Banker boxes are sold at office supply stores, warehouse clubs, online retailers, and moving companies
You can buy banker boxes at Office Depot, Staples, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, Uline, The Container Store, and most Costco or Sam's Club locations. Prices vary by retailer and box quantity — a single box typically costs $2 to $5, but buying in bulk (usually 10 to 25 boxes per case) brings the per-box cost down to $1 to $3. Local moving companies and U-Haul centers also stock them, often at competitive prices if you're buying a small quantity.
The box you're looking for is usually labeled as a "letter-size banker box" or "legal-size banker box," depending on the documents you're storing. Standard banker boxes measure 12 × 10 × 15 inches and hold about 2,500 sheets of letter-size paper or 1,800 sheets of legal-size paper. If you need them fast, office supply stores and big-box retailers offer same-day or next-day pickup at many locations.
Key Takeaways
- Office supply chains like Staples and Office Depot carry banker boxes in-store and online, with prices ranging from $2 to $5 per box depending on quantity.
- Warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sam's Club sell banker boxes in bulk cases at lower per-unit costs, but membership is required.
- Amazon and Uline offer bulk ordering with home delivery, useful if you need 20 or more boxes and don't want to transport them yourself.
- Moving companies and U-Haul centers stock banker boxes and can often sell you a small quantity without requiring a bulk purchase.
- Banker boxes come in letter-size and legal-size versions; confirm which one you need before ordering, as they are not interchangeable.
Office Supply Stores: Staples and Office Depot
Staples and Office Depot are the most straightforward option if you need banker boxes today or tomorrow. Both chains carry letter-size and legal-size boxes in-store at most locations, and you can check stock online before you go. Prices are typically $3 to $5 per box when buying individually, but both retailers offer case discounts — a case of 10 or 12 boxes usually costs $20 to $35, bringing the per-box price closer to $2 to $3.
Both stores offer free in-store pickup on online orders, usually within a few hours or by the next day. If you order online and choose home delivery, shipping costs vary based on order size and your location. Staples and Office Depot also run periodic sales on office supplies, so checking their websites or signing up for email alerts can save you money if you're not in a rush.
Warehouse Clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club sell banker boxes at the lowest per-unit price, but only if you have a membership and are willing to buy in bulk. Costco typically stocks cases of 25 banker boxes for $20 to $25, which works out to about $0.80 to $1 per box — significantly cheaper than office supply stores. Sam's Club pricing is similar, though inventory and case sizes vary by location.
The trade-off is that you must buy the entire case; neither warehouse club sells individual boxes. If you need only a few boxes, the membership cost and bulk purchase make this option less practical. However, if you're already a member or plan to use the membership for other purchases, warehouse clubs offer the best value for large quantities.
Online Retailers: Amazon and Uline
Amazon and Uline are the best options if you need many boxes delivered to your home or office. Amazon typically stocks banker boxes from multiple sellers, with prices ranging from $2 to $4 per box depending on the seller and quantity. You can order as few as one box or as many as you need, and Prime members often get free two-day shipping. Read seller reviews carefully, as quality can vary between manufacturers.
Uline is a business supply wholesaler that specializes in bulk orders. Their banker boxes cost $1 to $2 per box when you buy a case of 25 or more, and they offer fast shipping — often next-day or two-day delivery depending on your location. Uline does not require membership, but they have a minimum order amount (usually $25 to $50) that you'll hit easily if you're buying multiple cases. Uline is particularly useful if you need a specific box size or style that standard retailers don't stock.
Home Improvement and Moving Retailers
Home Depot and Lowe's both carry banker boxes in their moving supplies sections, though selection is usually smaller than at office supply stores. Prices are comparable to Staples and Office Depot — $2 to $4 per box — and both offer in-store pickup and home delivery. These retailers are worth checking if you're already shopping for moving supplies or packing materials.
U-Haul centers and independent moving companies are another option, especially if you need a small quantity. Many U-Haul locations sell banker boxes individually or in small quantities without forcing you into a bulk case purchase. Prices are typically $2 to $3 per box, and staff can advise you on which size suits your needs. Call ahead to confirm stock, as smaller locations may not carry them regularly.
Comparing Price and Convenience
| Retailer | Price Per Box | Minimum Purchase | Pickup/Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staples / Office Depot | $2–$5 (individual); $2–$3 (case) | 1 box | Same-day/next-day pickup; home delivery available |
| Costco / Sam's Club | $0.80–$1 (case only) | Case of 25 | In-store only; membership required |
| Amazon | $2–$4 | 1 box | 2-day (Prime); standard shipping varies |
| Uline | $1–$2 (case of 25+) | $25–$50 order minimum | Next-day or 2-day delivery |
| Home Depot / Lowe's | $2–$4 | 1 box | In-store pickup; home delivery available |
| U-Haul / Moving Companies | $2–$3 | 1 box | In-store pickup only |
What to Know Before You Buy
Banker boxes come in two standard sizes: letter-size (12 × 10 × 15 inches) and legal-size (15 × 10 × 15 inches). The difference matters if you're storing documents — legal-size boxes are wider to accommodate legal-size paper. Confirm which size you need before ordering, because mixing sizes wastes space and makes stacking difficult.
Most banker boxes are made of corrugated cardboard and come flat-packed, so you'll need to assemble them. Assembly takes about 30 seconds per box and requires no tools — you simply fold the sides and secure the bottom flaps. If you're buying 50 or more boxes, factor in assembly time or ask if the retailer offers pre-assembled boxes (some do, at a slightly higher price).
Quality varies between manufacturers. Cheaper boxes may have thinner cardboard or weaker flaps, which matters if you're stacking them high or storing them long-term. Office supply store brands (Staples, Office Depot house brands) and Uline boxes are generally reliable. If you're buying from Amazon, check the seller's reviews for comments on durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy just one or two banker boxes, or do I have to buy a case?
Staples, Office Depot, Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and U-Haul all sell individual boxes or small quantities. Costco and Sam's Club require you to buy a full case of 25. If you need only one or two boxes, office supply stores or U-Haul are your best bet.
What's the difference between a banker box and a regular storage box?
Banker boxes are designed specifically for storing documents and files. They have reinforced bottoms, lids that fold closed, and are sized to hold standard letter or legal-size paper. Regular storage boxes are often larger and designed for general items. If you're storing documents, banker boxes are the right choice because they stack safely and protect paper from damage.
Do I need to assemble banker boxes when I buy them?
Yes, most banker boxes arrive flat-packed and require assembly. It takes about 30 seconds per box and involves folding the cardboard and securing the bottom flaps — no tools needed. Some retailers offer pre-assembled boxes at a higher price if you want to skip this step.
Which retailer has the cheapest banker boxes?
Costco and Sam's Club have the lowest per-box price ($0.80–$1) if you buy a case of 25 and have a membership. Uline is the next cheapest ($1–$2 per box for cases of 25+) and doesn't require membership. For small quantities, Staples and Office Depot are competitive at $2–$3 per box when you buy a case.
Can I return banker boxes if I don't use them?
Most retailers accept returns of unopened banker box cases within 30 days with a receipt. Costco, Sam's Club, Staples, and Office Depot all have standard return policies. Amazon's return policy depends on the seller. Check the retailer's return policy before you buy, especially if you're ordering in bulk.