Bank of America does not offer free checks
Bank of America charges for all standard personal checks. The cost depends on the style and quantity you order, but even the most basic checks cost money. There is no tier of Bank of America account that includes free checks as a benefit.
If you have a Bank of America checking account and need checks, you will pay for them through Bank of America's check ordering service, or you can order from a third-party vendor at a lower price. The choice affects how much you spend and how long you wait for delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America charges for all personal checks, with prices starting around $15 to $20 per box of 25 checks for basic styles.
- Premium check styles, such as those with images or special designs, cost more than standard checks.
- Third-party check printers often charge less than Bank of America and deliver faster, though you must provide your routing and account numbers yourself.
- You can order checks through your Bank of America online banking portal, by phone, or by mail.
- Some business accounts and premium checking products may include check benefits, so contact your branch if you have a non-standard account type.
How much Bank of America checks cost
Bank of America's check prices vary by style and order size. A single box of 25 standard checks typically costs between $15 and $20. Larger orders—such as two or three boxes at once—may have a lower per-box cost. Duplicate checks (checks with a carbon copy attached) cost more than single-copy checks.
Premium designs, such as checks with photographs, custom artwork, or specialty themes, carry a higher price. Bank of America also offers checks with security features like microprinting or watermarks, which add to the cost. Prices change periodically, so the exact amount you pay depends on when you order and which style you choose.
Shipping is included in most Bank of America check orders, though expedited delivery (if available) may carry an additional fee. Standard delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days after your order is processed.
Ordering checks through Bank of America versus third-party vendors
You have two main routes: order through Bank of America directly, or use an independent check printer. Bank of America's ordering process is convenient if you are already logged into your online banking account—you can place an order in minutes without leaving the portal. However, you pay a premium for that convenience.
Third-party check printers such as Costco Checks, Deluxe, or Walmart often charge significantly less—sometimes half the price of Bank of America's checks. A box of 25 basic checks from a third-party vendor may cost $5 to $10. The trade-off is that you must enter your routing number and account number yourself, and you lose the integration with your Bank of America account.
Third-party vendors also typically deliver faster, sometimes in 3 to 5 business days. If you need checks urgently and do not want to pay Bank of America's prices, a third-party printer is usually the better choice. Make sure you have your routing number (available in your Bank of America online banking portal or on a deposit slip) and your full account number before you order.
How to order checks from Bank of America
To order checks through Bank of America online, log into your account, navigate to the Checks section (usually under Account Services or a similar menu), and select the style and quantity you want. You will see the price before you confirm the order. Bank of America will ship the checks to the address on file for your account.
You can also order checks by calling Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through the available styles and pricing, and place the order over the phone. This method is slower than online ordering but may be useful if you have questions about which checks to choose.
Ordering by mail is also an option—you can request a check order form from your local branch or have one mailed to you. This is the slowest method and is rarely necessary given that online and phone ordering are available.
When you might not need to order checks at all
Many people use checks far less often than they did a decade ago. If you only write a handful of checks per year—for rent, insurance, or other bills—you may find that paying $15 to $20 for a box of 25 checks is wasteful, since you will not use them all before they expire or your account changes.
Before you order, consider whether you can pay those bills through other methods: online bill pay (which Bank of America offers for free), ACH transfers, credit card, or debit card. If you do need checks, ordering a smaller quantity from a third-party vendor may be more economical than buying a full box from Bank of America.
If you write checks regularly and the cost matters to you, switching to a bank that includes free checks as an account benefit may be worth exploring. Some credit unions and regional banks still offer free checks to checking account holders, though this benefit is less common than it once was.
What to do if you have lost checks or need a replacement
If you have already ordered checks from Bank of America and they were lost, damaged, or never arrived, contact Bank of America customer service. Depending on the circumstances, Bank of America may reorder your checks at no additional charge or may charge a replacement fee. Have your order number ready if you have it.
If you suspect your checks have been stolen or misused, report this to Bank of America immediately. You can call 1-800-432-1000 or visit your local branch. Bank of America can place a stop payment on specific check numbers and issue you new checks. Stop payments typically cost money (usually $25 to $35 per check), but if the checks were stolen due to Bank of America's error, the bank may waive the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any Bank of America accounts come with free checks?
Standard Bank of America personal checking accounts do not include free checks. Some business accounts or premium products may have different benefits, so contact your branch if you have a non-standard account. Most personal checking accounts charge for checks regardless of the account type.
Can I order checks from somewhere other than Bank of America?
Yes. Third-party check printers can print checks for your Bank of America account as long as you provide your routing number and account number. These vendors often charge less and deliver faster than Bank of America. Make sure the printer is reputable before providing your account information.
How long does it take to get checks from Bank of America?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after your order is processed. Expedited delivery may be available for an additional fee, though it is not always offered. Third-party vendors typically deliver in 3 to 5 business days at a lower cost.
What if I only need a few checks?
Ordering a full box of 25 checks may be more than you need. Consider using Bank of America's free online bill pay service instead, or ask your bank if they can print a small number of checks at the branch. Some branches will print a few checks for free or at a reduced cost if you ask.
Are there security risks to ordering checks online?
Ordering through Bank of America's secure online portal is safe—the bank encrypts your information and processes the order through its own system. Ordering from a third-party vendor carries slightly more risk because you are sharing your routing and account numbers with another company. Use only established, reputable check printers and verify the website URL before entering your information.