Most savings accounts don't come with a checkbook, but some do
Whether you can write checks from your savings account depends on the type of account and the bank. Many traditional savings accounts do not include check-writing privileges — that feature is usually reserved for checking accounts. However, some banks offer money market accounts or NOW accounts (Negotiable Order of Withdrawal accounts) that combine savings features with limited check-writing ability.
Before you assume you cannot write checks, contact your bank directly or log into your online account to see what your account documents say. The truth is specific to your bank and your exact account type, not to savings accounts in general.
Key Takeaways
- Standard savings accounts typically do not include check-writing privileges, though some banks offer money market accounts that do.
- If your savings account does not allow checks, you can transfer money to a linked checking account and write checks from there instead.
- Some banks limit the number of checks you can write per month from a savings account, even if the feature is available.
- Writing a check from an account that does not support it may result in the check being rejected or your bank charging a fee.
Why most savings accounts don't offer check-writing
Savings accounts are designed to encourage you to keep money in place and earn interest. Federal rules once limited how many times per month you could withdraw money from a savings account — six times was the standard limit. Check-writing would make it too straightforward to bypass that limit, so banks typically do not offer it on regular savings accounts.
Checking accounts, by contrast, are meant for frequent transactions. You can write as many checks as you want, make unlimited withdrawals, and move money in and out without restriction. The trade-off is that most checking accounts pay little or no interest on your balance.
Account types that do allow check-writing
A money market account is a hybrid product that pays interest like a savings account but allows a limited number of checks per month — often three to six. The exact number varies by bank. Money market accounts typically require a higher opening deposit than a regular savings account, sometimes $2,500 or more, though this varies.
A NOW account is an older product that works similarly: it pays interest and allows check-writing, but with restrictions on how many checks you can write. NOW accounts are less common than they once were, but some credit unions and smaller banks still offer them.
If you are unsure whether your account is one of these types, look at your account opening documents or call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you in one conversation whether check-writing is included and what the limits are.
What happens if you try to write a check from a savings account that doesn't allow it
If your savings account does not support check-writing and you write a check anyway, the check will likely be rejected when the person you gave it to tries to deposit it. The bank may mark it as "account type does not allow this transaction" or similar language. The person holding the check will be notified that it bounced, and you may face embarrassment or damage to your relationship with them.
Your bank may also charge you a fee for the rejected check, typically $15 to $35 depending on the institution. If you write multiple checks on an account that does not support them, the fees can add up quickly. The best approach is to confirm your account type before writing any checks.
How to write checks if your savings account doesn't support them
The simplest solution is to open a checking account at the same bank where you keep your savings. You can then transfer money from savings to checking whenever you need to write a check. Most banks allow you to link these accounts, which makes the transfer when ready and free.
If you want to keep your money in savings and earn interest, you can transfer only the amount you need to checking right before you write the check. This way, most of your money stays in the savings account earning interest, and you use checking only for the transaction itself.
Some people keep a small amount in checking for regular bills and checks, and keep the bulk of their money in savings. This approach gives you the best of both: interest earnings on most of your balance and the convenience of check-writing when you need it.
Fees and limits to watch for
If your savings account does allow check-writing, read the fine print about limits. Some banks allow only a certain number of checks per month — say, three — and charge a fee for each check beyond that. Others charge a flat fee for any month in which you write a check at all.
Money market accounts sometimes charge higher fees than regular savings accounts, so compare the cost of maintaining a money market account with check privileges against the cost of maintaining both a savings account and a checking account. The math may favor one approach over the other depending on your bank and how often you write checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check to myself from my savings account?
If your savings account does not allow check-writing, you cannot write a check to yourself either. The restriction applies to all checks, regardless of who they are written to. The better option is to transfer money from savings to checking, or to a linked account at another bank, using your bank's online system or by visiting a branch.
Will my bank let me write checks if I ask them to?
No. Check-writing is a feature that either comes with your account type or it does not. Your bank cannot override this restriction just because you ask. If you need check-writing, you will need to open a different account type, such as a checking account or a money market account.
Is there a fee to transfer money from savings to checking so I can write a check?
No. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank are free. You can do them online, by phone, or at a branch. The transfer is usually when ready, though some banks process them overnight. There is no limit on how many transfers you can make between your own accounts.
What if I need to write a check but my bank is closed?
You can transfer money from savings to checking online or through your bank's mobile app at any time, even outside business hours. Once the money is in your checking account, you can write a check whenever you are ready. If you need the check to clear quickly, write it during business hours so the recipient can deposit it the same day.
Do money market accounts pay more interest than regular savings accounts?
Money market accounts sometimes pay slightly higher interest rates, but not always. Interest rates change frequently and vary by bank. Compare the rate, the minimum balance requirement, and any monthly fees before deciding whether a money market account makes sense for you. A regular savings account with a higher rate at a different bank might be a better choice.