It's great you're looking into managing your banking needs effectively! Printing checks from your bank, especially Chase, might not be as straightforward as printing a document, but understanding your options can save you time and hassle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting checks from Chase Bank.
The Real Deal: You Can't "Print a Check" in the Traditional Sense from Chase Online
Let's clarify something right off the bat: you generally cannot print blank checks directly from your Chase online banking portal to then fill out and use. Banks, including Chase, have very strict security protocols and specific requirements for checks to be considered valid and processed. This involves special paper, magnetic ink (MICR), and precise formatting that a standard home printer cannot replicate.
What you can do, however, is order new checkbooks through Chase, or in some cases, print images of cleared checks for your records. If you need a temporary check for immediate use, a Chase branch might be able to provide one.
So, let's dive into the various ways to get your hands on those essential paper checks.
Step 1: Understand Your Immediate Need
Before we go further, let's figure out what kind of check you actually need. This will determine the best path forward.
Do you need a full checkbook for ongoing use? If so, ordering new checks is your primary option.
Do you need a single check right now for an urgent payment (e.g., rent, utility)? A temporary check from a branch might be your best bet.
Are you trying to print a copy of a check you already wrote or deposited for your records? Chase online banking can help with this.
Are you a business looking to print checks in-house? This involves specialized software and blank check stock.
Think about why you need the check and how quickly you need it. This will guide you through the next steps.
Step 2: Ordering New Checkbooks from Chase Bank
This is the most common way to get checks for your Chase account. Chase partners with check printing services like Deluxe to fulfill these orders.
Sub-heading 2.1: Ordering Online via Chase.com
This is often the most convenient method for personal accounts.
Log In to Your Chase Online Account: Go to chase.com and sign in with your username and password.
Navigate to Check Ordering:
Look for a section related to your checking account.
You might find options like "Order Checks," "Account Services," or "Checkbook Orders." It's usually found under your account details or a "Customer Service" tab.
Chase's website typically has a direct link for "Order New Checks Online" that will guide you to the appropriate page.
Select Your Account: If you have multiple Chase accounts, ensure you select the correct checking account for which you want to order checks.
Choose Your Check Design:
Chase (through its partners) offers a variety of designs. You might find classic, scenic, or even themed checks.
Consider your preference and any associated costs. Some premium checking accounts (like Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking) might offer free standard checks. Always check your account benefits.
Enter Personal and Account Information:
Verify that your name, address, Chase account number, and routing number are pre-filled correctly.
You will usually be prompted to choose a starting check number. If you're reordering, it's wise to continue from the last number you used.
Select Quantity and Features:
Decide how many boxes of checks you need.
You might have options for duplicate checks (with carbon copies), security features, or personalized accessories like checkbook covers.
Be mindful of the cost. More features or larger quantities will increase the price.
Review Your Order and Submit:
Carefully review all the details before submitting. An incorrect account number or address can lead to significant delays or issues.
You will see the total cost and any applicable discounts before you finalize the order.
Once confirmed, submit your order. You'll typically receive an email confirmation.
Sub-heading 2.2: Ordering by Phone
If you prefer to speak with someone or have questions, you can order checks over the phone.
Find Chase's customer service number on their official website (typically under "Contact Us").
Be prepared to provide your account information and verify your identity.
Sub-heading 2.3: Ordering at a Chase Branch
For in-person assistance or if you need a temporary check immediately.
Visit Your Local Chase Branch: Use the Chase branch locator on their website to find the nearest branch.
Speak with a Bank Representative: Inform them that you need to order new checks.
Provide Account Details: They will assist you in placing the order, verifying your information, and showing you available designs.
Temporary Checks: If you need a single check urgently, ask if they can print a temporary check or provide a counter check. These are basic checks without your personal details pre-printed, but they are valid for immediate use.
Step 3: Understanding Check Delivery and Timing
Once you've ordered your checks, patience is key.
Standard Delivery: Ordered checks typically take 7-14 business days to arrive by mail. This timeframe can vary depending on the printing service and your location.
Expedited Shipping: If you need your checks faster, you might have the option to pay an additional fee for expedited shipping. This could reduce the delivery time to a few business days. Check the options presented during the online ordering process or inquire at a branch/phone.
