Rush Order Checklist: What to Have Ready Before You Click “Order”

Rush orders don’t fail because printing is slow.

They fail because one detail is missing.

Use this checklist before you order.

It keeps the timeline tight and the errors low—especially when you’re ordering rush checks.

The rush reality check (two clocks are running)

There are two timelines on every rush order:

1. Production time (review, proofing, printing, packing)
2. Carrier time (pickup, routing, delivery)

That’s why “ships today” and “arrives tomorrow” aren’t the same.

FedEx notes you must get shipments to them before the overnight cutoff time for next-day service on its overnight shipping page.

60-second Rush Readiness Score

If you can answer “yes” to all five, you’re rush-ready.

• All bank numbers confirmed?
• Shipping address confirmed?
• Format selected and final?
• Logo file ready (if you’re adding one)?
• One person ready to approve the proof fast?

Rush Order Checklist (ready-before-you-order)

1) Order basics

Have these ready:

• Business or personal name exactly as it should print
• Shipping address (include suite/unit)
• Best contact email and phone number
• Quantity you need

Speed loves clean inputs.

2) Bank details (double-check before you type)

Checks have specific numbers that matter.

Fifth Third Bank’s explainer shows where to find the routing number, account number, and check number on a check. Use it as a quick reference if you’re unsure: how to read a check.

Before you order, confirm:

• Routing number
• Account number
• Starting check number

If those are wrong, everything downstream gets harder.

3) Pick your format (and don’t switch halfway)

Choose the format that matches your workflow:

• Computer/laser checks: office printing workflows
• QuickBooks-compatible checks: format needs to match your setup
• Manual business checks: handwritten payments
• Blank stock: print later, flexible supply
• Personal checks: household use

The rush move is choosing once.

Switching formats late often creates a reset.

4) Logo and customization (only if it’s ready)

If you’re adding a logo:

• Use a clean, print-ready file
• Avoid last-minute edits
• Keep options simple if speed is the goal

Checks Next Day notes in its FAQ that proof timing affects processing and that certain options, like color logos, aren’t processed for overnight.

5) Proofing (request it, then approve fast)

A proof is your preview before printing.

It protects accuracy.

But it also creates one waiting point:
approval.

If you request a proof, decide who approves it.
One person.
One inbox.
Fast response.

6) Timing (cutoffs and business days)

Ordering early helps you hit the same-day shipping window.

Checks Next Day states that orders received until 2:00 PM EST ship the same day.

If you’re aiming for overnight delivery, remember the carrier cutoff matters too.

What can break a rush order (even when you did “rush”)

These are the common blockers:

• Missing bank numbers
• Incorrect shipping address
• Format changes after the order is placed
• Proof approval taking too long
• Ordering close to the cutoff window

And even on fast shipping, timing varies by destination.

USPS describes Priority Mail Express as 1–3 day delivery by 6 PM with limited exceptions on its Priority Mail Express page.

Quick-reference table (copy/paste friendly)

One final note: rush isn’t a shortcut

Checks still have requirements.

X9 states magnetic ink continues to be required on paper checks in its advisory: MICR requirement for checks.

So the goal is speed with accuracy.

Not skipping steps.

FAQ

1) What does “rush” mean for check orders?

“Rush” typically means your order is moved to the front of the line so it can print faster and ship earlier, often with same-day shipping if you place the order before the daily cutoff. On ChecksNextDay, the speed promise is mainly operational—orders placed before ~2:00pm ET can ship the same day for next-day arrival, with a possible late/after-hours window (usually an added fee) on certain days.

2) What details should I confirm before ordering checks?

Confirm your routing number, account number, and starting check number, plus your shipping address and contact info. Those details are the most common reason orders get slowed down when they need clarification.

3) Do proofs slow down rush orders?

Proofs can affect timing because production may pause until you approve. If you request a proof, the best way to keep things moving is fast approval with all edits bundled into one response.

4) Can I add a logo on a rush order?

Often yes, but only when the file is ready and approvals move fast. Some options may not fit overnight processing, so keeping the setup simple helps.

5) Why can an order ship the same day but not arrive next day?

Same-day shipping means your checks left the facility that day, but next-day delivery depends on the carrier’s overnight cutoff, when it’s scanned into the network, and whether your ZIP code qualifies for next-day service. If it misses the carrier window (or it’s a weekend/holiday or limited-service destination), it may arrive later even though it shipped same day.