
Safety deposit boxes at top U.S. banks can vary significantly in price. At Bank of America, prices start at around $12 per year for a small box.
Some banks offer free safety deposit boxes to customers who maintain a minimum balance in their accounts. For example, Wells Fargo offers a free safety deposit box to customers who have a minimum balance of $2,500 in their checking account.
Chase Bank charges between $20 and $100 per year for safety deposit boxes, depending on the size of the box and the location of the bank. The largest box size costs $100 per year.
Safety deposit boxes at top U.S. banks can be a convenient and secure way to store valuable items, but it's essential to consider the cost and any potential fees before renting a box.
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Cost Factors
The cost of a safety deposit box can vary depending on several factors. The size of the box is perhaps the greatest factor, with smaller boxes costing less than larger ones.
According to the pricing table, a 3" x 5" box can cost anywhere from $50 to $80 per year, while a 10" x 10" box can cost upwards of $300 per year. Location also plays a role, with safety deposit boxes in cities like New York City costing more than those in smaller towns.
Some banks, like PNC, offer "express" boxes that are located outside the bank's vault, but these are not as secure as standard safety deposit boxes.
Here are some estimated annual costs for different box sizes at various banks:
The bank you choose also affects the cost, with different banks pricing their safety deposit box leasing fees differently.
What Affects the Cost?
The cost of a safe deposit box can vary greatly depending on several factors. One of the main factors is the bank you choose, with each major bank pricing their safety deposit box leasing fees differently.
The location of the branch is another significant factor, with a safety deposit box in New York City costing more than one in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is likely due to the higher cost of living and doing business in urban areas.
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The size of the box is also a major factor, with smaller boxes costing less than larger ones. For example, TD Bank's smallest box costs $43 annually, while their largest box costs $170 annually.
Here are some common fees associated with safe deposit boxes at top U.S. banks:
These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to consider them when choosing a safe deposit box.
Insurance Cost
Most banks don't insure their safety deposit boxes, so you'll need to look into third-party providers for coverage.
Some insurance companies offer coverage for as low as $25 a month, which is a relatively affordable option.
You can also add-on out-of-the-box coverage to protect your goods when they're in your possession, but it's essential to check which items can be insured with the provider.
Not all items can be covered, so be sure to speak directly with the insurance provider to learn which ones are eligible.
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Bank Information
Wells Fargo offers safe deposit boxes in various sizes, ranging from 1 inch high and 5 inches wide to a larger cabinet that is 35 inches high and 40 inches wide.
Some banks offer discounts on safe deposit boxes for certain account holders. For example, Santander provides the smallest safe deposit box for free or at a 50% discount for Premier Plus Checking account holders. Citizen's Bank offers 15% off for Platinum Checking and Platinum Plus Checking account holders, and 50% off for Premier Checking with Interest and Premier Plus Checking with Interest account holders.
To give you a better idea, here's a list of some of the discounts offered by various banks:
Regions Bank charges $57 per year for their smallest safety deposit box, and you can pay for it using deductions from your checking account, via mail, or at a Regions branch.
Pnc Bank
PNC Bank offers safety deposit boxes with multiple levels of security, providing a key to account holders and holding onto a guard key for simultaneous access.
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You can get a discount on a safety deposit box if you have a PNC Performance Select Checking Account, with eligible account holders receiving a $100 annual discount.
Performance Checking Account holders can also receive a 10% annual discount on their safety deposit box.
You can get two replacement keys for your safety deposit box, but it'll cost you $15 each.
If you need to drill into the lock, you'll have to pay the cost of the box itself.
A standard $10 late fee is required if your payment is over 30 days past due.
TD Bank
TD Bank offers safety deposit boxes in many of its branches, with the smallest box costing $43 annually. This is a relatively affordable option compared to other major banks in the US.
Their smallest box is a good starting point for those who need a secure place to store valuable items, but be aware that they have a drilling fee of $200 if you misplace your key.
If you do lose your key, you can expect to pay at least $50 for a replacement, which is a significant expense.
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Bank Information
Regions Bank offers safety deposit boxes in various sizes, with the smallest costing $57 per year. You can pay for your deposits using deductions from your checking account, via mail, or at Regions branch.
