Yes, but your bank has to allow it first
You can write a check from a savings account, but only if your bank offers check-writing privileges on that account. Most banks do not. A standard savings account is designed for deposits and withdrawals at an ATM or teller window, not for check payments. Before you write a check, call your bank or log into your online account to confirm whether checks are available on your specific savings account.
If your bank does not offer checks on savings accounts, you have two immediate options: transfer money to a checking account and write the check from there, or ask the bank to issue a cashier's check or money order on your behalf. Both take a few minutes and cost nothing or a small fee.
Key Takeaways
- Most savings accounts do not come with check-writing privileges, so you must verify with your bank before writing a check.
- If your savings account does not support checks, you can transfer funds to a checking account or request a cashier's check from the bank.
- Some banks charge a fee for cashier's checks or money orders, typically between $5 and $15.
- If you write a check on an account that does not support it, the check will bounce and you may face overdraft fees or NSF (non-sufficient funds) charges.
How to learn about your savings account can issue checks
The fastest way is to log into your online banking portal and look for a "checks" or "check ordering" section. If you see that option, your account supports checks. If not, it does not.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask directly: "Does my savings account come with check-writing privileges?" Have your account number ready. The representative will tell you yes or no in under a minute. If the answer is no, ask whether you can add check-writing to the account or whether you need to open a checking account instead.
Ordering checks if your account supports them
If your bank confirms that checks are available, you will need to order them. Most banks let you order checks through their website, by phone, or at a branch. The bank will ask for your account number and mailing address. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 14 business days, though some banks offer rush delivery for an extra fee.
Until your checks arrive, you cannot write one. If you need to make a payment before the checks come in, use the transfer or cashier's check option instead.
Using a cashier's check or money order instead
A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself, not by you, so the recipient knows the funds are may provide. You walk into a branch or call the bank, provide the payee's name and the amount, and the bank prints the check on the spot. Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. The check is ready immediately or within a few hours.
A money order is similar but issued by a third party like Western Union or MoneyGram, available at post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Money orders cost $1 to $5 and are ready instantly. Both are safer than personal checks because they cannot bounce.
What happens if you write a check your account cannot support
If you write a check on a savings account that does not have check-writing privileges, the check will be rejected when the recipient tries to deposit it. The bank will mark it as "not authorized" or "account does not support checks," and the check will bounce back to the recipient.
You will face consequences: the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee (often $25 to $35), your bank may charge you an NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee (typically $25 to $40), and the recipient may refuse to do business with you in the future. If this happens, contact your bank immediately and ask about your options, which may include issuing a cashier's check to cover the original amount plus fees.
Transferring money to a checking account as an alternative
If you have both a savings and a checking account at the same bank, you can transfer money from savings to checking in seconds through online banking or a mobile app. Once the money is in your checking account, you can write a check immediately. This is the fastest option if you already have a checking account set up.
If you do not have a checking account, you can open one at your bank in person or online. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, typically $25 to $100, which you can transfer from your savings account.
Banks that do offer checks on savings accounts
Some online banks and credit unions do offer check-writing on savings accounts, though this is uncommon. Charles Schwab Bank, for example, offers checks on its savings accounts. If you are considering switching banks or opening a new account, you can ask about this feature during the account-opening process.
Most traditional banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank) do not offer checks on savings accounts. They separate checking and savings by design, so confirm the policy before opening an account if check-writing on savings is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check from my savings account if I have enough money?
Having enough money is not the issue—the issue is whether your bank allows checks on that account type. Even with a full balance, the check will bounce if the account does not support check-writing. Call your bank to confirm the account feature first.
How long does it take to get checks printed?
Standard checks take 7 to 14 business days to arrive by mail. Many banks offer expedited delivery for $15 to $25 extra, which can cut the time to 3 to 5 business days. If you need a check immediately, request a cashier's check from the bank instead.
What is the difference between a cashier's check and a personal check?
A cashier's check is issued and may provide by the bank, so it cannot bounce. A personal check is issued by you and can bounce if funds are insufficient. Cashier's checks cost $5 to $15 and are ready the same day. Personal checks are free (or low-cost) but take time to order and can fail if the account does not support them.
Can I write a check to myself from my savings account?
If your savings account does not support checks, no. If it does, yes—write the check to your own name and deposit it into another account. However, this is slower than a direct transfer. Use an online transfer instead if both accounts are at the same bank.
What should I do if a check I wrote bounced?
Contact the recipient immediately and explain the situation. Offer to send a cashier's check or money order for the original amount plus any fees they were charged. Contact your bank to understand what fees you owe and ask whether they can reverse them if this is your first incident.