Bank checks usually cost between $15 and $30 per box of 25 checks, though some banks include them free with certain account types
The price depends on three things: which bank you use, what kind of checks you order, and whether your account comes with free checks included. Most banks charge you when you order checks through them directly. Some banks — particularly those aimed at people new to banking — include a box or two free each year. A few online banks don't charge at all because they assume most customers won't use paper checks.
You don't have to order through your bank. Third-party check printers like Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and online companies like Vistaprint and Deluxe often charge less than banks do — sometimes half as much. The trade-off is that ordering elsewhere takes longer, usually 7 to 14 days instead of 3 to 5 days through your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Bank-ordered checks typically cost $15 to $30 per box of 25, though prices vary by bank and check style.
- Some banks include free checks with certain account types, so ask your bank before you pay.
- Third-party printers like Costco and Walmart often charge $5 to $15 per box and may be worth the longer wait time.
- Specialty checks — oversized, colored, or with images — cost more than standard checks at any printer.
- You need your routing number and account number to order, both of which appear on your bank statements or debit card.
What affects the price you pay
Bank type and account tier matter most. A large national bank like Chase or Bank of America typically charges $20 to $30 per box. A credit union or community bank might charge $12 to $20. Some banks waive the fee entirely if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or hold a premium account. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online account to see what you're charged.
Check style changes the price. A standard check with your name and address printed on it costs the least. Oversized checks, checks with color printing, checks with your photo or logo, or checks with security features (like watermarks) all cost more — sometimes $25 to $40 per box. If you just need basic checks to pay bills, stick with standard.
Quantity ordered affects per-box cost. Ordering one box of 25 checks costs more per check than ordering four boxes at once. If you use checks regularly, ordering in bulk saves money. If you rarely write checks, one box at a time makes sense even if the per-check cost is higher.
How to order checks through your bank
Log into your online banking account and look for "order checks" or "check services" — the exact wording varies by bank. You'll see options for check style, quantity, and delivery speed. Some banks let you order when ready; others require you to call customer service. You'll need your routing number and account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of any check you already have, on your bank statements, or in your online account settings.
When you order, you'll see the total cost and the delivery date. Standard delivery is usually 5 to 7 business days. Expedited delivery (3 to 5 days) costs extra — typically $10 to $15 more. If you need checks urgently, expedited is worth it. If you can wait, standard saves money.
Ordering checks from third-party printers
Costco and Sam's Club print checks for members at roughly half the bank price — often $5 to $10 per box. You'll need your routing and account numbers, and you must be a member. Walmart offers similar pricing through its website. These retailers typically ship in 7 to 14 days.
Online printers like Vistaprint, Deluxe, and Checks Unlimited also undercut bank prices. They often run promotions — your first box free or 50% off — so search for current offers before you order. Delivery is usually 10 to 14 days. Read the fine print to confirm the printer will include your routing and account numbers correctly; mistakes here mean the checks won't work.
When you might not need to pay at all
Some banks include free checks with specific account types. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab often provide free checks because they expect lower volume. Credit unions sometimes include a box or two free per year. Community banks aimed at new banking customers may waive the fee for your first order. Before you pay, ask your bank directly: "Do I get free checks with my account?"
If you rarely write checks, you might not need to order them at all. Many bills can be paid online through your bank's bill pay feature, which is free. Rent and some other payments may require a check, but you can often ask your bank to issue a cashier's check instead — a check the bank writes on your behalf. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 each and are may provide by the bank, so recipients trust them more than personal checks. If you only need one or two checks, a cashier's check is cheaper than ordering a whole box.
What to watch out for when ordering
Double-check your routing and account numbers before you submit your order. A mistake here means your checks won't work, and you'll have to order again. Your routing number is specific to your bank's location; your account number is specific to you. Both appear on the bottom of any existing check or in your online account.
Confirm the delivery address. Checks are mailed to the address on file with your bank, which may not be your current address if you've moved. Update your address in your online account or call customer service before you order.
Be aware that some banks charge a fee to reorder if you lose checks or run out sooner than expected. If you order through a third party and something goes wrong, customer service may be slower than calling your bank directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get checks faster than the standard delivery time?
Yes. Your bank usually offers expedited delivery for an extra fee of $10 to $15, with checks arriving in 3 to 5 business days instead of 5 to 7. If you need checks urgently and can't wait, this is worth the cost. For same-day or next-day needs, ask your bank about a cashier's check instead.
Do I have to order checks from my bank?
No. Third-party printers like Costco, Walmart, and online companies often charge less. The trade-off is longer delivery time — usually 7 to 14 days. Make sure any printer you use can correctly print your routing and account numbers on the checks.
What if I don't use checks very often?
Consider a cashier's check instead of ordering a box. Your bank issues it for $5 to $15, and it's may provide by the bank, so recipients trust it more than a personal check. This is cheaper than ordering a whole box if you only need one or two checks per year.
Are there checks I can use without ordering?
Yes. Most banks let you print temporary checks from your online account while you wait for your order to arrive. These are usually valid for 30 days. You can also use your bank's bill pay feature to pay most bills electronically without writing a check at all.
Why do specialty checks cost more?
Colored ink, images, oversized formats, and security features all require extra printing steps and materials. If you just need basic checks to pay bills, standard checks do the job and cost less.