You can write a check from a savings account, but your bank has to allow it
Most savings accounts do not come with a checkbook by default. Your bank will issue one only if you request it, and some banks charge a fee for the service or do not offer it at all. Before you ask for checks, call your bank or log into your account online to confirm that check-writing is available on your savings account and whether there are any costs involved.
Once you have checks, writing one from savings works exactly like writing from a checking account. You fill in the date, the payee name, the dollar amount in both numbers and words, sign it, and hand it over. The money comes out of your savings account balance when the check clears, which typically takes one to three business days after the recipient deposits it.
The main difference between a savings check and a checking account check is that some banks limit how many checks you can write per month from savings. Federal rules once capped withdrawals at six per month, but that limit was suspended in 2020 and has not been reinstated. Still, individual banks may set their own limits, so check your account terms or ask your bank directly.
Key Takeaways
- You must request a checkbook from your bank; most savings accounts do not include one automatically.
- Some banks charge a fee for checks on savings accounts or do not offer the service at all.
- Writing a check from savings follows the same process as writing from checking: date, payee, amount, and signature.
- The money leaves your savings account when the check clears, which usually takes one to three business days.
- Your bank may limit the number of checks you can write per month, so confirm the rules before you order.
How to order checks for your savings account
Contact your bank through the method that works best for you: call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal and look for a "order checks" or "check services" option. Some banks let you order directly through their website; others require a phone call or in-person visit.
When you order, tell the bank you want checks for your savings account, not your checking account. This matters because the routing and account numbers printed on the checks must match your savings account. If you order by phone or online, the bank will confirm your mailing address and ask how many checks you want (usually sold in packs of 25, 50, or 100). Delivery takes one to two weeks in most cases.
If your bank charges a fee for checks on savings accounts, ask about it before you order. Some banks charge $10 to $25 per pack. Others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account tier. A few banks do not offer checks on savings at all, in which case you would need to transfer money to a checking account to write a check.
Writing the check correctly
Fill in the check in this order: date in the top right corner, payee name on the "Pay to the Order of" line, dollar amount in the box on the right side, the amount written out in words on the line below the payee, and your signature on the bottom right. The written-out amount should match the number amount; if they do not match, the bank may reject the check or process it for the written amount instead.
Do not post-date a check (write a future date) unless you have a specific reason and you know the recipient will not deposit it early. Many banks now process checks immediately regardless of the date, so a post-dated check may clear before you expect it. If you need to delay a payment, a better option is to wait and write the check closer to the date you want it to clear.
Write clearly in pen, not pencil. Do not use white-out or cross out mistakes; if you make an error, tear up the check and write a new one. Sign your name exactly as it appears on your account. If the signature does not match the bank's records, the recipient's bank may reject the check.
What happens after you hand over the check
The person or business you give the check to will deposit or cash it at their bank. Their bank then sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to your bank. Your bank verifies that your account has enough money to cover it, deducts the amount from your savings balance, and marks the check as cleared. This whole process usually takes one to three business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks involved.
Until the check clears, the money is still technically in your account, but many banks place a hold on the amount so you cannot spend it twice. Check your account online or by phone to see whether the check has cleared. Once it does, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed unless you contact your bank about a dispute.
Fees and limits to know about
Beyond the cost of ordering checks, your bank may charge you for each check you write from savings. This is rare but does happen at some institutions. Ask your bank whether there is a per-check fee before you start writing them regularly.
Some banks also charge a fee if a check bounces—that is, if you do not have enough money in your account when it clears. A bounced check fee typically ranges from $25 to $35. To avoid this, keep track of your balance and make sure you have enough to cover every check you write, accounting for the one to three days it takes to clear.
If you write a lot of checks, a checking account may be more practical than a savings account. Checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions and usually come with a free checkbook. Savings accounts are meant for money you are setting aside and not touching regularly, so check-writing is an add-on service rather than the main feature.
Alternatives if your bank does not offer checks on savings
If your bank will not issue checks for your savings account, you have a few options. The simplest is to transfer money from savings to a checking account and write the check from there. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts instantly or within one business day, and the transfer is usually free.
Another option is to use a cashier's check or money order instead. You can get a cashier's check from your bank by going to a branch and providing the payee name and amount; the bank writes the check on its own account, which is more secure than a personal check. A money order works similarly and is available at post offices, grocery stores, and other retailers. Both cost a few dollars but are safer than personal checks for large payments.
If you need to pay someone regularly, set up automatic transfers or bill pay through your bank's online portal instead of writing checks. This is faster, leaves a clear record, and does not require you to order checks at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check from savings if I do not have a checkbook yet?
No. You need a physical check printed with your savings account number and routing number. You cannot write a check on a blank piece of paper or use a check from another account. Contact your bank to order checks before you need them, since delivery takes one to two weeks.
What if the check amount does not match the written-out words?
The bank may process it for the written amount instead of the number amount, or it may reject the check entirely. To avoid confusion, make sure both amounts match exactly. If you make a mistake, tear up the check and write a new one rather than using white-out or crossing out.
How long does it take for a check to clear from my savings account?
Usually one to three business days. The exact timing depends on when the recipient deposits it, their bank's processing speed, and your bank's clearing procedures. You can check your account online to see when the check clears and the money leaves your balance.
Will writing checks from savings affect my interest earnings?
No. Interest is calculated on your average daily balance, and the money stays in your account until the check clears. Once it clears, the lower balance will earn less interest going forward, but the act of writing the check itself does not change how interest is calculated.
Is it cheaper to write checks from savings or use a checking account?
It depends on your bank. Some charge for checks on savings but offer free checking accounts. Others charge for both or neither. Compare the fees at your bank: if checking is free and savings checks cost money, use checking for payments. If both are free, use whichever account makes sense for your spending habits.