I recently wrote about inexpensive check printing service offered by Walmart. It was a discovery for me that you can use Walmart (or other check printing services for that matter) to order checks for any bank account on your name. Yesterday I gave it a try. I ordered a box of doubles and it took me around half an hour to get it done. I saved about $20 compared to what Citibank charges me but I lost 30 minutes of my precious family time.
Why? Walmart has put several layers of “protection” to guarantee I get exactly the checks I need and also to make sure it is not someone else who is ordering my checks. For starters I had to enter the account and routing number twice and confirm it later on several screens. Also I had to dig out my bank mailing address and confirm my submission with my SSN and drivers license details. Alternatively I could fax a voided check back to them but I honestly don’t even remember when it was the last time that I faxed anything, so I opted for SSN.
The thing that killed me though was that I had to dig out the month and year when my bank account was open at Citibank and honestly I didn’t even know where to go for this information other than call the Customer Service, and you might guess how long it takes to get anyone on the line on Monday afternoon.
So my overall experience was rather disappointing. Do I wish it was less stressful? Yes. Will I try to do it again when I need more checks? Probably yes. I am hoping to cut the 30 minutes in half since I know most of the drill now. Also I hope Walmart keeps some of this data in online so next time ordering checks should be somewhat faster.
Where are you ordering your checks? Please share your tips in the comments
I don’t use many checks, most of my payments are done online so one box lasts a few months. I am also usually very good at avoiding the numerous fees the banks try to slap on me. Once every few months however my bank screws me on $25 which is around how much a box of personal checks costs at Citibank.