Tired of relying solely on digital payments and need good old-fashioned checks for certain transactions? Perhaps you're paying rent, sending money to a family member who prefers paper, or simply like having the option. Whatever your reason, ordering checks from Charles Schwab is a straightforward process, though it might involve a brief redirection to a trusted third-party vendor.
Ready to get your checkbook in hand? Let's walk through it step-by-step!
Step 1: Ensure Your Account Has Checking Features Enabled
Before you even think about ordering checks, you need to make sure your Charles Schwab account is set up for check-writing. While many Schwab Bank Investor Checking accounts automatically come with checking features, some Schwab Brokerage accounts might require you to enable them first.
How to Check (and Enable if Necessary):
- Online Navigation: Log in to your Charles Schwab account at Schwab.com. Navigate to the "Support" section, and then select "Debit Cards & Checks."
- Locating Your Account: On this page, scroll down and look for a panel titled "Accounts Without Cards & Checks" or something similar. Expand this panel.
- Requesting Features: If your eligible Schwab brokerage account is listed here without checking features, you'll be able to initiate the request. You might need to fill out an application form, which can often be submitted digitally through the Message Center or physically via mail or fax. It's crucial to note that only account holders are eligible to submit this application. A Schwab representative will likely reach out for confirmation once submitted.
If your account already has checking features enabled, you can move directly to the next step!
Step 2: Logging In to Schwab Alliance and Initiating the Order
Once you've confirmed your account is ready for check ordering, the next step is to log in to your Schwab account and find the designated section for checks.
Accessing the Check Order Page:
- Go to Schwab.com: Open your web browser and go to the official Charles Schwab website:
www.schwab.com - Log In Securely: Enter your User ID and password to log in to your Schwab Alliance account.
- Navigate to Debit Cards & Checks: After logging in, look for the headset icon in the top right corner of the page (which often leads to support options) or directly navigate to "Support" and then select "Debit Cards & Checks."
- Locate Check Ordering Option: On the "Debit Cards & Checks" page, scroll down. You should see a section related to "Checks." Click the arrow next to "Checks" to expand it. You will then see an option like "Order Checks and Deposit Slips" next to your relevant Schwab Bank account. Click on this link.
Step 3: Redirecting to the Third-Party Check Provider (Deluxe)
Charles Schwab partners with a third-party vendor, typically Deluxe, for check ordering. Don't be alarmed when you're redirected! This is a standard and secure part of the process.
Understanding the Redirection:
- Confirmation Message: Upon clicking "Order Checks and Deposit Slips," you'll likely see a message indicating that you are being redirected to an external site. This is normal.
- Click "Continue": A green "Continue" button will usually be present to proceed to the Deluxe website. Click this button.
- Deluxe Website: You will now be on the Deluxe checks ordering website (e.g.,
orderpoint.deluxe.com).
Step 4: Customizing Your Checks on the Deluxe Website
Now comes the fun part – choosing the design and quantity of your checks! Deluxe offers a variety of options.
Personalizing Your Check Order:
- Enter Verification Details (if prompted): Some instances might require you to re-enter your Schwab routing number, account number, and zip code for verification purposes. These details are usually pre-filled, but double-check them.
- Choose Check Style: Browse through the available check designs. You can often find categories like:
- Classic Checks
- Scenic Checks
- Charitable Checks (where a portion goes to a charity)
- And more!
- Select the design that best suits your preference.
- Select Check Type: You'll typically have two main options:
- Single/Wallet: Standard checks.
- Duplicate: Includes an extra carbon copy behind each check for your records. This can be incredibly useful for tracking your expenses!
- Choose Quantity: Decide how many boxes of checks you need. Options usually include 1, 2, or 4 boxes.
- Customize Imprint (Optional): You may have the option to customize the imprint on your checks, such as adding a phone number or a specific phrase below your name and address.
- Add Accessories (Optional): Deluxe might offer additional accessories, like a free vinyl checkbook cover. If you want one, select this option.
- Review and Confirm: Before proceeding, carefully review all your selections. Ensure the account information, design, type, and quantity are correct.
- Click "Confirm and Next": Once satisfied, click the green "Confirm and Next" button.
Step 5: Adding Deposit Slips (Optional) and Finalizing Your Order
If you also need deposit slips, you'll have the opportunity to add them before checking out.
