Checking Accounts With Free Checks: 16 Banks, Credit Unions Listed

Where to Get a Checking Account With Free Checks

We contacted several major U.S. banks and credit unions to find out where checking account holders can get free checks — both starter checks and standard checks. We list our findings below.

Note: In the course of our research, we found that most bank accounts include unlimited, free check writing. After opening your account, you can order additional standard checks online or by phone from each bank; your order will usually take one to two weeks to arrive.

Ally Bank

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive five to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? Yes; with Ally Bank’s Interest Checking Account, you’ll receive free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Axos Bank

• Free starter checks? Yes, with Cashback Checking, World Checking, and Private Client Checking
• Free standard checks? Yes, with Private Client Checking
• Apply

Bank of America

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? Yes; preferred Rewards members and Advantage Relationship account holders can order free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Note: See our related research for information on whether Bank of America offers temporary checks.

BB&T

• Free starter checks? These are only issued when you open an account at a branch.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Elite Gold, Elite@Work, and Senior Checking accounts receive free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Capital One

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? 360 Checking account holders receive their first checkbook (50 checks) for free.
• Apply

Chase

• Free starter checks? If you have a Chase Premier Plus account, you’ll qualify for free counter checks; other account holders can purchase counter checks in sheets of three for about $2.
• Free standard checks? Yes; if you have a Chase Premier Plus account, you’ll qualify for free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Citibank

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Citibank Account Package customers get their first standard checkbook order free, while Citigold Package and Citi Priority Package customers get free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Citizens Bank

• Free starter checks? Yes, but only if you open your account at a branch.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Platinum Checking, Platinum Plus Checking, and Student Checking account holders receive free checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Fifth Third Bank

• Free starter checks? Yes, but only for certain accounts. For their free checking account, you do receive a 40-check Welcome Pack for $10.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Preferred Checking account holders receive free checks as long as the account is open. The first order of checks is free for Military Checking account customers and Membership Advantage customers (Membership Advantage is available to employees of certain companies).
• Apply

KeyBank

• Free starter checks? Yes; KeyBank will send a small starter pack in the mail when you open an account.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Key Privilege and Key Privilege Select accounts offer free checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Navy Federal Credit Union

• Free starter checks? All checking accounts come with free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? All account holders receive free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

Note: Navy Federal Credit Union membership is available for active and retired service members in all branches of the military, their immediate family members, and Department of Defense civilians. See the Navy Federal Credit Union membership page for more information.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed)

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? The first box of checks is free for Access America Checking account holders.
• Apply

PNC

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? Performance Select account holders get free PNC logo checks as long as the account remains open, or $12 off orders with the design of their choice. Performance Spend checking customers receive $8 off check orders.
• Apply

SunTrust

• Free starter checks? Yes; see below
• Free standard checks? With Essential Checking and Balanced Banking, you’ll receive your choice of 10 free checks or a 50% off discount on your first check order of any style. With Advantage Checking, you’ll receive your choice of 100 free checks or 50% off your first check order of any style.
• Apply

TD Bank

• Free starter checks? These are only issued when you open an account at a branch.
• Free standard checks? Beyond and 60 Plus checking account holders receive free standard checks as long as the account remains open.
• Apply

U.S. Bank

• Free starter checks? You’ll receive up to 10 free starter checks.
• Free standard checks? Platinum checking account holders get their first order of U.S. Bank logo checks for free or can receive 50% off their first check order of any style, plus a 50% discount on any reorders. Student checking account holders get their first order of U.S. Bank Student Checking logo checks for free or a 50% discount on their first order of any other style.
• Apply

Wells Fargo

• Free starter checks? These are only issued when you open an account at a branch.
• Free standard checks? Yes; Portfolio account holders receive free standard checks as long as the account remains open. Preferred checking account holders receive a $10 discount on personal check orders.
• Apply

More Information

Still wondering which bank to choose? To help you decide, see our list of the best checking accounts.

Once you’ve opened a checking account, we can help you find places that accept starter checks. Or, as an alternative to opening a checking account, you may want to consider applying for a prepaid card with checks.