You can withdraw money from a savings account by check, but not all banks offer this option
Most banks will issue you checks linked to a savings account, but some will not. The bank's policy depends on the account type and the institution itself. If your bank does offer savings account checks, you can order them through your online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. The checks work the same way as checking account checks — you write the amount, sign it, and the recipient deposits or cashes it.
However, many banks discourage or restrict check writing on savings accounts because the account is designed for money you keep rather than money you spend regularly. Some banks charge a fee each time you write a check from savings, or they limit the number of checks you can write per month. A few banks do not issue checks for savings accounts at all and require you to transfer money to a checking account first if you want to write a check.
Key Takeaways
- Not all banks issue checks for savings accounts — call your bank or log into your account to find out whether yours does.
- If your bank offers savings account checks, you can order them online, by phone, or at a branch, and they usually arrive in one to two weeks.
- Some banks charge a per-check fee or limit how many checks you can write from savings each month.
- If your bank does not offer savings account checks, you can transfer money to a checking account and write a check from there instead.
How to order checks from a savings account
Start by confirming your bank offers this service. Log into your online banking account and look for a "order checks" or "check services" option, usually under account settings or services. If you do not see it, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.
If your bank does issue savings account checks, the ordering process is straightforward. You can usually order them through your online portal by selecting the account, choosing a check design, and entering the quantity you want. Some banks also let you order by phone with a representative. Checks typically arrive within one to two weeks, though expedited shipping may be available for an extra fee.
Before you order, ask whether there is a cost per check or a flat fee for the order. Some banks charge $0.50 to $1.50 per check, while others include a certain number of free checks per year. A few banks charge a flat fee of $10 to $20 for an order of 100 checks regardless of the account type.
Fees and restrictions on savings account checks
Banks often charge more for checks written from savings accounts than from checking accounts, or they restrict how many you can write. Federal law allows banks to limit certain types of withdrawals from savings accounts, and some banks use check writing as one of those restrictions. You might be limited to three to six checks per month, or you might face a fee of $1 to $3 for each check you write beyond a certain number.
Some banks do not charge per-check fees but instead charge a monthly fee if you write any checks at all from savings. Others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account tier. Read your account agreement or ask your bank directly what the rules are for your specific account.
When your bank does not offer savings account checks
If your bank will not issue checks for your savings account, you have two main options. The simplest is to transfer money from savings to a checking account and write the check from there. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts instantly or within one business day, either through online banking, an app, or by calling customer service.
The second option is to withdraw cash from the savings account and deposit it into a checking account, then write a check. This takes longer and involves more steps, but it works if you prefer not to use online transfers. You can also withdraw cash and give it directly to the person you owe money to, or use a money order or cashier's check if the recipient needs a formal payment method.
Differences between savings and checking account checks
A check written from a savings account functions identically to one written from a checking account once it is in someone else's hands. The recipient will not know or care which account type the check came from. The difference is on your end: your bank may charge more, limit how many you can write, or refuse to issue them at all.
Some banks print the account type on the check itself or in the routing number, but this does not affect how the check clears or how the recipient handles it. The main practical difference is that if you write too many checks from savings in a month, you may trigger a fee or hit a withdrawal limit, whereas checking accounts typically have no such restrictions.
How long checks take to clear from a savings account
A check written from a savings account clears on the same timeline as any other check. Once the recipient deposits or cashes it, the check goes through the banking system and the money is deducted from your account. This usually takes one to three business days, though it can take up to five business days depending on the banks involved and whether the deposit is made in person or remotely.
The time it takes for you to receive the checks you order is separate from the time it takes for a check to clear. Ordering checks takes one to two weeks for standard delivery. If you need checks urgently, some banks offer expedited shipping for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to three to five business days.
Alternatives to checks for withdrawing from savings
If your bank does not offer savings account checks or you want to avoid the fees, several other withdrawal methods are available. You can use a debit card linked to the savings account if your bank issues one, withdraw cash at an ATM or branch, or transfer money electronically to another person's account using your bank's bill pay or peer-to-peer payment service.
Many people use online payment services like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle to send money directly from a savings account without writing a check. These services are often faster and free, though they work best for payments to individuals rather than businesses. For business payments, a wire transfer or ACH transfer from your bank is more formal and leaves a clear record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check directly from my savings account?
Only if your bank offers savings account checks. Not all banks do. Contact your bank to find out whether you can order checks for your savings account, and ask about any fees or limits that apply.
Why do some banks not allow checks on savings accounts?
Federal law allows banks to limit withdrawals from savings accounts. Banks often restrict check writing to discourage people from using savings accounts like checking accounts. Checks are also expensive for banks to process, so some institutions avoid offering them on lower-fee savings products.
How much do savings account checks cost?
Costs vary by bank. Some charge $0.50 to $1.50 per check, others charge a flat fee of $10 to $20 per order, and some waive fees entirely if you meet certain balance or account tier requirements. Ask your bank for its specific pricing.
What if I need to pay someone but my bank won't issue savings checks?
Transfer money from savings to a checking account and write a check from there, or use an alternative payment method like a wire transfer, ACH transfer, cashier's check, money order, or online payment service. Most of these options are faster and cheaper than ordering checks.
Do savings account checks clear slower than checking account checks?
No. Once a check is written, it clears on the same timeline regardless of which account type it came from. Clearing typically takes one to three business days. The only difference is that your bank may charge you a fee or count it against a monthly limit.