Bank of America charges for checks on nearly all personal accounts
Bank of America does not include free checks with any standard personal checking account. The cost varies by design and order size, but you should expect to pay between $15 and $30 per box of 25 checks. There is no account level at Bank of America that includes complimentary checks as a standard benefit.
The one exception is if you order basic, single-color checks during a promotional period—the bank occasionally runs limited-time offers that waive the fee for first-time orders. These promotions are not permanent and do not explore to all customers, so you would need to check your account dashboard or call to confirm whether one is currently running. If you need checks regularly or want to avoid the per-box cost, ordering through a third-party vendor like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers is typically cheaper than ordering through the bank itself.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America charges $15 to $30 per box of 25 checks on standard personal accounts, with no free check benefit included.
- Promotional offers that waive check fees appear occasionally but are temporary and not may provide to be available to every customer.
- Third-party check printers and warehouse clubs often charge less per box than Bank of America's direct ordering service.
- The cost depends on check design—basic single-color checks are cheaper than personalized or multi-color options.
- You can order checks through your Bank of America online banking portal or by calling customer service.
How much Bank of America checks cost
Bank of America's standard check pricing starts at around $15 per box of 25 checks for basic designs and increases based on customization. Duplicate checks (which create a carbon copy) cost more than single-copy checks. Personalized designs with your name, address, and account number printed on them fall into the standard pricing tier. Specialty designs—such as checks with images, multiple colors, or premium finishes—can cost $25 to $30 or more per box.
When you order through your Bank of America account online, the system shows you the exact price before you confirm the order. Shipping is typically included in the quoted price, though expedited delivery options may carry an additional fee. The bank usually processes check orders within 5 to 10 business days, with delivery taking another 5 to 7 business days after that.
Where to order checks and what the process looks like
You can order checks directly through Bank of America's website by logging into your account, navigating to the "Services" or "Manage Account" section, and selecting "Order Checks." The online ordering portal lets you choose your check design, quantity, and delivery speed before you pay. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line and request checks by phone; a representative will walk you through the options and process the order over the call.
When you order, you will need to confirm your account number and the address where the checks should be mailed. Bank of America prints your account number and routing number on the checks automatically, so you do not need to provide those details separately. The bank mails checks to the address on file with your account unless you request a different mailing address at the time of order.
Why third-party check printers are often cheaper
Retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart offer check printing services that typically cost $5 to $10 per box of 25 checks—roughly half what Bank of America charges. Online check printers such as Deluxe, Checks Unlimited, and Vistaprint also undercut the bank's pricing, especially if you order in bulk or use a promotional code. These vendors can offer lower prices because they handle printing for many banks and financial institutions, spreading their costs across a larger customer base.
The checks you order from a third party work exactly the same way as checks ordered through the bank. They include your account number, routing number, and personal information, and they clear through the same banking system. The only difference is the vendor doing the printing. If you use a third-party printer, make sure the routing number and account number are correct before you place the order, since you cannot change them once printing begins.
What happens if you need checks urgently
If you need checks within a few days, Bank of America does not offer same-day or next-day check printing. The standard timeline is 5 to 10 business days for processing plus 5 to 7 business days for delivery, which means you are looking at two to three weeks from order to arrival. Some third-party printers offer expedited shipping that can cut this down to 3 to 5 business days total, though expedited options usually cost extra.
If you are in a situation where you absolutely need a check when ready—for example, to pay a bill or deposit—you have a few alternatives. You can visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask whether they can issue a cashier's check, which they can usually produce the same day. You can also set up a bill payment through your Bank of America online banking account, which transfers money directly to the payee without requiring a physical check. Wire transfers and ACH transfers are other options for moving money quickly, though they carry their own fees and timing rules.
Comparing check costs across account types
| Account Type | Check Ordering Available | Typical Cost Per Box | Free Check Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Checking | Yes | $15–$20 | No |
| Advantage Checking | Yes | $15–$20 | No |
| Premium Checking | Yes | $15–$20 | No |
| Preferred Rewards Tiers | Yes | $15–$20 | No |
Bank of America does not differentiate check pricing by account tier. Whether you have a basic checking account or a premium account with Preferred Rewards benefits, you pay the same amount for checks. The bank does not waive check fees for customers with higher account balances, direct deposit, or other account features. Some banks offer free checks as a perk for premium accounts or high-balance customers, but Bank of America does not follow this model.
This pricing structure means that the cost of ordering checks is the same regardless of your account status or how much money you keep in your account. If check costs are a concern, your best option is to order through a third-party vendor rather than waiting for a Bank of America account upgrade to include the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free checks with a Bank of America student account?
No. Bank of America's student checking accounts also charge for checks. The cost is the same as other personal accounts—typically $15 to $20 per box. Student accounts do waive the monthly maintenance fee, but that benefit does not extend to check ordering.
Do I have to order checks through Bank of America?
No. You can order checks from any third-party printer and use them with your Bank of America account. The checks will work the same way as long as they include your correct account number and the bank's routing number. Make sure the routing number matches your specific Bank of America branch location.
What if I only need a few checks?
Bank of America's minimum order is typically one box of 25 checks. If you only need one or two checks, ordering a full box may not be practical. In that case, visit a Bank of America branch and ask for a cashier's check instead, which the bank can issue when ready for a small fee (usually $5 to $10).
Will Bank of America ever offer free checks again?
Bank of America has not offered free checks as a standard account benefit in recent years. The bank occasionally runs promotional offers that waive fees for first-time check orders, but these are temporary and not available to all customers. Check your account dashboard or contact customer service to see if a promotion is currently running on your account.