Ordering Deposit Slips and Completing Checkout:
- Order Deposit Slips: If you need deposit slips, look for a link like "Confirm and Continue Shopping" or navigate to the "Deposit Tickets" section under "Personal Products." You can customize the imprint on these as well.
- Proceed to Checkout: Once you have all your desired items in your cart (checks and/or deposit slips), proceed to the checkout page.
- Review Order Summary: The checkout page will provide a comprehensive summary of your order, including:
- Itemized list of checks and deposit slips
- Quantity
- Delivery options
- Total cost (if any)
- Delivery and Processing Time: Standard delivery is often free but can take 11-14 calendar days. Be aware that standard delivery typically does not include tracking. If you need your checks sooner, you might have the option for rush delivery at an additional cost (e.g., $15-$25).
- Place Your Order: After carefully reviewing all the details one last time, click the green "Place Your Order" button to finalize your purchase.
Alternative Methods: Phone and Chat Support
While online ordering through Deluxe is the primary method, Charles Schwab also provides other ways to request checks, especially standard ones.
Calling Schwab Customer Service:
- Schwab Bank Customer Service: You can call Schwab Bank Customer Service directly at 1-888-403-9000.
- Schwab Alliance (for clients of independent advisors): If you work with an independent investment advisor, you can call Schwab Alliance at 1-800-515-2157.
- Calling is often the easiest way to request standard checks, as they can usually process it quickly and confirm your mailing address.
Using Schwab's Online Chat:
- Access Chat: After logging in to Schwab.com, look for the "Chat" icon (often a speech bubble) at the top of the page.
- Initiate a Chat: A small pop-up window will open, allowing you to chat with a Schwab Alliance service team member.
- Request Checks: You can simply type a request like: "Will you send me more free Schwab deposit slips and checks for my Schwab Bank checking account?" They will confirm your mailing address and
arrange for them to be sent. This is a very convenient and often overlooked method!
Important Notes on Charles Schwab Checks:
- Free Standard Checks: Charles Schwab often offers free standard checks delivered by regular U.S. mail for Schwab Bank Investor Checking accounts. This is a significant perk!
- Custom Check Costs: While standard checks might be free, custom check orders (with specific designs or features) may incur a charge depending on the style chosen.
- Rush Delivery Fees: Expedited shipping for checks will typically cost an additional fee.
- Account Eligibility: Ensure your account is eligible for check writing. Schwab Bank Investor Checking accounts are generally set up for this, but brokerage accounts might require an initial setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to ordering checks from Charles Schwab, with quick answers:
How to check if my Schwab account has check-writing features enabled?
Log in to Schwab.com, go to "Support" > "Debit Cards & Checks," and look for the "Accounts Without Cards & Checks" panel to see if your account is listed there or to enable the feature.
How to find my Schwab account and routing number for check ordering?
Your account number can be found on your statements or by logging into your Schwab account online. The Schwab Bank routing number is typically 121289282, but it's always best to verify it on the Schwab website or your account details.
How to order checks by phone from Charles Schwab?
You can call Schwab Bank Customer Service at 1-888-403-9000, or Schwab Alliance at 1-800-515-2157 if you work with an independent investment advisor.
How to get free checks from Charles Schwab?
Standard checks for Schwab Bank Investor Checking accounts are typically provided free of charge. You can request them online through the Deluxe portal (linked from Schwab's website) or by calling Schwab customer service.
How to track my check order from Charles Schwab?
Standard delivery usually does not include tracking. If you opted for rush delivery, you might receive tracking information, or you can inquire with Schwab customer service.
How to order deposit slips from Charles Schwab?
Deposit slips can be ordered at the same time as checks through the Deluxe website after being redirected from Schwab.com, or by contacting Schwab customer service.
How to change the address on my Charles Schwab checks?
You'll need to update your address on file with Charles Schwab directly through your online account settings or by contacting customer service before ordering new checks, as the check vendor pulls your registered address.
How to customize the design of my Charles Schwab checks?
Once redirected to the Deluxe website, you'll have various design options to choose from, including classic, scenic, and charitable themes.
How to expedite my check order from Charles Schwab?
During the checkout process on the Deluxe website, you may have an option for rush delivery for an additional fee.
How to handle issues if my check order doesn't arrive from Charles Schwab?
First, check the estimated delivery timeframe (standard is 11-14 days). If it's past that, contact Charles Schwab Bank Customer Service at 1-888-403-9000 or use the online chat feature for assistance.