Most savings accounts don't come with checks, but you have options
A standard savings account at a bank or credit union does not include a checkbook. Savings accounts are designed for money you keep rather than spend regularly, and checks would work against that purpose. However, you can write checks against your savings in a few ways: by opening a checking account at the same bank, by using a money market account that offers check-writing, or by transferring money to a checking account before you need to write a check.
The simplest path is usually to open a checking account alongside your savings account. Most banks let you do this in one visit or online application, and you'll get checks within 7 to 10 business days. If you want to keep your savings separate but still write occasional checks, a money market account may work—these accounts pay interest like savings accounts but include check-writing privileges, though usually with a limit on how many checks you can write per month.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts do not come with checks because they are meant for money you hold rather than spend regularly.
- Opening a checking account at your bank is the fastest way to get checks, usually taking 7 to 10 business days from approval.
- Money market accounts offer check-writing and interest earnings, but most banks limit you to three to six checks per month.
- You can transfer money from savings to checking before writing a check if you want to keep the accounts separate.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for checking accounts, while others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening a checking account to write checks
If you already have a savings account, opening a checking account at the same bank takes minutes. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. The bank will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and either approve you immediately or within one business day. Once approved, the bank will mail checks to you, which typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Some banks charge a monthly fee for checking accounts, ranging from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and account type. Others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Ask your bank about fee waivers before you open the account—many banks advertise "no-fee" checking if you meet one simple requirement.
Once your checks arrive, you can start writing them immediately. Your bank will provide you with a routing number and account number printed on each check. If you need checks before they arrive by mail, some banks offer temporary checks or let you print checks from your computer using their online banking system.
Money market accounts with check-writing privileges
A money market account is a hybrid between a savings account and a checking account. It pays interest on your balance like a savings account, but it also allows you to write checks. The trade-off is that most banks limit you to three to six checks per month, and some charge a fee if you exceed that limit.
Money market accounts typically require a higher minimum balance than savings accounts—often $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the bank. In return, they usually pay a higher interest rate. If you write checks only occasionally and want your money to earn interest, this can be a good middle ground. However, if you need to write more than a few checks per month, a standard checking account is more practical.
When you open a money market account, ask the bank how many checks per month are included and what happens if you exceed that number. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per excess check, while others simply decline the check or transfer funds from another account to cover it.
Transferring money from savings to checking before writing checks
If you want to keep your savings and checking accounts completely separate, you can transfer money from savings to checking whenever you need to write a check. This takes one to three business days through a standard transfer, though most banks also offer same-day transfers for a small fee or no fee at all.
This approach works well if you write checks rarely and want to minimize the temptation to spend from your savings. You keep most of your money in the savings account earning interest, and you move only what you need to checking when a check is due. The downside is that you have to plan ahead—if you need to write a check today, a standard transfer won't arrive until tomorrow or the day after.
To set up transfers, log into your bank's online banking system or call the bank. Most banks let you schedule recurring transfers (for example, $500 to checking on the first of each month) or make one-time transfers on demand. Check whether your bank charges a fee for transfers—most do not, but some older accounts or smaller banks may charge $1 to $3 per transfer.
Getting checks faster if you can't wait for mail delivery
Standard checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days, but you have faster options if you need to write a check sooner. Many banks offer temporary checks—usually a pad of five to ten checks printed on plain paper with your account information—that you can use immediately while you wait for official checks to arrive. Ask your bank for temporary checks when you open your account.
Some banks also let you print checks from your computer using their online banking system. You buy blank check stock (available at office supply stores for $15 to $30 per box of 200), download the template from your bank's website, and print checks yourself. These are legal and work just like regular checks, though some businesses or individuals may be hesitant to accept them.
A third option is to visit a bank branch and ask for a cashier's check or money order instead of a personal check. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank and clears faster, though it costs $5 to $15 per check. This works well for one-time large payments, like a security deposit or down payment, but is too expensive for regular bill-paying.
Fees and requirements to know before you open an account
Before you open a checking account or money market account, ask your bank about these costs and rules. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and account type. Overdraft fees (charged when you write a check for more than you have) typically run $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks charge a fee if your balance drops below a minimum, usually $5 to $10 per month.
Ask whether the bank waives any fees if you meet certain conditions. Common fee waivers include: direct deposit of at least $500 per month, maintaining a minimum balance of $500 to $2,500, or keeping a linked savings account open. Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, though they may not offer check-writing through a physical branch.
Also ask about the bank's overdraft protection policy. Some banks automatically transfer money from your savings account to cover a check if your checking account doesn't have enough funds. Others decline the check and charge a fee. Knowing this in advance helps you avoid surprises.
Checks from credit unions instead of banks
If you belong to a credit union, you can open a checking account there just as you would at a bank. Credit unions typically charge lower fees than banks—many offer free checking with no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fee. Checks usually arrive in the same 7 to 10 business days, and credit unions often waive overdraft fees for members in good standing.
Credit union checking accounts work the same way as bank checking accounts: you write checks, the recipient deposits them, and the money clears from your account. The main difference is that credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, so they often prioritize lower fees and better customer service over profit margins.
If you don't currently belong to a credit union, you can search for one in your area using the CO-OP network locator or Alliant Credit Union's branch locator. Some credit unions have open membership (anyone can join), while others require you to work in a certain industry, live in a certain area, or be related to a current member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write checks directly from my savings account?
No, standard savings accounts do not come with checks. You need a checking account, money market account, or similar account that offers check-writing. If you need to write a check, open a checking account at your bank or transfer money to an existing checking account first.
How long does it take to get checks after I open a checking account?
Checks usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your account is approved. If you need to write a check sooner, ask your bank for temporary checks, which you can use immediately while you wait for official checks to arrive by mail.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee for a checking account?
Many banks charge $5 to $15 per month for checking accounts, but many also waive the fee if you meet one condition—such as setting up direct deposit, maintaining a minimum balance, or keeping a linked savings account. Online banks and credit unions often offer free checking with no strings attached.
What's the difference between a money market account and a checking account?
A money market account pays interest like a savings account but allows check-writing, usually limited to three to six checks per month. A checking account is designed for frequent transactions and typically pays little or no interest. Choose a money market account if you write checks rarely and want to earn interest; choose checking if you write checks often.
Can I print checks from my computer instead of ordering them from the bank?
Yes, many banks allow you to print checks using their online banking system. You buy blank check stock from an office supply store and download the template from your bank's website. These checks are legal and work like regular checks, though some people may be unfamiliar with them.