Bank of America offers free checks to most account holders, but the process and what "free" means depends on your account type
Bank of America does not charge for checks themselves — the bank prints and ships them to you at no cost. What varies is whether you pay for the order. Most checking account holders get their first order free. After that, you typically pay $10 to $15 per box of 25 checks, though some account tiers waive this fee. If you have a premium account like Preferred Rewards or a higher-balance account, you may get free checks indefinitely. The fastest way to find out what applies to your specific account is to log into your online banking portal or call Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000.
The key distinction is between your first order and all orders after that. Bank of America treats the first box as a benefit included with account opening, but subsequent orders are a paid service. However, if your account qualifies for premium benefits, you can skip the fees entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Your first order of checks is free with most Bank of America checking accounts, but subsequent orders usually cost $10 to $15 per box.
- Premium account tiers like Preferred Rewards Gold or Platinum may include unlimited free checks as part of their benefits.
- You can order checks online through your account dashboard, by phone, or by mail — online is fastest and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If you want to avoid check fees entirely, switching to a higher-tier account or maintaining a larger balance may may have access to you for free checks going forward.
How to order your first free box of checks online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for the "Checks" or "Order Checks" link, usually found under Account Services or a similar menu. Select your checking account, choose your check design (standard designs are free; custom designs may cost extra), and enter your mailing address. The order will show as $0.00 at checkout. Bank of America will ship the checks to you in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not see a free option or the system shows a charge, your account may not include a free first order — this is rare but happens with some specialty accounts. In that case, contact Bank of America before completing the order to confirm whether you may have access to for free checks under your account terms. A representative can also tell you whether you are close to reaching a premium tier that would unlock free checks going forward.
What happens after your first free order
Once you have used your free first order, subsequent orders will cost money unless your account includes unlimited free checks. A standard box of 25 checks costs $10 to $15 depending on the design and your account type. You can still order them through online banking, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or by mailing a check order form to Bank of America.
Some customers choose to use a third-party check printer like Costco, Walmart, or online services like Deluxe or Checks Unlimited instead, which can be cheaper per box. These printers will print checks on your Bank of America account as long as you provide your routing number and account number — both appear on the bottom left of your existing checks. This route works well if you write checks regularly and want to reduce per-box costs.
Account types that include free checks indefinitely
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members at Gold tier and above receive unlimited free checks. Preferred Rewards is a rewards program tied to your account balance and banking activity — you move up tiers by maintaining higher balances or having more Bank of America products. Gold tier typically requires $20,000 to $50,000 in combined balances (the exact threshold changes), and Platinum requires higher amounts.
If you have a Premium Checking account or certain business checking accounts, you may also get free checks included. The easiest way to confirm is to log into your account, look at your account benefits summary, or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether free checks are included in your current account tier. A representative can also tell you how much you would need to deposit or maintain to reach the next tier up.
Ordering checks by phone or mail if you cannot order online
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to order checks. Have your account number and routing number ready. A representative will walk you through design options and confirm whether the order is free. Checks ordered by phone take the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive as online orders.
You can also mail a check order form to Bank of America. Request a form by calling the number above, or read one from the Bank of America website. Mail it to the address provided on the form. This method is slower — allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery combined. Use this route only if you do not have internet access or prefer not to order by phone.
Why Bank of America charges for checks and what to do about it
Bank of America charges for checks after your first free order because check printing, personalization, and shipping cost the bank money. Unlike digital transfers, which are nearly free to process, physical checks require materials and logistics. The bank absorbs the cost of your first order as a customer acquisition or retention benefit, then passes the cost to you afterward.
If you find the per-box cost frustrating, you have three options: maintain a higher balance to reach Preferred Rewards Gold tier, switch to a third-party printer, or use digital payment methods (transfers, bill pay, debit card) instead of checks. Most people write fewer than a handful of checks per year, so the cost is often negligible — but if you write checks regularly, a third-party printer or a higher account tier may save you money over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free checks if I just opened my Bank of America account?
Yes. Your first order of checks is free with most new checking accounts. You can order them when ready after your account is set up, either online or by phone. The free order applies once per account, so if you close the account and reopen it, you do not get another free order.
Do custom check designs cost extra?
Standard check designs are included in the free or paid order price. Custom designs — with your photo, logo, or special artwork — typically cost extra, usually $5 to $10 more per box. Bank of America will show you the upcharge before you complete the order.
How long do checks take to arrive?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the time you place the order. If you need checks faster, some Bank of America branches may be able to print temporary checks or provide a workaround — call your local branch or 1-800-432-1000 to ask about rush options.
Can I use checks from another bank with my Bank of America account?
Yes. Any checks printed with your Bank of America routing number and account number will work, regardless of who printed them. Many people order from third-party printers to save money. Just make sure the routing number and account number are correct before you use them.
What if I never received my free checks?
Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your order confirmation number or the date you placed the order. The bank can track the shipment and either resend them or issue a refund if the order was lost. Keep your confirmation email until the checks arrive.