Bank of America offers free checks to most checking account holders, but you have to order them through the bank rather than a third party
Bank of America does not charge for checks if you order them directly from the bank's official channels. You can request them online through your account, by phone, or in person at a branch. The bank prints and ships them to you at no cost. If you order checks from a third-party vendor instead — even one that advertises a Bank of America partnership — you will pay for them.
The catch is timing. Bank of America checks typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive after you place the order. If you need checks sooner, the bank offers expedited shipping for a fee, usually $15 to $25 depending on how fast you need them. Some account types may have different policies, so confirm with your specific account before ordering.
Key Takeaways
- Order checks directly from Bank of America online, by phone, or at a branch to avoid paying for them.
- Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited options cost extra if you need them faster.
- Ordering through third-party check printers will charge you even if they mention Bank of America.
- Some account types, such as basic savings accounts, may not include free check ordering, so verify your account terms first.
How to order checks online through your Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app. Navigate to the account you want checks for, then look for a "Services" or "Account Services" menu. Most accounts have a "Order Checks" or "Reorder Checks" option visible there. Click it and follow the prompts to confirm your address and select the check style you want.
Bank of America offers several check designs at no additional charge — standard blue, business, or decorative options. Choose the one you prefer and submit the order. You will see a confirmation screen with an estimated delivery date. The bank will mail the checks to the address on file for your account, so make sure it is current before you submit.
If you have never ordered checks before, the system may ask you to confirm details like your account number and routing number. This is normal and helps the bank print the correct information on your checks. Do not share this information with anyone outside the official Bank of America website or app.
Ordering checks by phone or at a branch
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 to order checks over the phone. Have your account number and the address where you want them mailed ready. A representative will walk you through the available check styles and confirm your order. Phone orders typically take the same 7 to 10 business days as online orders.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to order checks for you. Bring your debit card or account information so the teller can pull up your account. This method works well if you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face or if you have questions about your account type and whether free checks are included.
What to do if your account does not include free checks
Some Bank of America accounts, particularly certain savings accounts or specialty accounts, may not include free check ordering. If you try to order and see a charge, or if the system tells you checks are not available for your account, contact the bank to confirm your account type and what services are included.
If your account does not cover free checks, you have two options: upgrade to an account type that does include them, or pay the fee to order checks. Bank of America's standard checking accounts almost always include free checks, so switching may be worth it if you plan to use checks regularly. Ask a representative about account options that fit your needs.
Expedited check delivery and rush orders
If you need checks faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, Bank of America offers expedited shipping. The cost varies but typically ranges from $15 to $25 depending on how quickly you need them. Some expedited options promise delivery in 3 to 5 business days.
You can select expedited shipping when you place your order online or ask about it when you call. Keep in mind that expedited shipping is optional and costs extra — standard delivery remains free. If you are in a true emergency and need checks immediately, consider whether you can use a debit card, online transfer, or bill pay instead while you wait for your checks to arrive.
Reordering checks and managing your check supply
Once you have ordered checks from Bank of America, reordering is simple. Log back into your account and select "Reorder Checks" — the system will remember your previous choices and let you order the same style again. You do not have to wait until you run out; you can order new checks whenever you want.
Bank of America also allows you to set up automatic reordering if you use checks frequently. This means the bank will send you a new box before your current supply runs out. You can turn this feature on or off in your account settings. Automatic reordering is free, just like regular orders, and uses the same delivery timeline.
Avoiding scams and third-party check vendors
Be cautious of websites or companies that claim to sell "Bank of America checks" or offer checks with your Bank of America account information. These are third-party vendors, and they charge for their service. Even if they display Bank of America's logo or mention the bank's name, they are not affiliated with the bank itself.
The safest way to order checks is always through Bank of America's official website, app, phone line, or a branch. If you are unsure whether a vendor is legitimate, call the bank directly at 1-800-432-1000 and ask. Bank of America representatives can tell you whether a particular company is authorized and whether you should use them. In most cases, the answer will be no — order directly from the bank instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get checks from Bank of America?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you place your order. Expedited shipping is available for a fee and can reduce that to 3 to 5 business days. The exact timeline may vary depending on your location and current processing volume.
Can I order checks if I just opened my account?
Yes, you can order checks as soon as your account is open and active. You may need to wait a day or two for the account to fully set up in the system, but there is no waiting period beyond that. Contact the bank if you have trouble ordering immediately after opening your account.
What if I move and need to change the address on my checks?
Update your address in your Bank of America account first, then order new checks. The bank will print your new address on the next batch. You do not need to do anything special — just place a new order with your updated information on file.
Do I have to pay for checks if I have a Bank of America credit card?
A credit card does not come with checks. Only checking and certain savings accounts include free check ordering. If you have a checking account linked to your credit card, you can order checks for the checking account at no cost.
What if my checks arrive damaged or with errors?
Contact Bank of America immediately if your checks are damaged, misprinted, or have the wrong information. The bank will reprint and resend them at no charge. Call customer service or visit a branch with your damaged checks to report the issue.