How Much Do Checkbooks Cost and What Affects the Price?

Checkbooks continue to serve a purpose for many individuals. They remain a practical tool for certain transactions, such as paying rent, contributing to local community organizations, or providing gifts where a digital transfer may not be suitable or preferred. Understanding their associated costs can help individuals make informed decisions.

Where to Obtain Checkbooks

Individuals can acquire checkbooks from two primary sources: their financial institution or independent third-party printers. Most banks and credit unions offer checkbooks directly to their account holders. While some financial institutions may provide a first basic order of checks for free, subsequent orders or those with custom features generally incur a fee.

Alternatively, numerous online and physical retailers specialize in printing checks. These third-party vendors often present a broader array of design choices and may offer more competitive pricing compared to banks, particularly for larger orders or personalized designs. Before placing an order, it is advisable to compare prices from both your bank and reputable third-party providers to ensure the best value.

Factors Influencing Checkbook Prices

The quantity of checks ordered significantly impacts the overall cost, as purchasing a larger box or multiple boxes typically reduces the cost per check.

The chosen design and level of customization also influence the price. Standard, generic checks are generally less expensive than those featuring personalized designs, specific images, unique fonts, or themed patterns like cartoon characters or scenic landscapes. Incorporating advanced security features further adds to the cost of a checkbook. These features, which include watermarks, microprinting, chemical-sensitive paper, void pantographs, and magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) encoding, make checks more difficult to alter or counterfeit.

Finally, expedited shipping and handling options will increase the final price of a checkbook. Opting for faster delivery services means a higher overall expenditure.

Average Costs and Price Ranges

The cost of a standard box of checks (typically containing 100 to 150 checks) can vary based on the source and features. For standard checks, third-party providers commonly charge between 5 to 24 cents per single check. Banks may charge 38 to 65 cents per single check. Duplicate checks, which include a carbon copy, may cost slightly more, ranging from 8 to 31 cents per check from third-party vendors and 43 to 74 cents per check from banks.

Some financial institutions, especially online-only banks and credit unions, offer free standard checks to account holders, and premier checking accounts may also qualify for complimentary checks. However, this is not universally true for all accounts or subsequent orders. Considering how frequently checks are used can help determine the most cost-effective option, as a smaller, basic order may be sufficient for infrequent use.