Most savings accounts do not come with checks, but some banks offer them as an optional add-on
The short answer: no, standard savings accounts do not include a checkbook. Banks issue checks primarily with checking accounts, which are designed for frequent transactions. Savings accounts are built to hold money and earn interest, not to move it in and out constantly.
That said, a few banks do offer checks on savings accounts if you request them. This is rare and usually costs extra. More commonly, if you need to write checks regularly, you would open a checking account alongside your savings account at the same bank.
Some savings account holders use other methods to move money without checks — debit cards, transfers, or withdrawals at the teller window. The method you choose depends on how often you need to access the money and what your bank offers.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts are not designed for check writing; checking accounts are the standard product for that purpose.
- A small number of banks will issue checks on a savings account if you ask, but this usually involves a fee or a higher account tier.
- Most people who need checks open a checking account, which often comes with a debit card and online transfer options as well.
- You can move money from savings to checking in minutes through online banking, then write a check from the checking account.
- If you rarely need checks, a debit card or bank transfer may be faster and cheaper than maintaining a separate checking account.
Why savings accounts typically do not include checks
Banks restrict checks to checking accounts because of how savings accounts are regulated. The Federal Reserve limits the number of certain types of withdrawals from savings accounts to six per month. Checks count as withdrawals under this rule, so allowing unlimited check writing would violate the regulation.
Savings accounts also earn interest, and the bank counts on keeping that money in the account longer. Checks encourage frequent withdrawals, which works against the bank's interest in maintaining a stable balance. Checking accounts, by contrast, earn little or no interest and are built for movement.
From a practical standpoint, checks are also expensive for banks to process. They require printing, sorting, and clearing through the Federal Reserve system. Savings accounts are meant to be low-maintenance, so banks do not want to absorb those costs on a product designed for holding money.
Banks that do offer checks on savings accounts
Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, will print checks for a savings account if you request them. This is not a standard feature — you have to ask, and there is usually a cost involved.
When checks are available, they may come with restrictions. The bank might limit you to a certain number of checks per month, charge a per-check fee, or require a higher minimum balance. Some banks offer checks only on premium or high-yield savings accounts, which have higher opening balances or monthly fees.
Before opening a savings account, check the bank's website or call and ask whether checks are available and what the cost is. This matters only if check writing is something you actually need to do regularly.
How to write checks if your savings account does not offer them
The simplest solution is to open a checking account at the same bank. Most banks let you link a checking and savings account together, so you can transfer money between them instantly through online banking or a mobile app. You write the check from the checking account and keep your savings in the savings account.
This setup also gives you a debit card, which works for most purchases and withdrawals without needing a check at all. Many people find they rarely write checks anymore because debit cards and online bill pay handle most transactions.
If you do not want to open a checking account, you can withdraw cash from your savings account at the teller window or ATM and pay in cash. You can also use your bank's bill pay feature to send money directly to a company without writing a check. Both options avoid the need for checks entirely.
The cost of checks on a savings account versus a checking account
If a bank does offer checks on a savings account, the cost varies. Some charge a flat monthly fee ($5 to $15) for the privilege. Others charge per check ($0.50 to $2 per check). A few banks include a small number of free checks per month and charge for anything beyond that.
A checking account with checks included is usually free or costs $5 to $10 per month, depending on the bank and whether you meet requirements like a minimum balance or direct deposit. Many banks waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain balance or set up automatic deposits.
If you write only a few checks per year, paying per check on a savings account might be cheaper than maintaining a checking account. If you write more than 10 checks per month, a checking account is almost always the better deal.
Online banks and savings accounts without check options
Online banks — those without physical branches — rarely offer checks on any account, including savings. They focus on lower fees and higher interest rates by cutting costs, and printing checks is one of the first things they eliminate.
If you bank online and need to write a check, you have a few options. You can transfer money to a checking account at a traditional bank and write from there. You can use a service like PayPal or Square Cash to send money to someone, which works for many situations where you would otherwise write a check. You can also ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept bank transfers or online payment instead.
Some online banks partner with traditional banks to offer checking accounts, so you can open both at the same company even if the online bank does not have branches. Check the bank's website to see what options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write checks directly from my savings account if the bank offers them?
Yes, if your bank prints checks for your savings account, you write them the same way you would from a checking account. The check draws directly from your savings balance. However, remember that your bank may limit how many checks you can write per month or charge a fee for each one.
What happens if I write a check on a savings account that does not support checks?
The check will bounce or be rejected. Your bank will not process it, and you may face a returned-check fee. The person or business you were trying to pay will also be notified that the check failed. Do not attempt to write checks on a savings account unless your bank has explicitly told you it is allowed.
Is it better to have a checking account or use checks on a savings account?
A checking account is almost always the better choice if you write checks regularly. Checking accounts are designed for this purpose, have no withdrawal limits, and usually cost less than paying per check on a savings account. A savings account with checks is only worth it if you write very few checks and want to keep everything in one account.
Can I transfer money from savings to checking and then write a check?
Yes, and this is how most people handle it. You transfer money from savings to checking through online banking (usually instant), then write the check from the checking account. This keeps your savings separate and lets you earn interest on the balance you are not spending.
Do I need checks if I have a debit card?
Most people do not. A debit card works for shopping, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals. For bills, you can use your bank's bill pay feature or pay online directly. Checks are mainly useful for paying people who do not take cards or transfers, or for situations where you need a paper record of payment.