Bank of America does not provide free checks for most account types

Bank of America charges for standard checks on nearly all personal checking accounts. The cost varies by account type and order size, but you should expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $30 per box of 25 checks, depending on the design and your account tier. There is no account level at Bank of America where checks come included at no cost.

The only partial exception is if you order checks through a third-party vendor that Bank of America recommends. Some of these vendors offer a small discount or a limited number of free checks with your first order, but this is not a Bank of America benefit — it is the vendor's promotion. After that initial offer, you pay the vendor's standard price, which is often lower than Bank of America's direct pricing.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $15 to $30 per box of 25 checks on standard personal checking accounts, with no free check option.
  • Premium account tiers like Preferred Rewards do not waive check fees, though some may offer other perks.
  • Ordering checks through third-party vendors recommended by Bank of America may cost less than ordering directly from the bank.
  • If you write very few checks, you may save money by using digital payment methods instead of ordering checks at all.

What Bank of America charges for checks

Bank of America's check pricing depends on the design you choose and how many boxes you order at once. Standard checks with the bank's basic design cost less than personalized or specialty designs. Ordering multiple boxes at the same time sometimes reduces the per-box cost slightly, but the savings are modest.

You can order checks directly through your Bank of America online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. The bank processes the order and ships the checks to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks faster, expedited shipping is available for an additional fee.

How third-party check vendors compare

Bank of America partners with vendors like Deluxe and other check printing companies. These vendors often charge less per box than Bank of America's direct pricing — sometimes $5 to $10 less per box depending on the design. You can access these vendors through links in your Bank of America online banking account or by searching for "Bank of America checks" online.

The trade-off is that third-party vendors may take slightly longer to deliver, and you are ordering from a separate company rather than the bank itself. However, the checks work identically in your account, and the lower price often makes the wait worthwhile if you are not in a rush.

When you might not need checks at all

Many people write very few checks anymore. If you use your debit card, online bill pay, or mobile payment apps for most transactions, you may not need to order checks for years. Bank of America's online bill pay feature lets you pay most bills directly from your account without writing a check, and it is included with your checking account at no extra cost.

If you do need checks occasionally — for rent, a security deposit, or a business payment — you could order just one box and space out your orders over several years. This approach costs less overall than maintaining a large supply of checks you rarely use.

Checks and account tiers

Bank of America offers several checking account tiers, including the basic Checking account, Interest Checking, and accounts linked to the Preferred Rewards program. None of these tiers include free checks. Even Preferred Rewards customers, who receive benefits like waived monthly fees and higher interest rates, still pay the standard check pricing.

If you are considering a Bank of America account partly because of check costs, factor in the actual price you will pay. For most people, the difference between check costs at Bank of America and a competitor is small enough that it should not be the deciding factor in choosing a bank — but it is worth knowing upfront.

Alternatives if check costs matter to you

Some banks and credit unions do include free checks with checking accounts, though these are becoming less common. If you write checks regularly and want to avoid the cost, you could compare checking accounts at other institutions. Online banks and some regional banks still offer free checks as part of their standard checking package.

Before switching banks solely for free checks, weigh the other features that matter to you: branch access, customer service, interest rates, monthly fees, and ATM networks. A bank with free checks but poor customer service or limited ATM access may not be worth the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get free checks if I have a high balance or direct deposit?

No. Bank of America does not waive check fees based on account balance, direct deposit, or any other account feature. All personal checking customers pay the same check pricing regardless of how much money they keep in the account.

Do business checking accounts at Bank of America include free checks?

Business checking accounts also charge for checks. The pricing structure is similar to personal accounts, though business customers may have access to different vendors or bulk ordering discounts. Contact a Bank of America business banker for specific pricing on your account type.

What if I order checks from a third-party vendor — will they work in my Bank of America account?

Yes. Checks printed by any vendor work the same way in your Bank of America account as long as they include your correct account number and routing number. The bank does not care where the checks came from, as long as the account information is accurate.

How much cheaper are third-party checks than Bank of America's direct pricing?

Third-party vendors typically charge $5 to $15 less per box than Bank of America's direct pricing, depending on the design and quantity. The exact savings vary by vendor and current promotions, so it is worth comparing prices before you order.

Can I stop ordering checks and just use digital payments instead?

Yes. Bank of America's online bill pay and mobile app let you pay most bills and send money without writing checks. If you rarely write checks, you may never need to order another box. You can always order checks later if a situation comes up that requires them.