Bank of America can issue a single check, but the method depends on what you need it for
Bank of America issues single checks in several ways depending on your situation. If you have a checking account, you can order checks through your online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. If you need a check right away and don't have blank checks on hand, you can request a counter check (a temporary check printed by the bank) at any Bank of America location. If you need to send money to someone and don't have a checkbook, you can also use a cashier's check, which is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours.
The fastest option is usually a counter check, which takes minutes. A cashier's check typically takes one business day and costs a small fee. Ordering checks through your account takes longer — usually 7 to 10 business days for standard delivery — but costs less or nothing depending on your account type.
Key Takeaways
- A counter check is a temporary check the bank prints for you on the spot at any branch, with no fee, and is the fastest way to write a single check.
- A cashier's check is drawn on Bank of America's account instead of yours, costs a fee (usually $5 to $15), and takes one business day to obtain.
- You can order individual checks or a full checkbook through your online account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch.
- If you have a checking account with Bank of America, you can request a counter check or cashier's check at any branch location during business hours.
Counter checks: the fastest way to write a single check
A counter check is a blank check printed by Bank of America on demand at any branch. You walk in, ask for a counter check, and the teller prints one or more for you when ready. There is no fee. The check has your account number and routing number printed on it, so it works exactly like a check from your checkbook.
Counter checks are useful when you've run out of checks and need to pay someone before your new checkbook arrives. You can request multiple counter checks at once — most branches will print 5 to 10 without question. Write them the same way you would write any other check from your account.
The only limitation is that you must visit a branch in person during business hours. Bank of America branches are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You'll need to bring your Bank of America debit card or ID to verify your account.
Cashier's checks: when you need a check may provide by the bank
A cashier's check is a check drawn on Bank of America's account, not yours. The bank guarantees the funds, which makes it safer for the person receiving it — they know the check won't bounce. Cashier's checks are often required for large purchases like down payments on homes or cars, or when selling something to someone you don't know well.
You can request a cashier's check at any Bank of America branch. You'll need to bring your debit card or ID and tell the teller the amount and who the check should be made out to. The teller will take the money from your account when ready and issue the check. Most branches can issue a cashier's check the same day, though some may require one business day notice for very large amounts.
Bank of America charges a fee for cashier's checks, typically between $5 and $15 depending on your account type and the amount. Some premium checking accounts include a certain number of free cashier's checks per month. Call your branch or check your account details to confirm the fee.
Ordering checks through your Bank of America account
If you want a full checkbook or a small number of checks, you can order them through your online banking portal. Log in to your account, go to the "Checks" or "Ordering" section, and follow the prompts. You can usually choose from several check designs and specify how many you want. Bank of America will mail them to the address on file.
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery is available for an additional fee and takes 3 to 5 business days. The cost of checks varies — some account types include free checks, while others charge a small fee per box. Premium checking accounts often come with free check ordering.
You can also order checks by calling Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about cost and delivery time. If you prefer to order in person, visit any branch and ask to speak with someone in customer service.
Ordering a single check without a full checkbook
Bank of America does not sell individual checks through its standard ordering system — you typically order a box of 25 or 50 checks at a time. However, you have two alternatives if you need just one check without ordering a full box.
The first is to request a counter check at a branch, which is free and when ready. The second is to ask the bank whether they can print a small number of checks (sometimes 5 to 10) as a special request. Some branches will do this for a small fee, while others may decline. Call your local branch ahead of time to ask whether this service is available.
Fees and account type differences
The cost of getting a single check from Bank of America depends on which method you use and your account type. Counter checks are always free. Cashier's checks typically cost $5 to $15. Ordering checks through your account may be free or cost a small fee depending on whether your account includes check ordering.
Bank of America offers several checking account types: Advantage Checking, Advantage Plus Checking, and Premium Checking. Premium accounts often include free cashier's checks and free check ordering, while basic accounts may charge for these services. Review your account details or call customer service to confirm what's included with your specific account.
What to bring when you visit a branch
To request a counter check or cashier's check at a Bank of America branch, bring a valid photo ID and your Bank of America debit card. If you don't have your debit card, you can provide your account number and the teller can look up your account using your ID and Social Security number.
If you're ordering checks in person, the same ID and debit card are sufficient. The teller will ask you to confirm the address where you want the checks mailed and may ask about check design preferences. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a counter check without going to a branch?
No, counter checks must be requested in person at a Bank of America branch. However, if you need to send money to someone and can't visit a branch, you can use Bank of America's online bill pay feature to send a payment directly from your account, or request a cashier's check by phone and pick it up at a branch the next day.
How long does a cashier's check take?
Most Bank of America branches can issue a cashier's check the same day you request it. The teller will take the money from your account and print the check when ready. For very large amounts, some branches may ask you to come back the next business day, so call ahead if the amount is over $10,000.
What's the difference between a counter check and a regular check?
A counter check and a regular check from your checkbook work the same way — both are drawn on your account and both can bounce if you don't have enough money. The only difference is that a counter check is printed on the spot at the branch, while a regular check comes from a checkbook you ordered in advance.
Can I order a single check online?
Bank of America's online ordering system requires you to order checks in boxes of 25 or 50, not individual checks. To get a single check without ordering a full box, request a counter check at a branch or call your local branch to ask whether they can print a small number for you.
Is there a fee for a counter check?
No, counter checks are free. Bank of America does not charge a fee to print counter checks at the branch. You can request multiple counter checks at once with no additional cost.