Most online savings accounts do not come with check-writing ability
Online savings accounts are built for saving, not for spending. Banks that offer them typically do not issue checkbooks because the whole point of a savings account is to keep money separate from your everyday spending account. If you need to write checks, you will need a checking account instead — either at the same bank or somewhere else.
Some online banks do offer checking accounts alongside their savings accounts, and those checking accounts come with debit cards and check-writing privileges. But the savings account itself will not have a checkbook attached to it. The two are separate products.
Key Takeaways
- Online savings accounts do not come with checkbooks; you need a checking account to write checks.
- You can transfer money from your online savings account to a checking account and then write a check from the checking account.
- Some online banks offer both checking and savings accounts, so you can move money between them instantly.
- If your online bank does not offer checking, you can open a checking account at a different bank and transfer money there before writing checks.
- Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually take one business day or less.
How to write a check using money in your online savings account
The practical solution is to move money from savings to checking first, then write the check. If your online bank offers both products, log into your account and transfer the amount you need from savings to checking. Most banks process this transfer instantly or within one business day.
Once the money lands in your checking account, you can write a check against it. The check will clear normally, and the money will come out of your checking account balance, not your savings account.
If your online bank does not offer checking, you have two options: open a checking account at the same bank (if they offer one), or transfer the money to a checking account at a different bank. Transfers between banks take one to three business days using standard ACH transfer, so plan ahead if you need the check to clear quickly.
Why online banks do not offer check-writing on savings accounts
Federal banking rules limit how many times per month you can withdraw money from a savings account — traditionally six times, though this rule has loosened in recent years. Checks count as withdrawals. If a bank allowed unlimited check-writing on savings accounts, it would violate those withdrawal limits and face penalties.
Checking accounts have no withdrawal limit, which is why they exist as a separate product. Online banks keep savings accounts separate to protect the account type and to encourage customers to keep money there rather than spend it constantly.
Moving money between your savings and checking accounts
If you bank with an online bank that offers both checking and savings, the transfer process is straightforward. Log into your account, find the transfer or move money section, select the amount, and choose to move it from savings to checking. Most banks show the money in your checking account within hours or by the next business day.
You can set up recurring transfers if you move money regularly — for example, moving a set amount each month from savings to checking to cover bills. You can also make one-time transfers whenever you need to write a check.
If you are transferring between two different banks, use the ACH transfer option in your online banking portal. You will need to provide the other bank's routing number and your account number there. The transfer will take one to three business days.
What to do if you need to write a check immediately
If you need to write a check today and your money is in an online savings account at a bank that does not offer checking, you have limited options. You cannot write a check directly from savings, and you cannot speed up a transfer between banks beyond one business day.
Your fastest route is to open a checking account at the same online bank if they offer one — many can activate a checking account and transfer money within hours. If that is not possible, consider whether you can use a debit card, wire transfer, or ACH payment instead of a check. Many bills and payments accept these methods and they process faster.
If the check is truly necessary and urgent, you may need to visit a branch of a traditional bank and open a checking account there in person, though this defeats the purpose of banking online.
Online banks that offer both checking and savings
Several major online banks offer both checking and savings accounts as linked products. Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank all offer checking accounts that come with debit cards and check-writing ability, plus separate savings accounts. Transfers between the two are instant or same-day.
If you are choosing an online bank and you know you will need to write checks occasionally, look for one that offers both products. It makes moving money between accounts seamless and keeps everything in one place for easier management.
If you already have an online savings account at a bank that does not offer checking, you can still open a checking account elsewhere — either at another online bank or at a traditional bank. There is no rule against having accounts at multiple banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check directly from my online savings account?
No. Online savings accounts do not come with checkbooks. You will need to transfer money to a checking account first, then write the check from there.
How long does it take to transfer money from savings to checking?
If both accounts are at the same bank, the transfer usually takes a few hours to one business day. If you are transferring between different banks, it takes one to three business days using ACH transfer.
What if I write a check and the money is still in savings?
The check will bounce if there is not enough money in your checking account to cover it. You must move the money to checking before writing the check, or the check will be returned unpaid and you may face overdraft fees.
Do all online banks offer checking accounts?
No. Some online banks offer only savings accounts. Before opening an account, check whether the bank offers checking if you think you will need to write checks. You can always open a checking account at a different bank if needed.
Can I use a debit card instead of writing a check?
Yes, if the person or business accepting payment takes debit cards. Many bills, rent payments, and purchases now accept debit cards or online payments instead of checks, which may be faster than writing and mailing a check.