Running Out of Checks Today: What to Do Right Now (and What to Set Up Next)

You ran out of checks.

Today.

No worries—it happens.

Here’s the plan:

1. Get today’s payments handled.
2. Replace your checks fast (including ordering rush checks if you’re truly out).
3. Put a simple system in place so this doesn’t happen again.

The 5-minute triage (before you do anything else)

1) List what’s due today

Write down:

• payee name
• amount
• due date
• how they accept payment (if you already know)

Then split it into two buckets:

• Must be paid today
• Can be paid tomorrow without consequences

2) Ask the payee what they’ll accept today

This is the quickest time-saver.

Use one sentence:

“We’re out of check stock today—can you accept ACH, a money order, or a bank-issued check instead?”

If they say yes, you move.

If they say “check only,” you prioritize.

Your “today” options (fast fallbacks, ranked)

Option A: Same Day ACH (when available)

If the payee accepts ACH, this can be a clean, fast fallback.

Nacha’s ACH fact sheet explains how ACH payments work at scale and provides context for options like Same Day ACH. See the ACH Payments Fact Sheet.

Rush tip: confirm your payee details twice.
One digit wrong ruins the day.

Option B: USPS money order (in-person, same-day)

If you need a paper payment today, a money order can be an immediate option.

USPS explains how to buy and cash money orders at Post Offices in its money orders guide.

Rush tip: bring ID and know the exact payee name you want printed.

Option C: Bank-issued check (ask your bank)

If the payee insists on a check-like payment, call your bank.

Ask what same-day option they offer for an official check and what you need to bring.

Keep it simple.
Get the payment done.

If you must mail a check today, reduce risk

Mail theft and check-washing scams are real.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service explains how “check washing” works and how to reduce risk on its check washing scam page.

And the FBI’s IC3 has issued alerts about mail-theft check fraud and safer mailing habits in its IC3 public service announcement.

Quick safety steps you can do right now:

• Use a pen that won’t smear easily.
• Fill in blank spaces on the payee and amount lines.
• Drop mail inside a Post Office or hand it to a clerk instead of leaving it in an unsecured box.

Replace your checks fast (rush replacement plan)

Once today’s payments are covered, place your replacement order.

Checks Next Day outlines key timing rules—like same-day shipping tied to a cutoff and how approvals can affect processing—on the Checks Next Day FAQ.

Same-day shipping vs next-business-day arrival

Same-day shipping means it leaves the facility today.

Next-business-day arrival depends on carrier routing and cutoff windows.

That’s why “rush” is part production and part logistics.

What usually slows rush replacement orders

Under time pressure, delays usually come from:

• missing bank details
• switching formats mid-order
• waiting on approvals (like proofs)

Your fastest move is simple:
choose once, approve fast, order early.

Pick the right format so you don’t run out again

For businesses and AP teams:

• Computer/laser and QuickBooks-compatible checks help when you print batches.
• Manual business checks work when the workflow is handwritten.
• Blank stock can be a flexible backup when your process supports it.

For households:

• Personal checks still make sense for rent, school, childcare, and “check-only” payees.

The best format is the one you’ll reorder on time.

Prevention plan (so this doesn’t happen again)

Set a reorder trigger

Pick one number and stick to it.

Example:

• businesses: reorder when you hit a “one pay period” supply
• households: reorder when you hit a “one month” supply

Store one fallback option

Have one backup method ready for emergencies.

If the payee accepts it, ACH can be that backup.

Nacha’s overview is a solid refresher for how ACH fits into modern payment workflows.

FAQ

1) What should I do if I have payments due today and no checks?

Start with a quick triage list and ask each payee what they accept today. If they allow alternatives, use a same-day fallback (like ACH or a money order) and place a rush replacement order for your next payments.

2) What’s the fastest safe way to pay without a check?

It depends on what the payee accepts, but ACH can be fast when the details are correct. If you need a paper payment today, a money order can be an in-person option.

3) Are money orders a good emergency replacement?

They can be, especially when a payee wants a paper payment and you need a same-day option. The key is getting the payee name and amount correct and keeping the receipt.

4) How do I reduce risk if I have to mail a check?

Follow official guidance on mail-theft and check-washing prevention: write cleanly, fill in blank spaces, and use safer drop-off habits. If something looks off, act quickly.

5) How can I stop running out of checks unexpectedly?

Set a reorder trigger and stick to it. Then keep one backup payment method ready for emergencies so you’re not forced into last-minute decisions.