Bank of America's check fees depend on your account type and how many checks you order

Bank of America does not charge a fee to use checks you already have. The charge comes when you order new checks from the bank. The cost varies: a box of 100 checks typically runs $15 to $20, though the exact price depends on your account type, the style of checks you choose, and whether you order through Bank of America or a third-party vendor.

If you have a premium account—such as Preferred Rewards or a wealth management account—you may get checks free or at a discount. Standard checking accounts pay the full retail price. Bank of America also charges a fee if you order checks through their website and want them expedited, which can add $10 to $15 to your order.

The fastest way to find your exact fee is to log into your Bank of America account online, go to the Checks section, and view the price before you order. Prices can shift, and promotional offers occasionally waive the fee for new customers or during limited periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $15 to $20 per box of 100 checks for most standard checking accounts, though the exact price varies by account type.
  • Premium account holders, including those in the Preferred Rewards program, may receive free checks or a significant discount.
  • Expedited shipping adds $10 to $15 to your check order if you need them quickly.
  • You can see the exact price for your account before you order by logging into your online banking portal and navigating to the Checks section.
  • Third-party check printers often charge less than Bank of America, though you will need to provide your routing and account numbers yourself.

How to order checks and what the cost includes

When you order checks through Bank of America's website, you choose the quantity, style, and delivery speed. A standard order of 100 checks (one box) costs around $15 to $20 for most customers. If you order 200 checks (two boxes), the per-box cost may drop slightly. The fee covers the printing, personalization with your name and account details, and standard shipping to your address.

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks sooner, Bank of America offers expedited options—usually 3 to 5 business days—which add $10 to $15 to your total. Rush delivery (1 to 2 business days) costs even more and is rarely worth the expense unless you have an urgent need.

You can also order checks by phone by calling Bank of America's customer service line, though the fee remains the same. Some branches allow you to order in person, but this does not reduce the cost.

When your account type affects the check fee

Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program offers free checks to members at certain tiers. If you maintain a high balance or have multiple accounts with the bank, you may may have access to for Gold or Platinum status, both of which waive check-ordering fees. Preferred Rewards members at the Silver tier do not receive free checks but may get a small discount.

Wealth management and premium checking accounts—such as the Bank of America Premium Rewards account—also typically include free checks as part of their benefits. These accounts have higher monthly maintenance fees (often $25 to $35), so the free checks are one way the bank offsets that cost.

If you have a basic checking account with no special status, you pay the standard fee. The only way to know whether your account qualifies for free checks is to log in and check the price before ordering, or call customer service and ask about your account's benefits.

Cheaper alternatives to ordering checks from Bank of America

Third-party check printers—such as Costco, Walmart, Vistaprint, and specialty check companies—often charge $5 to $10 per box of 100 checks, roughly half what Bank of America charges. These vendors print checks that work identically to bank-issued checks; the routing number and account number are the same, and merchants and billers accept them without question.

To order from a third-party printer, you need to provide your routing number (which you can find on Bank of America's website or on a check you already have) and your account number. The printer then personalizes the checks and mails them to you. Delivery typically takes 7 to 14 business days, similar to Bank of America's standard timeline.

The trade-off is that you handle the order yourself rather than going through your bank. If there is an error—a misspelled name or wrong account number—you will need to contact the printer directly to correct it. For most people, the savings outweigh this minor inconvenience, especially if you order checks infrequently.

What happens if you do not order checks at all

Many people now pay bills and send money electronically and rarely write checks. If you fall into this group, you do not need to order checks at all, and Bank of America will not charge you for not having them. Your account remains fully functional without a physical checkbook.

If you do need a check occasionally—to pay rent, send a payment to a business that does not accept digital payments, or deposit a check from someone else—you have options. You can request a cashier's check from a Bank of America branch (usually $10 to $15 per check), use your debit card or online bill pay instead, or ask the payee whether they accept ACH transfers or digital payments.

Online bill pay through your Bank of America account is free and allows you to schedule payments to almost any business. The bank mails a paper check on your behalf if the payee does not accept electronic payments. This is often faster and cheaper than ordering a checkbook you may never use.

Fees for other check-related services

Bank of America charges separate fees for services beyond ordering checks. A cashier's check—a check the bank writes and guarantees—costs $10 to $15 per check and is available at any branch. A money order costs around $5 and is also available at branches or through some retailers.

If you deposit a check and it bounces (the payer's account has insufficient funds), Bank of America may charge you a returned-check fee, typically $10 to $15. This is separate from any overdraft fees you might incur if the bounced check causes your account to go negative.

Stopping payment on a check you have already written costs around $30 to $35. This is useful if a check is lost or stolen, but it is an expensive option compared to simply canceling the payment through other means if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get free checks from Bank of America?

Yes, if you have a Preferred Rewards account at Gold or Platinum status, or if you hold a premium checking account like the Premium Rewards account. Otherwise, you pay the standard fee of $15 to $20 per box. Log into your account to see whether your account type qualifies for free checks.

How long does it take to receive checks after I order them?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery (3 to 5 business days) costs $10 to $15 extra. Rush delivery (1 to 2 business days) is available but costs significantly more. You can select your preferred speed when you place the order.

Are checks from third-party printers as good as Bank of America checks?

Yes. Third-party checks work identically because they contain the same routing and account numbers. Merchants, billers, and banks accept them without any difference. The only difference is the source of printing and the cost, which is typically $5 to $10 per box instead of $15 to $20.

What if I need a check right now?

Visit a Bank of America branch and request a cashier's check, which the bank writes and guarantees. This costs $10 to $15 per check and is available immediately. Alternatively, ask the payee whether they accept ACH transfers, wire transfers, or digital payments instead.

Do I get charged if I do not order checks?

No. Bank of America does not charge you for not having checks. You only pay when you order them. If you rarely write checks, you can skip ordering them entirely and use online bill pay, debit cards, or digital transfers instead.