Bank of America does not include free checks with most personal checking accounts

Bank of America charges for checks on nearly all of its personal checking accounts. The cost varies by account type, but you will typically pay between $10 and $15 per box of 25 checks, or around 40 to 60 cents per check. This is not unusual — most large banks charge for checks now, though some regional banks and online banks still offer them free.

The reason checks cost money is that the bank has to order them from a printer, verify your account information, and handle the logistics of shipping them to you. Bank of America treats checks as an optional service rather than a standard account feature, the way they do with cashier's checks or wire transfers.

If you need checks occasionally, you may find it cheaper to order them from a third-party printer instead of through Bank of America. If you write checks regularly, the cost adds up enough that it might be worth comparing to banks that do include free checks in their account terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges for personal checks on most account types, typically $10 to $15 per box of 25.
  • You can order checks directly through your Bank of America online banking portal or by calling customer service.
  • Third-party check printers like Costco, Walmart, and online vendors often charge less than Bank of America does.
  • Some Bank of America accounts, like certain premium or business accounts, may have different check policies — contact your branch to confirm.
  • If free checks matter to you, regional banks and online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and some credit unions still offer them at no cost.

How to order checks through Bank of America

You can order checks through your Bank of America online banking account. Log in, go to the "Accounts" or "Services" section, and look for "Order Checks" or "Check Services." You will enter the quantity you want, choose a design if options are available, and pay the fee at checkout. The checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to order by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can walk you through the options and process the order over the phone. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person, though this is slower than ordering online.

Cheaper alternatives to Bank of America checks

Third-party check printers often charge less than Bank of America. Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club all print checks for members at prices that are usually 30 to 50 percent lower than what the bank charges. You do not need to be a Costco member to order checks there — you can order online at Costco.com without a membership, though you will pay a small shipping fee.

Online check printers like Deluxe, Carousel Checks, and Checks Unlimited also undercut Bank of America's prices, especially if you order in bulk. These companies often run promotions where your first box is free or heavily discounted. The tradeoff is that shipping takes longer — sometimes two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need checks by a specific date.

If you only need a few checks occasionally, ask your bank if they can print temporary checks or provide you with a counter check (a blank check the bank prints on the spot). This is free and works for most transactions, though some businesses will not accept them.

Banks that still offer free checks

Several banks include free checks as part of their checking account package. Charles Schwab Bank offers unlimited free checks with its investor checking account. Ally Bank includes free checks with its checking account. Many regional banks and local credit unions also include checks at no cost, though this varies by institution and account type.

If you write checks regularly and the cost bothers you, it is worth comparing accounts at these banks. You may find that the combination of free checks, lower monthly fees, and better interest rates on savings makes switching worthwhile. Use the comparison tools on banking websites to see what each bank offers for your situation.

What counts as a "box" of checks and how long they last

A standard box of checks contains 25 checks. Bank of America charges per box, not per check, so you pay the same whether you use all 25 or only a few. Most people who write checks regularly use one box every few months to a year, depending on how often they pay bills by check.

If you write very few checks — maybe a handful per year for rent or utilities — you might use only one or two boxes over several years. In that case, the per-check cost is high relative to how often you actually need them. This is why some people switch to banks with free checks even if they only write a few checks annually.

Why banks stopped including free checks

Thirty years ago, free checks were standard at almost every bank. As more people moved to online banking, debit cards, and digital payments, the number of checks written dropped sharply. Banks realized they could save money by charging for checks as an optional service rather than including them for everyone.

From the bank's perspective, if only 10 percent of customers write checks, it makes sense to charge that 10 percent rather than absorb the cost for all customers. This shift happened gradually across the industry starting in the early 2000s, and now most large banks charge for checks while smaller institutions and online banks still offer them free as a way to attract customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get free checks from Bank of America if I have a premium account?

Some Bank of America premium accounts, like the Preferred Rewards program at higher tiers, may include check benefits, but this varies. Contact your local branch or call customer service to ask about your specific account type. Business accounts sometimes have different check policies than personal accounts.

Do I really need checks anymore?

Most bills can now be paid online or by automatic transfer, so many people write very few checks. However, some situations still require them — paying rent to a private landlord, paying contractors, or sending money to someone without a bank account. If you write fewer than five checks per year, the cost may not be worth worrying about.

What if I need checks urgently?

Bank of America's standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks faster, visit a branch and ask for counter checks or temporary checks, which are free and available immediately. Third-party printers sometimes offer expedited shipping for an extra fee, though this adds to the total cost.

Can I use digital payment instead of checks?

For most transactions, yes. You can use Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or your bank's bill pay service to send money electronically. However, some landlords, contractors, and older businesses still only accept checks. Ask the person or business first — they may have other payment options you did not know about.

Do checks from third-party printers work with my Bank of America account?

Yes. As long as the checks are printed with your correct account number, routing number, and bank information, they work exactly like checks ordered through Bank of America. The bank does not care where the checks came from — they process them the same way.