To create a check online you fill in the check details in a web tool, then either print the check on your own printer or have a service mail it for you. The quickest way to print one is check printing software: you add your bank account once, type the payee and amount, and print on blank check stock or plain paper. This guide compares the options and walks through the steps.
What you need
- A checking account, with its routing number and account number. You can find both on a check or in your online banking.
- A computer and a web browser, including a Chromebook.
- A printer. A regular inkjet or laser printer is enough.
- Check paper: blank check stock, your bank's pre-printed checks, or plain paper for deposits you make yourself.
Three ways to create a check online
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Check printing software | You enter the details and print the check yourself on your own printer. The software keeps a record. | Anyone who writes checks regularly or wants a record of each one |
| A free template | You download or print a blank template and fill it in by hand or in a document. See blank check template sizes and layout. | A one-off check or a sample |
| Bank bill pay | Your bank prints and mails a check to the payee for you. You do not see the paper check. | Paying a bill by mail without printing |
How to create and print a check with Check Writer 123
- Create a free account. The 14-day trial needs no card, and there is also a free plan with 5 checks a month.
- Add your bank account. Enter the name and address on the account, the routing number and the account number. The routing number is checked for typos as you type.
- Enter the check. Type the payee, amount, date and memo. The amount in words is filled in for you, and a live preview shows the finished check.
- Run a Test Print. Print on plain paper first and hold it against your check stock to confirm alignment. It is free and uses no real check.
- Print the check. Load blank check stock and press Print. The check is saved to your register with its number.
Ready to try? Start free and create your first check in a few minutes. For the paper side, read how to print a check on blank check paper.
Is a check created online valid?
A check is valid when it carries the information a bank needs: the payer's account details, the payee, the amount in numbers and words, the date and a signature. How you made it does not change that. Banks differ in how they treat printed checks, so ask yours and deposit one test check before you print a batch. See will banks accept checks you print yourself.
Mistakes to avoid
- A wrong digit in the routing or account number. Copy the numbers from a real check or your online banking.
- Printing on thin paper that smudges, or at a scale other than 100%. Print at actual size.
- Leaving spare check stock lying around. Lock it up and shred spoiled checks.
- Skipping the test print. A crooked check wastes real stock and may be harder to deposit.