Bank of America's checkbook pricing

Bank of America does not charge for standard checkbooks on most personal checking accounts. When you open an account or run out of checks, you can order them through your online banking portal, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-432-1000, and there is no fee attached to the order itself.

However, the bank does charge for expedited delivery. If you need checks in fewer than five to seven business days, Bank of America charges a fee for rush processing. The exact amount varies depending on how quickly you need them — overnight or two-day delivery costs more than standard mail delivery.

Some account types may have different rules. If you hold a student checking account or a basic savings account without checking privileges, you may not be able to order checks at all, or the terms may differ. Business checking accounts typically follow their own fee structure for check orders.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard checkbook orders from Bank of America carry no fee on most personal checking accounts.
  • Expedited delivery — two-day or overnight — triggers a rush fee that varies by speed.
  • You can order checks online, through the mobile app, or by phone without visiting a branch.
  • Business accounts and specialty accounts may have different check ordering policies or costs.

How to order checks without paying a rush fee

The easiest way to avoid any fee is to order checks well in advance through standard mail delivery. Log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to the "Manage Accounts" or "Account Services" section, and look for "Order Checks." Select standard delivery, which typically arrives in five to seven business days at no charge.

If you use the mobile app, the same option is usually available under account settings or a similar menu. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and request checks by phone. All three methods offer free standard delivery if you are not in a hurry.

Ordering early matters because once you are down to your last few checks, you may feel pressured to pay for faster delivery. Plan ahead by ordering a new box when you have roughly 20 checks left in your current one.

When expedited delivery costs make sense

If you need checks within two or three days, the rush fee may be worth paying. This applies if you have just opened an account and need to write a check immediately, or if you have lost your checkbook and cannot wait for standard mail.

Before paying for expedited delivery, consider whether you actually need a physical check. Many bills and payments can be made online, through your bank's bill pay service (which is free), or with a debit card. Bank of America's bill pay feature lets you send money to almost any payee without ordering checks at all.

If you do need a check urgently, compare the rush fee against the cost of a money order or cashier's check from a branch, which may be cheaper or faster depending on your situation.

Reordering checks on different account types

Personal checking accounts — whether they are interest-bearing or not — almost always allow free check orders. Business checking accounts may charge a fee per box of checks, or they may also offer free orders depending on the account tier. Call your business banking representative or log into your business online banking to see what applies to your account.

If you have a savings account only, you cannot order checks because savings accounts do not come with check-writing privileges. You would need to open a checking account first. Student checking accounts typically allow free check orders, but some may have limits on how many boxes you can order per year.

What to do if you lose your checkbook

Contact Bank of America immediately by phone or through your online banking account to report the lost checkbook. The bank can flag those check numbers so they cannot be cashed if someone else finds them. You can then order a replacement box through the normal process — standard delivery is free, but you may choose to pay for expedited delivery if you need checks quickly.

While you wait for new checks to arrive, use your debit card, online bill pay, or mobile payment apps to handle transactions. Most people find they need physical checks far less often than they expect, so a few days without them is usually not a problem.

Alternatives to ordering checks from the bank

You can order checks from third-party printing companies like Costco, Walmart, or online check printers. These vendors often charge less than banks do for expedited orders, and sometimes less even for standard orders. However, you need to make sure the checks are compatible with your Bank of America account — they must have your account number and routing number printed correctly.

Before ordering from an outside vendor, verify that Bank of America accepts checks printed by that company. Most major printers are compatible, but it is worth confirming to avoid delays or rejected checks. The routing number for Bank of America is 121000248 for most accounts, but confirm this in your online banking or on a current check before placing an order elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America charge a monthly fee just for having checks?

No. The monthly maintenance fee on your checking account (if there is one) is separate from check ordering. You are not charged extra for the ability to order checks or for having a checkbook.

How much does expedited delivery cost?

Bank of America does not publish a single fixed price for rush delivery. The fee depends on how fast you need the checks and may range from a few dollars for two-day delivery to more for overnight. Call 1-800-432-1000 or check your online banking portal when you order to see the exact fee for your chosen speed.

Can I order checks in person at a Bank of America branch?

Yes, you can visit a branch and request checks, though staff will typically direct you to order online or by phone for standard delivery. If you need checks immediately and are in a branch, ask whether they can print a temporary check or cashier's check to solve your immediate need.

What if my checks keep getting lost in the mail?

If standard delivery is unreliable for you, paying for two-day or overnight delivery may be worth the cost. Alternatively, use your debit card or online bill pay for most transactions and reserve physical checks for situations where they are truly necessary.

Do I have to order checks through Bank of America?

No. You can order checks from third-party printers, but make sure they print your correct Bank of America account number and routing number. Verify compatibility before ordering to avoid problems when you try to use the checks.