Bank check prices vary by your bank and how many you order at once
Most banks charge between $15 and $35 for a box of checks, though some charge nothing if you order through them directly. The price depends on three things: which bank you use, how many checks are in the box, and whether you order standard checks or ones with special features like duplicate copies or security printing.
If you order checks from your bank's website or by phone, you typically pay less than if you order from a third-party printer. Some banks include a certain number of free checks per year as part of your account, especially if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium checking account. A few banks—mostly online banks—do not charge for checks at all because they assume you will order them rarely.
The price per check works out to roughly $0.10 to $0.35 per individual check when you buy a full box. Ordering a small quantity costs more per check than ordering in bulk, so if you need checks infrequently, you might pay $25 for a box of 25 checks, while a box of 200 checks might cost $30.
Key Takeaways
- Standard check boxes from your bank usually cost $15 to $35 and contain 25 to 200 checks depending on the order size.
- Ordering checks directly from your bank is cheaper than ordering from a third-party printer, though third-party printers often offer more design options.
- Some banks waive check fees for customers with certain account types or minimum balances, so ask your bank what you may have access to for.
- Duplicate checks (carbonless copies) and security features like watermarks cost extra, typically adding $5 to $15 to your order.
- Online banks and some credit unions charge nothing for checks because they expect customers to use digital payments instead.
Where to order checks and what each option costs
You have three main sources: your bank directly, a third-party check printer, or a big-box retailer. Ordering through your bank's website or calling their customer service line is usually the cheapest route. You enter your account information, choose a design, and the bank prints and mails the checks to you. Turnaround is typically 7 to 10 business days.
Third-party printers like Costco Checks, Walmart Checks, and Deluxe offer more design choices and sometimes lower per-check costs if you order in large quantities. However, you have to provide your routing number and account number yourself, and you are responsible for making sure they are correct. These printers often advertise discounts on first orders—sometimes 50% off—but the regular price is often higher than ordering from your bank.
Costco and Walmart also sell check boxes in-store and online. Walmart checks typically run $10 to $15 per box, and Costco members can order through Costco's website. Both are faster than waiting for mail delivery if you need checks urgently, though you still have to provide your account details and wait for printing.
What affects the price of a box of checks
The number of checks in the box is the biggest factor. A box of 25 checks costs less than a box of 200, but the per-check cost is higher. Most people order boxes of 50 or 100 because that is the middle ground between cost and how long a box lasts.
Design and security features add cost. A standard check with your name and address printed on it is the baseline price. If you want duplicate checks (a carbonless copy stays in your checkbook), that adds $5 to $10. Checks with security features like watermarks, microprinting, or special inks cost more because they are harder to counterfeit. Personalized designs—logos, photos, or custom colors—also increase the price.
Your bank's pricing structure matters too. Some banks charge a flat fee per box regardless of quantity. Others charge per check, so ordering 50 checks costs half as much as ordering 100. A few banks include a certain number of free checks per year, so if you only need one box annually, you might not pay anything.
When banks charge for checks and when they do not
Most traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) charge for checks. The fee appears as a separate line item on your statement or is deducted when you place the order online. Some banks waive the fee if you meet certain conditions: maintaining a minimum balance, having direct deposit set up, or holding a premium account tier.
Online banks and credit unions are more likely to offer free checks. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not charge because they assume customers will use digital payments and rarely order physical checks. Credit unions vary—some charge, some do not—so check with yours directly.
If your bank charges and you do not want to pay, you can order from a third-party printer instead. The total cost may be similar or lower, especially if they are running a promotion. However, you lose the convenience of ordering directly from your bank and the assurance that your account details are correct.
How long checks take to arrive and rush options
Standard delivery from your bank takes 7 to 10 business days. Third-party printers typically take 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping. If you need checks faster, most printers offer expedited shipping for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25, which cuts delivery time to 2 to 3 business days.
Some banks offer rush printing for an extra charge—typically $15 to $25 on top of the check cost—and will mail them overnight or have them ready for pickup at a branch. If you need checks the same day, this is not possible; checks must be printed and mailed. However, if you have an urgent payment and cannot wait, you can ask your bank about temporary solutions like a cashier's check (which costs $5 to $15 per check) or a wire transfer instead.
Alternatives to ordering printed checks
If you rarely write checks, ordering a box might not be worth the cost or the wait. Many bills can be paid online through your bank's bill pay service at no charge. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App let you send money to individuals without a check. For businesses and large payments, a cashier's check or money order is often faster and costs less than waiting for a personal check to clear.
If you need to make a payment before checks arrive, ask the payee whether they accept electronic payment, ACH transfer, or credit card. Most utilities, insurance companies, and government agencies now accept online payments. If you absolutely need a physical check and cannot wait, a cashier's check from your bank is the fastest option—you can get one the same day for $5 to $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order checks from my bank?
No. You can order from any third-party printer as long as you provide your correct routing number and account number. Third-party printers are often cheaper and offer more design options, but your bank's checks are may provide to work with your account.
What if I order checks and my account number changes?
If your bank closes your account or you switch banks, any unordered checks become invalid. If you have already ordered but not received them, contact the printer immediately to cancel. If checks arrive after your account closes, do not use them—they will bounce.
Can I get a refund if I order too many checks?
Most banks and printers do not refund check orders once they are printed and shipped. However, you can contact customer service to ask about canceling an order before it ships. After delivery, checks cannot be returned.
Why do some banks charge more for checks than others?
Banks set their own pricing based on their business model. Online banks often charge nothing because they expect customers to use digital payments. Traditional banks charge because they assume you will order regularly and factor the cost into their fee structure.
Is it cheaper to buy checks at Walmart or Costco than from my bank?
Sometimes. Walmart and Costco often run promotions on first orders, and their regular prices can be lower per box. However, you have to provide your account details yourself, and you lose the convenience of ordering directly from your bank. Compare prices before ordering.