Most banks no longer include free checks, but some still do

Free checks used to come standard with any checking account. Today, most banks charge for them — usually $15 to $30 per box of 50 checks. A handful of banks still include them at no cost, though the list is smaller than it was five years ago. If you need checks regularly, knowing which banks offer them free can save you money over time.

The banks that still include free checks tend to be smaller regional banks, credit unions, and online banks with lower overhead costs. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo stopped including free checks years ago and now charge for them as an add-on service. Your best chance of finding free checks is to look at community banks in your area or credit unions where you have membership.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions are more likely to include free checks than national banks, though you must be a member to open an account.
  • Online banks sometimes offer free checks because they have lower costs than brick-and-mortar branches, but not all of them do.
  • Regional and community banks vary widely — some include checks, others charge for them, so you need to ask before opening an account.
  • If a bank does include free checks, they typically give you one free box per year or per account opening, not unlimited boxes.
  • You can always order checks from third-party vendors like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers for less than bank prices, even if your bank charges.

Credit unions and free checks

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions, and many of them still include free checks as part of their checking accounts. This is one real advantage they have over national banks. However, you can only open an account at a credit union if you meet their membership requirements — these vary by credit union and might be based on where you work, where you live, what organization you belong to, or your family connections.

To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network search tool or the Alliant Credit Union locator. Call ahead and ask whether their checking accounts include free checks, because policies differ between credit unions. Some include one free box per year, others include checks for the life of the account, and some charge for them like banks do.

Online banks that offer free checks

A few online banks include free checks with checking accounts because they do not have the cost of physical branches. Ally Bank, for example, includes free checks with its checking account. However, online banks do not have tellers or branches, so you cannot deposit cash or speak to someone in person — you deposit checks by photographing them with your phone.

Before opening an account at an online bank, confirm that they actually include checks and ask how many boxes you get. Some online banks say they offer "check writing" but charge you to order the actual checks. Read the account details on their website or call their customer service line to be certain.

Regional and community banks

Banks that operate in only one state or a few states often have different policies than national chains. Some community banks still include free checks as a way to compete for customers. Others have moved to charging for them. Your best approach is to call banks in your area and ask directly: "Does your checking account include free checks, or do I pay to order them?"

When you call, also ask whether the free checks are truly free or whether there is a catch — for example, some banks include one free box but charge for additional boxes, or they include checks only if you maintain a minimum balance. Get the specifics in writing before you open the account.

What "free checks" actually means

When a bank says it includes free checks, it usually means one of two things: they give you one free box of checks when you open the account, or they give you one free box per year as long as you keep the account open. A box typically contains 50 checks. After that, you pay for additional boxes.

Some banks advertise "free check writing" but charge you to order the physical checks themselves. This is misleading — it means you can write checks, but you have to pay for the paper. Always ask the specific question: "How much do I pay to order checks after the first box?"

Cheaper alternatives to bank checks

Even if your bank charges for checks, you do not have to buy them from the bank. Third-party check printers often charge less than banks do. Costco, Walmart, and online vendors like Checks Unlimited and Deluxe sell checks for $5 to $15 per box of 50, compared to $15 to $30 at most banks. You can order checks from these vendors using your account number and routing number, which you will find on your bank statement or in your online banking portal.

The checks you order from a third-party vendor work exactly the same as checks ordered from your bank. Your bank does not care where the checks come from — they just need your account number and routing number printed on them. If you write checks regularly, buying from a third-party vendor can save you $50 to $100 per year.

How to find out before you open an account

If free checks matter to you, ask about them before you commit to opening an account. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask: "Does this checking account include free checks? If so, how many boxes per year, and what do I pay for additional boxes?" Get the answer in writing or take notes with the date and time you called.

You can also read the account details on the bank's website, though sometimes the fee schedule is buried in a PDF or linked from the main account page. Look for a document called "Account Disclosures," "Fee Schedule," or "Pricing Information." Search the page for the word "checks" to find the relevant section quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need checks anymore?

Many people write very few checks today, relying instead on debit cards, transfers, and bill pay. If you write fewer than five checks per month, you might not need to order checks at all. However, some situations still require checks — paying rent, paying contractors, or sending money to people who do not have bank accounts. Think about how often you actually write checks before deciding whether free checks matter to you.

Can I use checks from a different bank?

No. Checks must be printed with your specific account number and routing number. If you try to use checks from someone else's account, the bank will reject them. You can order checks from any vendor you want, but they must be printed with your own account information.

What if I need checks urgently?

Most banks can print a temporary check or issue a cashier's check the same day if you visit a branch in person. Cashier's checks cost a few dollars but are may provide by the bank. If you order checks online, they usually arrive in five to ten business days. Third-party vendors sometimes offer rush printing for an extra fee.

Are checks from online banks the same as checks from regular banks?

Yes. A check is a check — it works the same way regardless of whether your bank has branches. The only difference is that you cannot deposit cash at an online bank or speak to a teller in person. The checks themselves function identically.

If my bank charges for checks, can I switch banks just for free checks?

You can, but it might not be worth the effort. Switching banks means changing your direct deposit, updating automatic payments, and moving your money. If you write only a few checks per year, buying them from a third-party vendor for $5 to $15 per box is cheaper and easier than switching banks. If you write many checks, switching to a credit union or community bank with free checks could save you money over time.