The drilling fee for opening your box at Regions is $150, and a replacement key will cost an additional $25.
If you're looking for the cheapest safety deposit box, the 3" x 5" box at PNC is the way to go.
Wells Fargo offers safety deposit boxes in a range of sizes, from 1 inch high, 5 inches wide and 22 inches deep to a larger cabinet that is 35 inches high, 40 inches wide and 22 inches deep.
Here's a breakdown of the discounts offered by various banks for safety deposit boxes:
Citibank offers discounts on safety deposit box fees for Citigold and Citi Priority members, with 50% off the annual fee for large boxes.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers leases for security deposit boxes starting at just $80 for their 3” x 5” units.
These boxes are 3 inches high and 5 inches wide with 22 inches of depth for storing your items.
You won't find your valuables insured by Wells Fargo or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
If you lose your key, you'll need to pay $20 for two replacements.
A drilling fee of $125 will be charged if you need to access your box by drilling into the lock.
A $10 late fee will be added if your payment is late beyond 60 days.
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Discounts and Savings
Some banks offer significant discounts on safety deposit boxes for their account holders. For instance, Regions Bank provides 50% off the annual box fee for people with active LifeGreen Checking Accounts.
If you already have a checking or savings account at your bank, you may be eligible for discounts on safety deposit boxes. US Bank, for example, offers 50% off the annual box fee for Platinum Checking account-holders.
To take advantage of these discounts, you'll need to check with your bank to see what kind of account holder you are and what benefits you're eligible for. You can usually find this information on your bank's website or by visiting a branch in person.
Here are some banks that offer discounts on safety deposit boxes:
By taking advantage of these discounts, you can save money on your safety deposit box rental and make it more affordable to store your valuable items.
Discounts
If you already have an active checking or savings account at your bank, you might be eligible for discounts on safety deposit boxes. For instance, Regions Bank will provide 50% off the annual box fee for people who have active LifeGreen Checking Accounts.
Some banks offer discounts on their annual safety deposit box fees depending on what kind of account holder you are. You'd need to check with your bank to see if you're eligible for discounts.
Having an account at the same bank with your safety deposit box saves you money on the invoicing fee, a common annual charge on box rentals. Banks often waive this fee if you pay for your safety deposit box through automatic debits from your checking account.
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You can also receive discounts of $10 or 10% off the total cost if you opt to set up automatic payments. While this may save you both time and money, it's essential to save the date when you first rent the box.
Here's a breakdown of some banks' discount policies:
It's worth noting that some banks require you to pay the cost of the box if you need to drill into the lock, and a standard late fee of $10 is required if your payment is over 30 days past due.
Cheapest Bank
If you're looking to save some money on a safe deposit box, you're in luck - some banks offer much cheaper options than others.
The cheapest safe deposit box at a major bank is the 3" x 5" box at PNC, which is a steal at an unknown price, but likely much lower than the average annual fee of $55 at Chase or $90 at Wells Fargo.

To give you a better idea of the prices, here's a comparison of the cheapest safe deposit boxes at some major banks:
Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the branch and location, so it's always a good idea to check with your local bank for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep cash in a safety deposit box?
No, cash stored in a safety deposit box is not insured against loss or theft, and banks typically do not offer protection for its contents. Consider alternative secure storage options for valuable items.
Is there a charge for a safety deposit box?
Yes, there is a charge for a safety deposit box, which can range from $10 to $165 per year, depending on the size and location. Annual fees may be paid monthly or annually, varying by financial institution.
Are bank safe deposit boxes worth it?
Bank safe deposit boxes are a secure storage option for valuable documents and items, but their worth depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider using a safe deposit box if you have irreplaceable documents or small, high-value items that require protection.
Sources
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/banking/average-cost-of-safety-deposit-box
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/safe-deposit-box.asp
- https://www.mybanktracker.com/blog/find-my-answers/safe-deposit-box-cost-277945
- https://www.trustworthy.com/blog/information-management/safety-deposit-boxes-cost
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/banking-advice/which-bank-has-the-cheapest-safety-deposit-box/
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