo, look for "High Security" options. These checks usually have a few extra layers of defense:
- Chemical Sensitivity: If someone tries to wash the check, the paper changes color or reveals a "VOID" message.
- Microprint: Tiny text that looks like a solid line to the naked eye but reveals words under a magnifying glass. Copiers can’t replicate this.
- Holographic Foils: These are almost impossible to fake with a standard home printer.
Is it worth the extra $5? Honestly, yeah. If you’re mailing checks for rent or taxes, that extra security provides a lot of peace of mind.
The Logistics: Shipping and Timing
Don't wait until you have one check left. Wells Fargo and Deluxe usually take about 7 to 10 business days for standard delivery. If you’re ordering from a third party, it can take even longer—sometimes up to three weeks if they're using "bulk mail" rates to keep costs down.
Expedited shipping exists, but it’s a trap. I’ve seen people pay $25 for overnight shipping on a $10 box of checks. At that point, you might as well have just ordered the expensive ones from the bank.
What If You Need a Check Today?
If you’re in a massive rush and need to order checks for Wells Fargo right this second, you can't get a full box instantly. But you can go to a local Wells Fargo branch and ask for "Counter Checks."
They will print out a sheet of 3 or 4 checks right there. They aren't pretty. They usually don't have your name or address pre-printed on them (you have to write it in). Most branches charge about $2 to $5 for a sheet of these. It’s a temporary fix while you wait for your real box to arrive in the mail.
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Business vs. Personal Checks
If you’re a small business owner using a Wells Fargo Business Choice or Platinum account, your needs are different. You’re probably using QuickBooks or some other accounting software.
Do not buy personal-sized checks for business use if you intend to print them. You need "Laser Checks." These come on 8.5" x 11" sheets that feed through your printer.
Wells Fargo’s business check packages are notoriously expensive. They try to sell you the whole "Starter Kit" with the big 3-ring binder and the rubber stamps. It’s overkill for 90% of people. You can buy those same laser sheets at office supply stores or online for a fraction of the price and just sync them with your software.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People get fancy. They want the check to reflect their personality. I get it. But there are limits.
Avoid dark backgrounds. If you pick a design that is too busy or has dark colors, the bank’s RDC (Remote Deposit Capture) scanners might have trouble reading the handwriting or the MICR line at the bottom. If the scanner can't read it, a human has to intervene, which can delay your payment or even lead to the check being rejected.
Also, keep your address updated. If you moved six months ago and your checks still have your old address, some merchants might give you a hard time. While the address on the check doesn't technically affect the validity of the payment, it’s a red flag for many retail fraud systems.
How to Verify Your Routing Number
Wells Fargo is a massive bank. They've swallowed up dozens of smaller banks over the last 100 years. Because of this, they don't have just one routing number.
If you look at the bottom of an old check, the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the left. If you don't have an old check, don't just Google "Wells Fargo routing number." You might get the one for California when you actually live in Florida. Log into your app, click on your account, and look for "Account Details" or "Routing Numbers." They usually list one for "Paper/Checks" and one for "Electronic/ACH." You want the one for paper.
The Future of the Paper Check
It's 2026. Why are we still doing this?
Some government agencies still demand them. Some "mom and pop" contractors prefer them because they don't want to pay the 3% transaction fee on credit cards. And honestly, sometimes it’s just easier to stick a check in a birthday card than it is to ask your grandma for her Venmo handle.
But here’s a pro tip: Wells Fargo has a "Bill Pay" feature. Instead of ordering checks, writing them, buying a stamp, and finding a mailbox, you can just tell Wells Fargo who to pay. They will actually print a physical check and mail it for you—often for free. It saves you the cost of the check and the postage.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order
If you're ready to get some new paper in your wallet, here is exactly how to do it efficiently:
- Audit your account type. If you have a premium account, call the bank or check the app to see if your checks are free. Don't pay for something you've already earned.
- Compare the "Big Three" third-party sites. Check CheckUnlimited, Vistaprint, and Walmart Checks. Look for "new customer" coupon codes; they almost always have one for 50% off or "buy one get one free."
- Verify your MICR line. Ensure you have your exact routing and account numbers handy. Double-check them three times.
- Opt for "Standard" shipping. Unless it's a dire emergency, the "Rush" fees are a scam. Order when you have 15-20 checks left in your current book.
- Consider High Security. For the sake of a few extra dollars, getting the chemically sensitive paper is the smartest move you can make to prevent fraud.
Once you place the order, keep an eye on your bank statement. Make sure the charge matches what you saw on the screen. Most orders arrive in a nondescript envelope to prevent theft, so don't accidentally toss it in the recycling bin thinking it's junk mail.