You can write checks from a savings account, but most banks don't offer it
Most savings accounts do not come with a checkbook. Banks issue checks through checking accounts, which are designed for frequent transactions. A savings account is built to hold money and earn interest, not to move it out regularly. If your bank does offer checks on savings, they usually charge a fee per check—sometimes $1 to $3 each—because the bank loses money on the transaction.
If you need to pay someone by check and only have a savings account, you have real options that don't require opening a new account. The fastest is to transfer money from savings to a checking account (if you have one) and write the check from there. If you don't have a checking account, you can withdraw cash and deposit it into a checking account at another bank, or use a money order instead.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks do not issue checks for savings accounts because savings accounts are meant for storing money, not making frequent payments.
- If your bank does allow checks on savings, each check typically costs $1 to $3, making it expensive for regular use.
- The simplest solution is to transfer money from savings to a checking account and write the check from there.
- Money orders are a low-cost alternative if you don't have a checking account and need to pay by check.
- Some online banks and credit unions offer savings accounts with check-writing privileges, though fees still apply.
Why banks don't offer checks on savings accounts
Checking accounts and savings accounts serve different purposes in a bank's system. A checking account is meant for frequent deposits and withdrawals—the bank expects you to move money in and out many times per month. A savings account is meant to hold money longer and earn interest. When you write a check, the bank has to process it through the Federal Reserve's check-clearing system, which costs the bank money. On a checking account, the bank makes up for this cost through monthly fees or by paying you very little interest. On a savings account, the bank is already paying you interest, so adding check-writing costs would cut into their profit.
Federal regulations also play a role. Savings accounts are classified as savings deposits under Regulation D, which historically limited how many times per month you could withdraw money (though this limit was suspended in 2020). Checks are considered withdrawals. Some banks still treat check-writing as a violation of savings account rules, even though the regulation no longer enforces it.
When banks do allow checks on savings accounts
Some banks and credit unions do offer check-writing on savings accounts, but it is not the default. Credit unions are more likely to offer this than large national banks. If your bank allows it, you will usually find out by asking a teller or checking your account agreement online. The bank will either issue you a special checkbook or let you order checks through their system.
The cost varies. Some banks charge a flat fee per check ($1 to $3), while others charge a monthly fee if you write more than a certain number of checks (for example, $5 per month if you write more than three checks). A few banks include a small number of free checks per month. Read your account agreement or call your bank to find out what applies to you.
Transfer money to a checking account instead
If you have both a savings and a checking account at the same bank, transferring money between them takes minutes and costs nothing. Log into your online banking, go to the transfer section, and move the amount you need from savings to checking. You can then write the check from your checking account. If you do this regularly, it is far cheaper than paying per check on a savings account.
If you only have a savings account and no checking account, you can open a checking account at the same bank. Most banks offer free checking with no minimum balance. Once the checking account is open, you can transfer money and write checks immediately. This is still simpler and cheaper than paying per-check fees on savings.
Use a money order if you don't have a checking account
A money order is a paper payment method that works like a check but does not require a checking account. You buy a money order at a bank, post office, grocery store, or convenience store, fill in the recipient's name and amount, and mail it or hand it over. The cost is usually $1 to $2 per money order, depending on where you buy it.
Money orders are safer than cash because they can be replaced if lost or stolen, and the recipient can verify the amount before depositing it. They work anywhere checks are accepted. The main drawback is that you have to buy them in person and fill them out by hand, which takes more time than writing a check or making an electronic transfer.
Electronic transfers and bill pay as alternatives
If you need to pay a bill or send money to someone, electronic transfer is usually faster and cheaper than any check method. Most banks offer bill pay through their online banking platform—you enter the recipient's address and the amount, and the bank mails a check or transfers the money electronically on your behalf. This works from a savings account and usually costs nothing.
For sending money to another person, you can use ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), which moves money directly from your savings account to theirs if you have their bank details. Many banks allow one or two free ACH transfers per month. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App also let you send money from a linked savings account, though they may charge a fee for instant transfers.
What to do if you need checks urgently
If you need to write a check today and don't have a checking account, a money order is your fastest option. Post offices, grocery stores, and Walmart all sell them during business hours, and you can fill one out on the spot. If the recipient needs a check specifically (not a money order), ask your bank if they can issue a cashier's check, which is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 but are may provide to clear and are accepted everywhere.
If you have time, opening a checking account is worth it. Most banks can open one online in 10 minutes, and you can order checks immediately. Checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but in the meantime you can use bill pay or electronic transfer to send money from your savings account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check directly from my savings account?
Most banks do not offer this. If your bank does, each check usually costs $1 to $3. It is cheaper to transfer money to a checking account and write from there, or to use a money order or electronic transfer instead.
What is the difference between a check and a money order?
A check is drawn on your bank account and can bounce if you don't have enough money. A money order is prepaid—you hand over cash to buy it, so it is may provide to clear. Money orders cost $1 to $2 and work anywhere checks are accepted.
Can I use bill pay from my savings account?
Yes. Most banks let you set up bill pay from any account type, including savings. The bank mails a check or transfers money on your behalf, usually at no cost. This is often faster and cheaper than writing checks yourself.
How long does it take to open a checking account?
Most banks can open a checking account online in 10 to 15 minutes. You will need an ID and Social Security number. Checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use bill pay or transfers immediately while you wait.
Do credit unions offer checks on savings accounts?
Credit unions are more likely than banks to offer check-writing on savings accounts, though it is not may provide. Call your credit union or check your account agreement to find out. Fees still apply if they do offer it.