Most banks will not let you write checks directly from a savings account
A savings account is designed to hold money you are not spending regularly, and checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions. Banks separate these two account types partly for this reason — checking accounts come with check-writing privileges built in, while savings accounts typically do not. If you try to write a check against a savings account, the bank will usually reject it or return it marked "account does not accept checks."
This is a hard rule at most major banks and credit unions. Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, and most regional banks do not issue checks for savings accounts. The restriction exists because savings accounts have different fee structures, interest rates, and regulatory requirements than checking accounts. Writing checks would turn a savings account into a checking account in practice, which would change how the bank manages it.
However, there are a few workarounds if you need to move money from savings to pay someone by check. The fastest and most direct method is to transfer funds from your savings account to your checking account, then write the check from the checking account. This usually takes minutes if both accounts are at the same bank.
Key Takeaways
- Banks do not issue checks for savings accounts because savings and checking accounts have different purposes and fee structures.
- The simplest solution is to transfer money from savings to checking within your bank, then write the check from checking.
- If you do not have a checking account, you can open one at the same bank, often with no minimum balance requirement.
- Some online banks and credit unions offer hybrid accounts that combine savings and checking features, though check-writing is still not standard on the savings portion.
- If you need to pay someone immediately and cannot transfer funds, a cashier's check or money order drawn on your savings account may be an option.
How to transfer money from savings to checking to write a check
The standard path is to move the money yourself before writing the check. Log into your bank's website or mobile app, find the transfer option, and move the amount you need from savings to checking. Most banks process this transfer instantly if both accounts are at the same institution. You can then write the check from your checking account as normal.
If you bank online only, the transfer takes the same few minutes. If you prefer to do this in person, visit a branch with your account information or ID, tell the teller you want to transfer funds from savings to checking, and they will process it on the spot. You can then write the check immediately or wait until you get home.
Some banks limit how many times per month you can transfer money out of a savings account — this rule comes from federal regulations, though many banks have relaxed it in recent years. Check your account terms or call your bank to confirm whether you have any transfer limits before you move the money.
What to do if you do not have a checking account
If you only have a savings account and no checking account, you have two options. The first is to open a checking account at your bank. Most banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and you can open one online or at a branch in minutes. Once it is open, transfer money from savings to checking and write your check.
The second option is to ask your bank whether they offer a money market account or a hybrid savings-checking product that allows check-writing. Some banks and credit unions do offer these, though they are less common than traditional savings accounts. Money market accounts typically require a higher minimum balance and may limit the number of checks you can write per month, but they do allow check-writing directly.
Opening a checking account is usually faster and simpler than finding a money market account. Most banks have no fees, no minimum balance, and no monthly maintenance charges on basic checking accounts, so there is no downside to opening one alongside your savings account.
Using a cashier's check or money order instead
If you need to send a check immediately and cannot transfer funds or open a checking account in time, you can request a cashier's check from your bank. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, but the bank pulls the money from your savings account when you request it. You can order a cashier's check at a branch or sometimes online, and the bank will issue it within minutes to a few hours.
Cashier's checks cost money — usually between $5 and $15 per check, depending on your bank. They are more secure than personal checks because they are may provide by the bank, so recipients often prefer them for large payments or when they do not know you. If you only need to send a check once or twice, a cashier's check may be worth the fee.
A money order is another option, though it works differently. You buy a money order at a post office, grocery store, or convenience store using cash or a debit card, and the money order is drawn on that issuer, not your bank. Money orders also cost a few dollars and are useful if you need to send money without revealing your bank account number, but they are slower than a cashier's check because you have to go to a physical location to buy one.
Why banks separate savings and checking accounts
The reason banks do not allow check-writing on savings accounts comes down to regulation and account design. Federal rules historically limited how many times per month you could withdraw money from a savings account — the idea was to encourage you to save rather than spend. Checking accounts had no such limits because they were meant for frequent transactions. Allowing checks on savings accounts would blur this line.
Banks also use different fee structures for savings and checking. Savings accounts often pay interest, while checking accounts typically do not. If you could write unlimited checks from a savings account, the bank would have to reclassify it as a checking account for regulatory purposes, which would change its interest rate and fee structure.
This separation also protects you in some cases. If your checking account is compromised or overdrawn, your savings account remains separate and untouched. Keeping the two accounts distinct adds a layer of security to your savings.
Online banks and their check-writing policies
Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover typically do not issue checks for savings accounts either, even though they operate entirely online. The restriction is the same as at traditional banks — savings accounts are not designed for check-writing. However, many online banks do offer checking accounts alongside savings accounts, and you can transfer between them just as you would at a brick-and-mortar bank.
Some online banks take longer to process transfers between their own accounts — a few hours instead of minutes — so plan ahead if you need to write a check. Check your bank's website for transfer timing before you move the money. If the transfer takes too long, a cashier's check or money order may be faster, though you may have to go to a physical location to get one.
A few online banks offer sweep accounts or linked accounts that combine features of savings and checking, but even these do not typically allow check-writing on the savings portion. The checking portion works like any other checking account and accepts checks.
What happens if you try to write a check from a savings account
If you write a check against a savings account, one of three things will happen. The bank may reject the check outright and return it to the recipient marked "account does not accept checks." The recipient will then contact you to let you know the check bounced, and you will need to find another way to pay them.
Alternatively, the bank may treat the check as a withdrawal request and pull the money from your savings account if you have enough to cover it. This is less common but does happen at some banks and credit unions. If this occurs, the check will clear, but you may be charged a fee for an unusual transaction or for exceeding your monthly withdrawal limit.
The third possibility is that the check will bounce if you do not have enough money in the account, and you will be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee — usually $25 to $35. The recipient will also be charged a fee by their bank for depositing a bad check, and they may refuse to do business with you again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check if I have both a savings and checking account at the same bank?
Yes. Write checks only from your checking account. If you need more money than is in checking, transfer it from savings to checking first, then write the check. The transfer takes minutes and is free.
Do credit unions allow checks on savings accounts?
Most credit unions follow the same rule as banks — savings accounts do not accept checks. However, some credit unions offer share draft accounts, which are similar to checking accounts and do accept checks. Ask your credit union whether they offer this product.
What is the fastest way to get money from savings if I need to pay someone by check?
Transfer the money from savings to checking online or at a branch — this takes minutes at most banks. Then write the check from checking. If you cannot transfer in time, order a cashier's check from your bank, which usually takes a few hours.
Will I be charged a fee if I transfer money from savings to checking?
No. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank are free. Some banks limit how many transfers you can make per month, but there is no charge for each transfer.
Can I write a check from a money market account?
Some money market accounts allow check-writing, but not all. Check your account agreement or call your bank to confirm. Money market accounts that do allow checks usually limit you to a certain number per month.