You’d think in 2026 we’d be done with paper. Honestly, between digital wallets, instant Zelle transfers, and tap-to-pay everything, carrying a checkbook feels like carrying a rotary phone. But then life happens. You find a landlord who refuses to use an app, or you need to pay a contractor who wants "paper trails only," and suddenly you’re staring at an empty checkbook cover. Now you've gotta deal with the Bank of America order checks online process, which is, frankly, more expensive than it needs to be if you aren't careful.
Most people just click the first link they see in their mobile app and pay the $35 premium without thinking. Don't do that.
The Reality of the Bank of America Order Checks Online Process
Bank of America (BofA) doesn't actually print your checks. Like most major financial institutions—think Wells Fargo or Chase—they outsource the heavy lifting to a massive check-printing conglomerate called Deluxe. When you start a Bank of America order checks online request through the official portal, you’re essentially being handed off to a Deluxe storefront that’s branded with the BofA logo.
It's convenient. I'll give them that.
Your account number is already there. Your routing number is pre-filled. You don't have to worry about typos that might lead to a rejected payment later. But you pay for that convenience. A standard box of 100-120 checks through the official site can easily run you double what a third-party printer charges for the exact same paper quality.
If you’re a "Preferred Rewards" member, specifically in the Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Honors tiers, you might actually get these for free. It’s one of those perks buried in the fine print that people forget to use. If you have at least $20,000 across your combined BofA and Merrill investment accounts, stop reaching for your credit card. You’ve already earned the right to skip the bill. Check your status in the app first. It’s under the "Rewards" tab.
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The Hidden Steps in the Online Portal
Logging in is the easy part. Once you’re in the "Help & Support" or "Accounts" menu, you’ll find the reorder link. It’s going to redirect you. Don’t panic when the URL changes to something like ordermychecks.com. That’s the official Deluxe partner site.
Here is where they get you with the upsells.
You’ll see "high-security" checks with holographic strips. You'll see "eco-friendly" paper. You’ll see 50 different designs ranging from classic blue safety to Disney characters and National Parks. Every single one of those "flair" options adds five or ten bucks to the total. If you just need to pay your water bill, the "Basic Blue" is fine. It works. The bank doesn't care if there's a puppy in the corner of your check.
Third-Party Printers vs. The Official BofA Route
Is it safe to go elsewhere? Yeah, usually.
Companies like Walmart Checks, Costco Checks, or VistaPrint have been doing this for decades. They use the same MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) ink that bank scanners require. The big hurdle is the manual entry. When you use the Bank of America order checks online official tool, the risk of a "non-negotiable" check due to a typo is zero. When you type in your routing and account numbers on a third-party site, you're the one on the hook if you swap an 8 for a 0.
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MICR Lines and Why They Matter
The bottom of your check has those weird, blocky numbers. That’s the MICR line. Bank of America’s routing number (which varies by the state where you opened the account) must be perfectly aligned. If you’re ordering from a third party, you’ll need:
- Your 9-digit routing number.
- Your 10 to 12-digit account number.
- The starting check number (don't start at 001 if you’re already on check 500; it looks suspicious to some fraud filters).
Most people find that the $15 they save by going to a third party isn't worth the anxiety of potentially messing up the numbers. But if you’re ordering checks for a business account where you go through thousands of sheets a year? That price gap becomes a chasm.
The Security Myth
BofA and Deluxe will try to sell you on "CheckProtect" or specialized fraud monitoring. It sounds good. In reality, most of the "security" features on modern checks—the microprinting that disappears when photocopied or the chemical-reactive paper—are standard across the industry now. You aren't getting a "vulnerable" product just because you bought the cheapest option.
However, one thing to watch out for is the shipping.
The most common way check fraud happens during the ordering process isn't a digital hack. It’s mail theft. When you Bank of America order checks online, they usually ship via standard USPS. If you live in an area where "porch piracy" or mailbox fishing is common, pay the extra few dollars for tracked shipping or "non-descript" packaging. Some printers send boxes that literally say "CHECKS" on the side. That’s basically an invitation for someone to steal your identity.
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Dealing with Mobile Deposit Issues
We've all been there. You write a check, the person tries to deposit it via their phone, and the app rejects it. This happens more often with "discount" checks where the contrast between the ink and the background design is too low.
If you’re ordering a custom design—say, a dark sunset or a busy floral pattern—it can mess with the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software. This is a huge headache. The person you paid now thinks you gave them a bad check. To avoid this, stick to light-colored backgrounds. High-contrast black ink on a pale surface is the gold standard for mobile banking apps.
What if the order never arrives?
If you placed your Bank of America order checks online and it’s been more than two weeks, don't wait. Call the bank. If those checks are floating around in the wild, you need to put a stop-payment on that entire range of check numbers. BofA is usually pretty good about waiving the fee for this if the checks were lost in transit from their official supplier, but they won't always do it if you used an outside printer.
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Order
Stop overthinking it and just follow this flow to get it done without getting ripped off.
- Check your Rewards Tier first. Log into the Bank of America app, click on your profile, and see if you’re Gold or Platinum. If you are, your checks are free. Do not pay.
- Verify your Routing Number. BofA has different routing numbers for "Paper" and "Electronic/Wires" in some regions. Make sure you use the one specifically listed for checks on your monthly statement.
- Choose "Standard Delivery" only if you have a secure mailbox. If not, spend the $5 for tracking. It’s cheaper than a fraud claim.
- Opt for "Duplicate" checks if you’re forgetful. These are the ones with the little carbon-copy sheet behind them. They cost more, but if you constantly forget to write down who you paid in your ledger, they are a literal lifesaver.
- Skip the "Premium" leather covers. You probably already have a plastic one from three years ago. Use it. Save the $15.
If you really want to avoid the hassle altogether, see if "Bill Pay" in the BofA app can send a physical check for you. The bank prints it and mails it for free. You don't get the satisfaction of signing it, but your bank account stays a little fuller.