Your checks draw from whichever account the bank linked them to when you opened the account

When you order checks, the bank prints the account number on them during production. That number determines which account the money comes out of when someone deposits or cashes the check. You cannot use the same check to draw from both accounts — each check is tied to one account only.

Most banks link checks to your checking account by default, because that is the account designed for frequent transactions. But if you ordered checks for a savings account, or if your bank set them up differently, the checks will pull from savings instead. The only way to know for certain is to look at the account number printed on your checks and match it to your account statements.

Key Takeaways

  • The account number printed on your checks determines which account the money comes from — checking or savings.
  • Most banks automatically link checks to checking accounts, but some savings accounts can have checks too.
  • You can find your account number on your checks, your debit card, or your online banking login.
  • If you want checks for a different account, contact your bank to order a new set linked to that account number.

Finding the account number on your checks

Look at the bottom left of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The middle set is your routing number (which identifies your bank). The rightmost set is your account number.

Write down that account number and log into your online banking. Look at your account list and find which account has that number. That is the account your checks draw from. If you have multiple checking or savings accounts, this step matters — you need to know which one is actually connected to your checks.

Why some savings accounts have checks

Most savings accounts do not come with checks, because they are meant for money you keep rather than spend regularly. But some banks offer money market accounts or NOW accounts (Negotiable Order of Withdrawal), which are savings-type accounts that do allow check writing. If you have one of these, checks will draw from that account, not from a separate checking account.

The trade-off is usually lower interest rates than a pure savings account, because the bank has to keep the money more liquid and accessible. If you are unsure whether your account type allows checks, your bank statement or online account settings will say so.

What happens if you write a check from the wrong account

If you write a check thinking it draws from checking, but it actually draws from savings, the check will still clear — it just comes out of savings instead. The person who receives the check does not know or care which account it came from. The only difference you will see is that your savings balance goes down instead of your checking balance.

This matters if your savings account has a withdrawal limit. Federal rules once capped savings account withdrawals at six per month, though that rule changed. Check your account agreement to see whether your bank still enforces a limit. If it does, writing checks counts as a withdrawal, and you could hit that limit faster than you expect.

Ordering checks for a specific account

If you want checks for a different account than the ones you have now, call your bank or go to your online banking portal. Most banks let you order checks directly through their website. When you do, you will select which account the checks should be linked to. The bank will print that account number on the new checks during production.

Ordering usually takes one to two weeks for standard checks. Expedited options are available but cost more. Once the checks arrive, verify the account number on the bottom left before you use them — mistakes happen, and you want to catch them before you write a check.

Matching old checks to your current accounts

If you have had the same account for years, your old checks and new checks should have the same account number — the account number does not change unless you close the account and open a new one. But if you recently consolidated accounts, switched banks, or reorganized your accounts, your old checks might be linked to an account that no longer exists or that you no longer use.

Do not use checks from a closed account. The bank will reject them, and the person who tries to cash or deposit them will get a returned check notice. If you have old checks you are not sure about, order a fresh set for your active account instead. The cost is usually between $10 and $30 depending on the design and rush options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same check for both my checking and savings accounts?

No. Each check is printed with one account number, so it draws from only that account. If you need to move money between accounts, use a transfer through your online banking or ask a teller at a branch.

What if I write a check but I am not sure which account it draws from?

Look at the account number on the check and compare it to your account statements or online banking. Once you know which account it is, you can monitor that account to see when the check clears and how much it costs.

Do I need permission from the bank to write checks from my savings account?

Only if your savings account is set up to allow checks. Most savings accounts do not. If your account type does not support checks, the bank will reject them. Contact your bank to ask whether your specific savings account can have checks ordered for it.

What if my checks have the wrong account number printed on them?

Contact your bank when ready. Do not use those checks. The bank can issue a stop payment on the batch and order a corrected set. You may be charged a fee for the mistake, depending on whether it was the bank's error or yours.