Prices: The cheapest checks available are the basic safety checks, which start at $3.95 per pack, and $1.95 when you buy two packs or more. Premier Discount checks start at $10.95 per pack.

If you need to cash a check and you have a bank account, you likely don't give it a second thought – you just head to a branch or ATM. But while most Americans use a bank or credit union, the ...