Step 4: Printing Images of Cleared Checks for Records
As mentioned earlier, you can't print blank checks, but you can often view and print images of checks that have already been processed and cleared your account. This is useful for record-keeping or if you need proof of a payment.
Log In to Chase Online or Mobile App: Access your account through the website or the Chase Mobile® app.
Go to Your Account Activity: Navigate to the specific checking account.
Locate the Transaction: Find the transaction associated with the check you wish to view. This might involve scrolling through your transaction history or using a search/filter function (by date, amount, or check number).
View Check Image: Once you find the transaction, there's usually an icon or link (often a small check icon) next to the check number that allows you to "View Check Image" or "View Front and Back."
Print or Save: You'll see an image of the front and sometimes the back of the cleared check. You can then use your browser's print function to print this image or save it as a PDF for your records.
Step 5: Advanced Options for Businesses or Specific Needs (Third-Party Software)
While not directly "printing from Chase Bank," businesses or individuals with specific needs might use third-party check printing software. This is a more involved process and requires specialized supplies.
Sub-heading 5.1: What You'll Need for Home/Business Check Printing
If you're considering printing checks yourself (which is generally only recommended for businesses with high volumes), you'll need:
Check Printing Software: Programs like QuickBooks, or specialized check printing software (e.g., TROY's AssurePay Check), allow you to design and populate checks.
Blank Check Stock: This is special security paper designed for checks, often with built-in fraud prevention features (microprinting, watermarks, etc.).
MICR Toner/Ink: This is magnetic ink that allows checks to be read by bank processing machines. Standard printer ink will not work, and checks printed without MICR ink may be rejected.
Your Chase Account and Routing Numbers: These are essential for the checks to be valid.
Sub-heading 5.2: The Process (General Steps for Third-Party Printing)
Obtain Necessary Supplies: Purchase the check printing software, blank check stock, and MICR toner/ink.
Configure Software: Input your Chase bank's routing number and your account number into the software.
Design Your Check: Customize the check layout, including payee, amount, date, and memo fields. Ensure all required bank information is correctly placed.
Print the Check: Load the blank check stock into your printer and print the check using the software.
Sign and Use: Manually sign the printed check.
Disclaimer: While legal, printing your own checks without proper security features and MICR compliance can lead to them being rejected by banks or increase your risk of fraud. Always ensure your setup meets banking regulations. For most personal banking needs, ordering checks directly from Chase or their approved partners is the safest and most reliable option.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about printing checks from Chase, with quick answers:
How to order new checks from Chase? You can order new checks through your Chase online banking account, by calling Chase customer service, or by visiting a local Chase branch.
How to get a temporary check from Chase Bank? Visit any Chase bank branch in person. A bank representative can usually provide you with a temporary check or counter check for immediate use.
How to find my Chase account and routing number for ordering checks? Your Chase account number and routing number can be found on an existing check, in your online banking portal (under account details), or on your monthly bank statement.
How to view images of cleared checks on Chase Online? Log in to your Chase online banking account, navigate to your checking account activity, find the transaction, and click on the check icon or link to view the image.
How to get free checks from Chase Bank? Certain premium Chase checking accounts, like Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking, may offer free standard checks. Check your specific account benefits or inquire with Chase.
How to change the address on my Chase checks? When ordering checks online through Chase, you can usually update the address that appears on the checks during the ordering process. To change your mailing address in Chase's system, visit
chase.com/Update How to track my Chase check order? If you ordered checks online, the confirmation email or the check ordering portal might provide a tracking number or a link to the check printer's website where you can check the status of your order.
How to ensure the security of my ordered checks? Order checks directly from Chase or reputable third-party providers that are certified by organizations like the Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) and include security features like microprinting, holograms, and heat-sensitive ink.
How to cancel a check order with Chase? If you need to cancel a check order, contact Chase customer service as soon as possible after placing the order. Whether it can be canceled depends on how quickly the printing process has begun.
How to print a single check at home for Chase Bank (not a full checkbook)? For security and validity, it's generally not recommended to print a single check at home unless you are a business using specialized software and MICR ink on blank check stock. For a single personal check, visiting a Chase branch for a temporary check is the safest and most reliable option.
