Bank of America checking accounts do not limit the number of checks you can write, but the account type and your balance determine what you pay
Bank of America does not charge per check or cap how many checks you write each month on most checking accounts. You can write as many checks as you want without hitting a transaction limit tied to check writing itself. However, you will pay a monthly maintenance fee on most accounts unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit — and that fee applies whether you write one check or one hundred.
The real cost is not in the number of checks but in the account type you hold. A SafePass Checking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, but it comes with limited branch access and no overdraft protection. A standard Checking account costs $12 per month unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance or have a direct deposit of at least $250 per month. A Premium Checking account costs $25 per month and requires a higher minimum balance.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America does not charge per check or limit how many checks you write on any checking account type.
- You pay a monthly maintenance fee ($12 or $25) on most accounts unless you meet a minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
- SafePass Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance but offers limited branch and ATM access.
- Overdraft fees apply if a check causes your account to go negative, regardless of how many checks you write.
How check writing works on Bank of America accounts
When you write a check on a Bank of America checking account, the bank does not count it against a transaction limit. Checks are not subject to the six-withdrawal limit that used to apply to savings accounts — that rule was suspended in 2020 and has not returned. You can deposit checks using mobile deposit, mail them, or hand them to a teller, and you can write checks from your account without restriction.
The bank will clear the check against your available balance. If the check amount exceeds your balance, the check may bounce, and you will owe a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee of $35 per item. If you have overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit line, the bank may cover the check and charge an overdraft fee instead — currently $35 per transaction. Neither of these fees is tied to how many checks you write; they apply only when a specific check causes a problem.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Bank of America's standard Checking account charges $12 per month, but you can waive the fee in two ways: keep a minimum balance of $500 or more, or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. If you do neither, you pay $12 every month regardless of how many checks you write or how much you use the account.
SafePass Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it the lowest-cost option if you do not need full branch access. This account limits you to one free withdrawal per month at a Bank of America branch, and you cannot use most Bank of America ATMs without a fee — but check writing is unlimited. If you write checks regularly and want full branch access without fees, direct deposit is the easiest path to waiving the $12 charge on a standard account.
What happens if a check bounces or causes an overdraft
If you write a check for more than your available balance and the bank does not cover it, the check bounces. The recipient's bank will return it unpaid, and Bank of America will charge you a $35 NSF fee. The recipient may also charge you a fee for the returned check — typically $25 to $40 — so a single bounced check can cost you $60 to $75 total.
If you have overdraft protection enabled, Bank of America may pay the check anyway and charge you a $35 overdraft fee instead. Overdraft protection can prevent bounces but costs money each time it is used. You can turn overdraft protection on or off through your online banking portal or by calling the bank.
Comparing check writing across Bank of America account types
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance to Waive Fee | Check Writing Limit | Branch Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafePass Checking | None | None | Unlimited | Limited (1 free withdrawal/month) |
| Checking | $12 | $500 | Unlimited | Full |
| Premium Checking | $25 | $2,500 | Unlimited | Full |
All three account types allow unlimited check writing. The difference is in the monthly cost and the access you get. If you write checks frequently and want to avoid fees, the standard Checking account with direct deposit is the most practical choice. If you rarely visit a branch and do not mind using ATMs outside the Bank of America network, SafePass Checking costs nothing.
Mobile deposit and check clearing times
Bank of America lets you deposit checks using the mobile app without visiting a branch or ATM. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank credits the funds to your account. Mobile deposits typically clear within one business day, though the bank may hold the funds longer if the check is large or if you are a new customer.
When you write a check, the recipient deposits it, and it clears through the banking system, which usually takes three to five business days. During that time, the funds remain in your account even though the check has been deposited elsewhere. Do not spend money based on checks you have written until you are certain they have cleared — the NSF fee applies if the check clears and you no longer have the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write checks from a Bank of America savings account?
Bank of America savings accounts do not come with a checkbook. You can only write checks from a checking account. If you need to transfer money from savings to checking to cover a check, you can do so online or through the app instantly.
What if I write a check and then close my account before it clears?
The check will still clear against your closed account if there are sufficient funds. If there are not enough funds, the check will bounce and you will owe the NSF fee. The bank may also pursue collection if the account is overdrawn when closed.
Does Bank of America charge for ordering checks?
Bank of America does not charge for standard checks ordered through the bank. You can order checks online or by phone at no cost. Expedited delivery or specialty checks may have a fee.
Can I write a check to myself to transfer money between my accounts?
Yes, you can write a check to yourself and deposit it into another account. However, it is faster to transfer money electronically through online banking or the app, which completes in minutes rather than days.