Writing a paper check in 2026 feels like using a rotary phone. It's vintage. Yet, for rent, contractors, or that one weird government fee, you still need them. When you run out, the instinct is to log into your Chase app and hit reorder. Stop. You're probably about to overpay for a piece of paper that's literally designed to be given away.
Getting your hands on new checks shouldn't be a headache. Most people assume they have to go through the official portal to ensure everything stays "secure," but the banking world has changed. Chase, like most big banks, partners with a third-party printer called Deluxe. When you order checks online Chase through the official site, you’re basically paying a convenience tax.
The Reality of Ordering Through the Chase Portal
If you want the path of least resistance, sure, use the Chase website. You log in, head to "Customer Service," and find the "Order Checks" link. It’ll whisk you away to the Deluxe branded storefront. It's seamless. It's fast. It’s also usually the most expensive way to do it.
Why? Because they know you’re already there. It’s the "airport bottled water" of banking. Deluxe offers a massive variety, from "High Security" checks with holographic strips to designs featuring Disney characters or puppies. But you'll notice the price tag for a standard box of 100 to 150 checks can easily swing between $20 and $35 depending on your account tier.
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Does your account type matter?
Actually, it does. This is where people get confused. If you have a Chase Sapphire Checking or a Chase Private Client account, you shouldn't be paying a dime. These premium tiers usually include free standard checks as a perk. If you're on a Total Checking or Secure Banking plan, you're on the hook for the full retail price. Don't just click "buy." Check your account features first. It’s honestly frustrating how many people pay for something they could get for free just by knowing their account status.
Third-Party Printers: The Secret Handshake
You don't have to use Deluxe. Seriously. As long as you have your routing number and your account number, any reputable printer can make your checks. We're talking about companies like Walmart Checks, Costco Checks, or Vistaprint.
These places are often half the price.
"But is it safe?" That's the big question. People worry that using a non-bank printer opens them up to fraud. Here’s the deal: all checks must follow the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). As long as the printer is a member of the Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA), they use the same security features—microprinting, watermarks, and chemically sensitive paper—that the bank’s "official" partner uses.
What you need to switch
If you decide to order checks online Chase through a third party, you’ll need a few things from your current checkbook or your mobile app:
- The 9-digit Routing Number (usually the bottom left).
- Your Account Number (the middle set of numbers).
- The Check Number you want to start with (don't start back at 001 if you're on check 500; it confuses the IRS and your own record-keeping).
The Security Features You Actually Need
Don't fall for the "Ultra-Premium-Gold-Shield" marketing fluff unless you’re running a business that sends out thousands of checks to strangers. For a regular person paying a landlord, standard security is fine. However, "High Security" checks do have some merit if you're worried about "check washing."
Check washing is a scam where thieves use chemicals to erase the ink on a check and write in a new amount or recipient. High-security paper has "toner anchorage" that bonds the ink to the fibers, making it nearly impossible to scrape or wash off without destroying the paper itself. If you're mailing checks through the public mail system—which is increasingly risky—paying the extra $5 for these features might actually let you sleep better at night.
The Modern Alternative: Do You Even Need Physical Checks?
Wait. Before you spend $30 on a box of 150 checks that will last you until 2032, check your Chase Online Bill Pay settings.
Chase (and most big banks) has a feature where they will print and mail a physical check for you. For free.
It sounds crazy, but it’s true. If your landlord doesn’t take Zelle or Venmo, you can add them as a "payee" in your Chase dashboard. You type in the amount, Chase debits your account, prints a physical check, sticks it in an envelope with a stamp, and mails it. You save on the cost of the check, the cost of the stamp, and the time spent looking for an envelope.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Address: If you’ve moved recently, update your address with Chase before ordering. Third-party printers often cross-reference your address for security.
- The Starting Number: Using check number 001 again can sometimes trigger fraud alerts in automated systems. Always check your last used check and start the new batch one digit higher.
- Typos: A single wrong digit in that MICR line (the weird font at the bottom) means your check is a useless scrap of paper. Double-check the routing number. Chase actually has different routing numbers for different states and transaction types (electronic vs. paper).
Steps to Take Right Now
First, log into your Chase app and see exactly which checking account you have. If it's a premium tier, go through the official "Order Checks" link and claim your freebies.
If you have a standard account, skip the bank’s portal. Head to a verified third-party site like Walmart Checks or Checks Unlimited. You'll likely find a "new customer" coupon code that gets you two boxes for the price of one.
Lastly, consider if you can move that payment to Chase Online Bill Pay. There is no reason to manually write a check and hunt for a stamp in 2026. Transitioning to the bank's internal mailing service is the smartest move for your wallet and your clutter drawer. If you absolutely must have physical paper in hand, buy in bulk. The price per check drops significantly when you buy two or four boxes at once, and they don't exactly have an expiration date.