Order checks online through your Bank of America account
The fastest way to get a checkbook is to order through your Bank of America online banking portal. Log in to your account, go to the Transfers & Payments section, and look for the Checks option. You can select your account, choose a check design, and place the order in about five minutes. Bank of America typically ships standard checks within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also order checks by phone by calling the number on the back of your debit card and asking for the Checks department. A representative will verify your account information and process the order over the phone. This method takes the same amount of time as online ordering but may be useful if you prefer speaking to someone or have questions about check styles or quantities.
If you need checks faster, Bank of America offers expedited shipping for an additional fee. Expedited orders typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days. The cost varies depending on the number of checks and the shipping speed you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Order checks online through your Bank of America account under Transfers & Payments, or call the number on your debit card to order by phone.
- Standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited shipping costs extra but arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
- You can choose from different check designs and quantities when you order, and the cost depends on the style and number of checks.
- If you need checks immediately, ask your bank branch if they have starter checks available to pick up in person.
What information you need before ordering
Have your account number and routing number ready when you order. Bank of America will pre-print both on your checks automatically, so you do not need to provide them separately—the system pulls this information from your account. You will also need to decide how many checks you want to order. Most people order in quantities of 25, 50, or 100 checks per box.
Choose a check design if you want something other than the standard style. Bank of America offers several designs at no extra cost, and some premium designs cost a bit more. You can preview the designs before you order to see how your name and account information will appear.
Ordering checks at a Bank of America branch
You can walk into any Bank of America branch and order checks in person. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can look up your account. The teller will show you available designs and take your order on the spot. Branch orders follow the same 7 to 10 business day timeline as online orders.
Some branches keep starter checks on hand for customers who need checks right away. Starter checks are blank except for your name and account number, and they work exactly like regular checks. Ask the teller if starter checks are available—if they are, you can leave the branch with checks the same day, though you may pay a small fee for this service.
Cost of ordering checks from Bank of America
The price of checks varies based on the design and quantity you order. Standard check designs typically cost between $10 and $20 per box of 25 checks. Premium designs cost more, sometimes $25 to $35 per box. If you order multiple boxes at once, the per-box cost may be lower.
Expedited shipping adds a fee on top of the check cost—usually $5 to $15 depending on how fast you need them. Starter checks, if available at your branch, may cost $5 to $10 for a small pad. Some Bank of America accounts include free checks as part of their account benefits, so check your account terms or ask a teller whether you may have access to.
What to do if you need checks before they arrive
If you need to make a payment before your checks arrive, use a different payment method. Bank of America offers online bill pay through your account, which lets you send money to almost any business or person without writing a check. You can also use your debit card, a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer for most payments.
If the person or business you are paying requires a physical check, ask them whether they accept a post-dated check—a check dated for a future date. You can write a post-dated check from your existing checkbook or starter checks and give it to them now, even though they cannot cash it until the date you wrote. Some businesses will not accept post-dated checks, so confirm first.
Reordering checks when you run low
You do not have to wait until your checks are completely gone to order more. Most people reorder when they have used about half their current box. This way, your new checks arrive before you run out. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to reorder every few months, depending on how often you write checks.
If you change your address, you can update it in your Bank of America account before ordering new checks. The bank will print your new address on the checks automatically. If you already ordered checks with an old address, contact Bank of America to see if you can cancel that order and place a new one with the correct address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order checks if my account is new?
Yes. Bank of America allows you to order checks as soon as your account is open and active. If you cannot order online, call the number on your debit card or visit a branch. Some new accounts have a brief waiting period before checks can be ordered, but this is usually only a few days.
What if I never received my checks?
Contact Bank of America customer service with your order number or the date you placed the order. They can track the shipment and confirm whether it was delivered. If the checks were lost in the mail, the bank can reissue them or issue a refund. Keep the tracking information from your order if it was shipped.
Can I order checks for a joint account?
Yes. If the account is in two names, both names will print on the checks unless you specify otherwise. Contact Bank of America if you want only one name on the checks or if you need the names in a specific order.
Do I have to order checks through Bank of America?
No. You can order checks from third-party check printers like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper than ordering through the bank. Make sure any third-party printer has your correct routing number and account number before you order, and verify that the checks will work with your bank.
What happens to my old checks if I close my account?
Old checks become invalid once your account closes, so do not use them. If you have unused checks from a closed account, destroy them or contact the bank to confirm they cannot be cashed. If you open a new account, order new checks with the new account number.