Bank checks cost between 50 cents and $3 per check, depending on your bank and the type of check you order

Most banks charge you when you order checks, not when you use them. The price varies widely: some banks include a free box with your account, others charge $15 to $30 for a box of 25 or 50 checks. A few banks charge per check—typically 50 cents to $1 each—if you order small quantities. The total cost depends on how many checks you order at once, whether you're a new customer, and which bank you use.

You don't have to order from your bank. Third-party check printers like Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart often charge less than banks do, sometimes half the price. If you order 200 checks at once instead of 25, the per-check cost drops significantly. The trade-off is that non-bank printers take longer to deliver and you have to enter your account information yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank checks typically cost $15 to $30 per box of 25 to 50 checks when you order through your bank.
  • Third-party printers like Deluxe and Costco often charge 40 to 50 percent less than banks for the same quantity.
  • Some banks offer one free box of checks per year or include checks free with certain account types.
  • Ordering larger quantities at once—200 or 500 checks instead of 25—lowers the per-check cost significantly.

Why banks charge for checks at all

Checks are a physical product that costs money to print, personalize with your name and account number, and ship to you. Your bank pays the printer upfront and passes that cost to you. The price also covers the bank's time processing your order and managing inventory.

Some banks absorb this cost as part of their account fee or as a customer retention tool—especially for accounts with high minimum balances or direct deposit. Others charge you directly because they want to discourage check use. Banks make less money on checks than on other services, so some have stopped offering them free.

How much different banks charge

There is no standard price. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge $15 to $25 for a box of 25 checks. Credit unions often charge less—$10 to $15 for the same quantity. Some online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab include checks free with your account. Regional banks vary widely, so the only way to know is to ask your bank directly or check their website.

A few banks charge per check instead of per box. If your bank does this, expect to pay 50 cents to $1 per check for small orders. This method is less common but can be cheaper if you only need a handful of checks.

Third-party printers cost less but take longer

Deluxe, Costco, Walmart, and Vistaprint all print checks and ship them to you. Their prices are typically 40 to 50 percent lower than bank prices. Deluxe charges around $8 to $12 for a box of 25 checks. Costco charges less if you're a member. Walmart's online check printing service is one of the cheapest options available.

The downside is delivery time. Bank checks usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Third-party printers take 7 to 14 days, sometimes longer. You also have to enter your routing number and account number yourself, which means you need to have that information on hand. If you make a mistake, the checks won't work.

When you get free checks

Some account types include free checks. Premium checking accounts, accounts with high minimum balances, and accounts that receive direct deposit sometimes come with one free box per year. Student accounts and accounts for people over 55 occasionally include free checks as well. Ask your bank whether your account type qualifies.

If you switch banks, the new bank sometimes offers free checks as an incentive. This is worth asking about during the account opening process. A few online banks—Ally, Charles Schwab, and some credit unions—include checks free indefinitely as part of the account.

How to reduce what you spend on checks

Order larger quantities at once. A box of 25 checks might cost $20, but 200 checks might cost $40 to $50 total—cutting the per-check cost in half. If you use checks regularly, this math works in your favor. If you rarely use checks, ordering small quantities makes sense even if the per-check cost is higher.

Compare prices across banks and third-party printers before you order. Call your bank and ask for their exact price. Then check Deluxe, Costco, and Walmart online. The difference can be $10 to $15 per box. If you're ordering multiple boxes per year, that adds up.

Ask whether your account includes free checks. Many people pay for checks without realizing their account type qualifies for them. A five-minute phone call to your bank can save you $20 to $30 per year.

What happens if you don't order checks from your bank

Your bank doesn't care where your checks come from. As long as the routing number and account number are correct, the check will clear. Third-party printers use the same printing standards as banks, so there's no risk to using them. Some people worry that merchants won't accept checks from non-bank printers, but this is not a real problem in practice.

The only thing that matters is accuracy. If you enter your routing number or account number wrong, the check won't work. Double-check both numbers before you place the order. Your routing number is on the bottom left of any check or on your bank's website. Your account number is on the bottom center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order checks from my bank?

No. You can order from third-party printers like Deluxe, Costco, or Walmart. As long as your routing number and account number are correct, merchants and banks will accept them. Third-party printers are often cheaper than banks.

How long do checks take to arrive?

Bank checks usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Third-party printers take 7 to 14 days or longer. If you need checks urgently, order from your bank or ask whether they offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.

Can I get checks for free?

Some account types include free checks—premium accounts, accounts with high minimum balances, and accounts receiving direct deposit sometimes may have access to. A few online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab include checks free with any account. Call your bank to ask whether your account qualifies.

What if I make a mistake ordering checks online?

If you enter your routing number or account number incorrectly, the checks won't work. Before you submit your order, verify both numbers against a current check or your bank's website. Most printers allow you to review your information before charging you.

Are checks from third-party printers as good as bank checks?

Yes. They use the same printing standards and include the same security features. Merchants and banks treat them identically. The only difference is price and delivery time.