Yes, you can get a certified check from your savings account
A certified check is a check drawn on your account that the bank has verified and may provide to clear. The bank sets aside the funds when you request it, then stamps the check to confirm the money is there. You can request one from your savings account at most banks, though the process and fees vary by institution.
The bank does not mail the certified check to you — you pick it up in person or have it mailed to you, depending on your bank's policy. Some banks print them on the spot; others take a day or two. You will need to bring your ID and have enough money in the account to cover the check amount plus any fee.
Key Takeaways
- You request a certified check at your bank's branch, and the bank verifies the funds are available before issuing it.
- Most banks charge a fee between $5 and $15 per certified check, though some waive the fee for certain account types.
- The bank holds the money in your account until the check clears, which can take several business days after the recipient deposits it.
- You must have a valid ID and enough funds in your savings account to cover both the check amount and any fee.
- If your bank does not offer certified checks, a cashier's check from the same bank is usually an acceptable alternative.
How to request a certified check at your bank
Visit your bank branch in person with your ID and the account information. Tell the teller you want a certified check and provide the exact amount and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. The teller will verify that your savings account has enough money to cover the amount plus any fee.
Some banks will print the certified check immediately while you wait. Others may ask you to come back the next business day. A few banks allow you to request a certified check by phone or online, but you will still need to pick it up in person or arrange for it to be mailed to you. Ask your bank about its specific process when you call or visit.
Fees and what they cover
Banks typically charge between $5 and $15 per certified check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance in your account or have a premium account type. A few banks charge no fee at all. Call your bank or check your account agreement to find out what you will pay.
The fee is deducted from your savings account when you request the check, not when it clears. The bank also holds the full check amount in your account until the recipient deposits it and it clears — usually three to five business days. During that time, the money is not available for you to spend, even though it is still technically in your account.
When the bank holds the money
Once you receive a certified check, the bank freezes that amount in your savings account. If you write a certified check for $500, you cannot spend that $500 until the recipient deposits and clears the check. This is different from a regular check, where the money stays available in your account until the check actually clears.
The hold typically lasts three to five business days after the recipient deposits the check. If the recipient does not deposit the check right away, the hold remains in place. If you need the money back before the check clears, you can ask the recipient to return the check to you, and the bank will release the hold once you bring the uncashed check back to the branch.
Certified checks versus cashier's checks
A cashier's check is similar to a certified check but is drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours. The bank guarantees it with its own funds instead of yours. Both are considered very secure because the bank stands behind them, but they work slightly differently.
With a certified check, the bank verifies your funds and holds them. With a cashier's check, you give the bank cash or authorize a transfer, and the bank issues its own check. Cashier's checks are often preferred for large transactions because the recipient knows the bank itself is responsible. If your bank does not offer certified checks, ask whether they offer cashier's checks instead — most do.
What to do if your bank does not offer certified checks
Not all banks offer certified checks, especially smaller banks or online-only banks. If yours does not, you have two options: request a cashier's check instead, or visit a different bank where you have an account.
If you do not have an account at another bank, a cashier's check from your own bank is usually the better choice. It serves the same purpose — it is a bank-may provide check that the recipient can trust — and most people and businesses accept it without question. Ask your bank which option they recommend for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a certified check?
Many banks print certified checks on the spot while you wait. Others take one business day. A few may take longer if they are processing a high volume of requests. Call your bank branch before you visit to ask how long they typically take.
Can I get a certified check mailed to me instead of picking it up?
Some banks will mail a certified check to you, but most require you to pick it up in person for security reasons. Ask your bank about their mailing policy. If they do mail it, the check will be sent to the address on file for your account.
What happens if the certified check is lost or stolen?
Contact your bank immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents it from being cashed. You may need to sign a declaration stating the check was lost or stolen. Once the stop payment is in place, the bank will release the hold on your funds and can issue a replacement check.
Can I cancel a certified check after I receive it?
Yes, but only if the check has not been deposited. Bring the uncashed check back to your bank and ask them to cancel it. The bank will release the hold on your funds and may refund the fee, depending on their policy. Once the check is deposited, you cannot cancel it.
Do I need a minimum balance to get a certified check?
You need enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus any fee. Some banks also require a minimum account balance to waive the certified check fee, but you can still request a certified check even if your balance is below that threshold — you will just pay the fee.