Writing checks is the main reason checking accounts exist
Yes, you can write checks from a checking account. That is the core function of a checking account — it gives you a way to move money to someone else without carrying cash or using your debit card. When you write a check, you are instructing your bank to pay the amount you write to the person or business whose name appears on the check.
The check itself is a legal document. Your bank honors it because you have authorized them to do so by signing it. The person who receives the check (called the payee) can cash it at their bank or deposit it into their own account. Your bank then deducts the amount from your balance.
Not every checking account comes with check-writing privileges, though most do. Some banks charge a fee for checks; others include them free. A few banks that operate only online may not offer checks at all, or may charge extra because printing and mailing them costs money.
Key Takeaways
- Writing a check tells your bank to pay money from your account to the person whose name you write on the check.
- You must have enough money in your account to cover the check, or your bank may charge you an overdraft fee or refuse to pay it.
- Checks take several business days to clear, so the money does not leave your account immediately when you write it.
- You can order checks from your bank, or from third-party printers, and they cost money unless your bank includes them free.
- Some checking accounts do not come with check-writing privileges, so confirm with your bank before you assume you can write checks.
What happens when you write and sign a check
When you write a check, you fill in four pieces of information: the date, the payee's name, the dollar amount in numbers, and the dollar amount in words. You then sign the check. Your signature is your authorization — it tells your bank you want this payment to happen.
The payee takes the check to their bank and deposits it or cashes it. Their bank sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to your bank. Your bank verifies that the check is real, that your signature matches their records, and that you have enough money in your account. If all three are true, your bank pays the amount and deducts it from your balance.
This process usually takes three to five business days. During that time, the money is still in your account, even though you have written the check. This is why you must keep track of checks you have written — if you spend the money before the check clears, you may overdraw your account.
You need enough money to cover the check
Your bank will only pay a check if you have at least that amount in your account when the check arrives for payment. If you do not, your bank will refuse to pay it. The check bounces, and the payee is notified that the check was not paid.
A bounced check usually costs you money. Your bank charges an overdraft fee (typically $25 to $35) for refusing to pay. The payee may also charge you a fee for the bounced check, often $25 to $50. If you write many bounced checks, your bank may close your account.
Some banks offer overdraft protection, which means they will pay the check even if you do not have enough money, and charge you a fee instead of letting it bounce. This is not assistance programs — you still owe the amount, plus the fee. Other banks link your checking account to a savings account, so money transfers automatically if you overdraw.
Checks take time to clear, so plan ahead
Because checks take several business days to clear, you cannot write a check on Monday and assume the money is gone by Tuesday. If you write a check on Friday, it may not clear until Wednesday or Thursday of the next week. During that time, the money is still yours to spend — but if you do, the check will bounce when it arrives.
This delay is why people sometimes write postdated checks (checks dated for a future date). The idea is that the check will not be deposited until that date, so you will have time to put money in your account. However, postdated checks are not legally binding — a bank can cash them early, and many do. Do not rely on a postdated check to buy you time.
If you need to stop payment on a check you have written, you can ask your bank to issue a stop-payment order. This tells your bank to refuse payment if the check arrives. Stop-payment orders usually cost $25 to $35 and are only good for six months. After that, you must issue a new order.
Ordering checks and paying for them
When you open a checking account, your bank usually offers to send you checks. Some banks include a certain number free; others charge per box. A box of 25 checks typically costs $10 to $15 if you order from your bank.
You can also order checks from third-party printers, which are often cheaper than ordering from your bank. Companies like Deluxe, Costco, and Vistaprint print checks and mail them to you. Third-party checks work exactly the same way as bank-printed checks — the only difference is who printed them. Make sure the printer you choose is reputable and that your bank will accept their checks.
Some checking accounts do not come with checks at all. Online banks and some credit unions may not offer paper checks, or may charge extra because they have to print and mail them. If check-writing is important to you, ask your bank whether checks are included before you open an account.
When you should not write a check
Do not write a check if you do not have enough money in your account to cover it. Do not write a check to a business that demands payment in cash or by wire transfer — that is often a sign of a scam. Do not write a check to someone you do not trust with your checking account number and routing number, which appear on every check.
If you are paying a bill online, use your bank's bill-pay service instead of writing a check. It is faster and safer. If you need to send money to someone urgently, use a wire transfer or a money transfer service like Venmo or PayPal. Checks are best for planned, routine payments to people and businesses you know.
Keeping track of the checks you write
Your bank statement shows every check that has cleared, but it does not show checks you have written that have not yet cleared. This is why you need to keep a check register — a record of every check you write, the date, the payee, and the amount.
You can keep a physical register (the small booklet that comes with your checks) or use your bank's online banking system, which tracks checks automatically. Either way, subtract each check from your balance as soon as you write it, not when it clears. This way, you always know how much money you actually have available to spend.
Your bank's mobile app or online portal usually shows pending checks — checks you have written that have not yet cleared. Check this regularly so you do not accidentally spend money that is already committed to a check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone cashes a check I wrote but I do not have enough money?
Your bank will refuse to pay the check, and it will bounce. You will be charged an overdraft fee by your bank, and the payee may charge you a fee as well. The payee can also take legal action to recover the money, though most do not for small amounts.
Can I cancel a check after I have written it?
Yes, by asking your bank to issue a stop-payment order. This costs $25 to $35 and is only good for six months. After that, you must issue a new order. However, if the check has already cleared, it is too late — the money is already gone.
Do I have to use checks if I have a checking account?
No. You can use your debit card, online bill pay, or mobile payment apps instead. Checks are optional. However, some bills (like rent or insurance) may require a check, so it is useful to have them available even if you do not use them often.
Can someone forge my signature on a check?
Yes, but your bank is responsible for catching it. If you notice a forged check on your statement, report it to your bank immediately. Your bank must investigate and refund the money if it was truly forged. However, if you gave someone access to your checks or your account information, you may be liable.
What is the difference between a personal check and a cashier's check?
A personal check is drawn on your own account and takes several days to clear. A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself and clears immediately. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 and are used for large or urgent payments. Some businesses require a cashier's check instead of a personal check.