Most savings accounts do not come with checks, but some banks offer them as an add-on
A standard savings account is not set up for check writing. Banks design savings accounts to hold money safely and earn interest, not to move money out frequently. Checking accounts are built for that — they come with a checkbook, debit card, and online bill pay as standard features.
That said, some banks and credit unions do offer checks on savings accounts, usually for an extra fee or as part of a premium account. The catch is that using checks on a savings account defeats the purpose: every check you write counts as a withdrawal, and federal rules limit you to six withdrawals per month from a savings account (though this rule is enforced less strictly now than it once was). Once you hit that limit, the bank can charge you a fee or convert your account to a checking account.
If you need to write checks regularly, a checking account is the simpler and cheaper choice. If you rarely write checks and want to keep most of your money in savings, you have other options that work better than requesting checks on your savings account.
Key Takeaways
- Standard savings accounts do not include checks; you would need to request them from your bank, and most charge a monthly fee for this service.
- Each check you write counts as a withdrawal, and federal rules allow only six withdrawals per month from a savings account before fees explore.
- A checking account is cheaper and simpler if you write checks regularly, since it has no withdrawal limits and checks are included at no extra cost.
- If you write checks rarely, you can keep your money in savings and use a debit card, online bill pay, or a linked checking account for the few times you need to move money out.
How withdrawal limits work on savings accounts
Federal Regulation D sets a limit of six withdrawals per month from a savings account. This rule exists because savings accounts are meant to encourage you to keep money set aside rather than spend it constantly. Withdrawals include checks, debit card transactions, transfers to another account, and cash withdrawals at the teller window — but not deposits.
When you exceed six withdrawals in a month, your bank can charge you a fee (usually $5 to $10 per excess withdrawal) or close your account. Some banks also convert a savings account to a checking account if you repeatedly go over the limit, which changes your interest rate and account terms.
This is why checks on a savings account create a real problem: if you write even seven checks in a month, you have already broken the rule. If you write checks regularly — say, to pay rent or bills — you will hit that limit quickly and start paying fees.
When banks do offer checks on savings accounts
Some banks and credit unions offer savings account checks as an optional feature. You usually request them when you open the account or later by calling customer service. The bank will charge you for the checks themselves (the physical booklet) and often a monthly fee of $3 to $5 to have the checking feature active.
Banks that offer this tend to be smaller institutions or credit unions, where the service is less common. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo do not typically offer checks on savings accounts — they expect you to open a separate checking account if you need checks.
Even when a bank offers savings account checks, read the fine print about withdrawal limits. Some banks enforce the six-withdrawal rule strictly; others have relaxed it. Ask your bank directly whether writing a check counts toward your monthly withdrawal limit before you request the checks.
Better alternatives if you write checks occasionally
If you write checks only a few times a year, you do not need checks on your savings account. Instead, open a free checking account at the same bank and link it to your savings account. Keep most of your money in savings (where it earns interest) and transfer small amounts to checking when you need to write a check. This way you avoid fees and stay within withdrawal limits.
Another option is to use your debit card or online bill pay instead of checks. Most bills — utilities, insurance, credit cards — can be paid online or by phone without a check. For payments that require a check (like rent to a private landlord), you can write one check from a checking account and keep the rest of your money in savings.
If you have a very small balance and rarely use your account, some banks offer a savings-only account with no checking features at all. These accounts sometimes have lower fees because the bank knows you will not be writing checks or making frequent transfers.
What happens if you write too many checks from savings
If you write more than six checks in a month from a savings account, your bank will charge you a fee for each excess withdrawal. The fee is usually $5 to $10, but it adds up quickly if you write checks regularly. After repeated violations, some banks will close your account or convert it to a checking account without asking.
The bank is not trying to punish you — they are enforcing a federal rule. But it means that if you plan to write checks regularly, a savings account with checks is the wrong product for your needs. You will pay more in fees than you would save by avoiding a separate checking account.
How to request checks on a savings account
If your bank does offer savings account checks, you can request them by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or logging into your online banking portal. The bank will ask you to choose a check design and confirm your mailing address. Checks usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you request them, ask your bank three questions: (1) Is there a monthly fee for having checks on this account? (2) Do checks count toward my six-withdrawal limit? (3) What happens if I exceed the limit? The answers will tell you whether checks on your savings account actually make sense for you.
If the monthly fee is more than $5 or if checks count toward your withdrawal limit, open a free checking account instead. You will save money and avoid the hassle of managing two different withdrawal rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do checks from a savings account cost extra?
Yes, most banks charge a monthly fee of $3 to $5 to add checks to a savings account, plus the cost of the checks themselves (usually $10 to $20 per box). A free checking account costs nothing and includes checks, so it is cheaper if you write checks more than once or twice a year.
What if I write a check and do not have enough money?
The check will bounce, and your bank will charge you a non-sufficient funds fee (usually $25 to $35). The person or business you wrote the check to will also charge you a returned check fee. Always make sure you have enough money in your account before writing a check.
Can I use a debit card instead of checks from my savings account?
Yes. Most savings accounts come with a debit card, and you can use it to pay for things or withdraw cash. Debit card transactions do not count toward your six-withdrawal limit the way checks do, so this is often a better option if you need to access your money frequently.
Will my bank let me write checks on a savings account if I ask?
It depends on your bank. Some offer it as an optional service; others do not. Call your bank and ask. If they do not offer it, opening a linked checking account is usually free and takes just a few minutes.
What is the difference between a savings account check and a regular check?
There is no difference to the person receiving it — a check is a check. The difference is only in your account: a check from savings counts toward your monthly withdrawal limit, while a check from checking does not. This is why a checking account is better if you write checks regularly.