Yes, you can order checks from most savings accounts, but not all banks offer them
Most banks that hold savings accounts will print and mail you checks if you ask, but some do not. Online banks and credit unions are more likely to decline checks on savings accounts because they want to keep those accounts for deposits and withdrawals only. Your bank may charge a fee to order checks on a savings account — typically $10 to $25 per box — whereas checking account checks are often free or cheaper.
The reason banks sometimes push back is that savings accounts are meant to discourage frequent spending. Checks make it too easy to treat a savings account like a checking account. If your bank refuses to issue checks on your savings account, you have two options: open a checking account instead, or transfer money to an existing checking account and write checks from there.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask whether they will print checks for your savings account, since policies vary by institution.
- Expect to pay a fee of $10 to $25 per box of checks on a savings account, and the order may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
- If your bank refuses to issue checks on savings, you can transfer money to a checking account and write checks from there instead.
- Some online banks do not offer checks on any account type, so read your account agreement or contact support before ordering.
How to order checks on your savings account
Contact your bank directly — by phone, in person, or through your online banking portal — and ask whether they offer checks for savings accounts. If they do, they will walk you through the ordering process. Most banks let you order checks through their website or mobile app by selecting the account, choosing a check design, and paying the fee. Some banks still require you to call or visit a branch.
The order typically takes seven to fourteen business days to arrive by mail. If you need checks sooner, ask whether your bank offers rush printing, which may cost extra but can cut the wait to three to five business days. A few banks will print a small number of temporary checks at a branch while you wait for the full order.
Banks that do not offer checks on savings accounts
Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover often refuse to print checks on savings accounts because they operate without physical branches and want to keep savings accounts separate from spending. Credit unions vary — some will print checks on savings, others will not. Regional and national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo usually allow checks on savings, though they may charge a fee.
Before you open a savings account, check the bank's website or call to confirm their check policy if this matters to you. If you discover after opening that your bank will not print checks, you do not have to close the account — simply transfer your money to a checking account at the same bank or elsewhere and write checks from there.
What happens when you write a check from your savings account
When you write a check on a savings account, the money comes directly from that account's balance, just as it would from a checking account. The check clears through the same banking system, and the recipient deposits it the same way. From the recipient's perspective, there is no difference between a check drawn on savings and one drawn on checking.
The only practical difference is that some banks limit how many withdrawals you can make from a savings account per month — historically six, though this rule is less common now. Writing a check counts as a withdrawal. If your bank enforces this limit and you exceed it, you may face a fee. Check your account agreement or ask your bank whether this limit applies to your account.
Fees and costs to expect
A box of checks typically contains 50 checks and costs $10 to $25 when ordered on a savings account. Some banks charge per check rather than per box — usually $0.25 to $0.50 per check. Checking account checks are often free or cost $5 to $10 per box, so you may save money by opening a checking account if you plan to write many checks.
Rush printing, if available, adds $5 to $15 to the order. Reordering checks is usually cheaper than the first order because you do not pay a setup fee. If you order checks through a third-party printer instead of your bank, prices may be lower, but confirm with your bank first that they will accept checks not printed by the bank itself — most do, but some do not.
Alternatives if your bank will not print checks
If your bank refuses to issue checks on your savings account, transfer money to a checking account — either at the same bank or at a different one — and write checks from there. This takes a few minutes online or at a branch and costs nothing. You can set up a transfer to happen automatically whenever you need to move money from savings to checking.
Another option is to use a money order instead of a check. You can buy a money order at most banks, post offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies for $1 to $5. Money orders work like checks but do not draw directly from your account — you pay cash upfront. This is useful if you want to keep your savings account number private or if you need to send money to someone who will not take a personal check.
Third-party check printing services
Companies like Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and online printers such as Vistaprint and Deluxe print personal checks at lower prices than many banks — sometimes $5 to $10 per box. These checks work on any account, including savings, as long as your bank accepts them. Most banks do accept third-party checks, but call your bank to confirm before ordering.
The trade-off is that third-party checks take longer to arrive — usually two to three weeks — and you have to enter your account information yourself, which carries a small risk of error. If you make a mistake on the order, reprinting costs extra. For most people, ordering through the bank is simpler, even if it costs a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will writing checks on my savings account hurt my savings?
No, writing checks does not hurt your savings. The money still comes from your account and earns interest on the remaining balance. The only downside is that frequent withdrawals may trigger fees if your bank enforces a monthly withdrawal limit, though most banks no longer do this.
Can I order checks online for my savings account?
Most banks let you order checks through their website or mobile app. Log in, go to the account settings or services section, and look for "order checks" or "reorder checks". If you do not see this option, call your bank — they may require you to order by phone or in person.
How long do checks take to arrive?
Standard check orders take seven to fourteen business days by mail. Rush printing, if your bank offers it, can reduce this to three to five business days for an extra fee. Temporary checks printed at a branch are available immediately but usually limited to a small number.
What if I write a check and do not have enough money in my savings account?
The check will bounce, and you will face a returned-check fee from your bank — typically $25 to $35. The recipient may also charge you a fee. Make sure your account has enough money before writing a check, or transfer money from another account first.
Can I use checks from a different bank on my savings account?
Yes, you can use checks printed by a third-party printer or even an old checkbook from a different bank, as long as you fill in your current account number and routing number. However, this is risky because it is easy to make mistakes. It is safer to order checks from your current bank.