Most banks will not give you a checkbook for a savings account
A checkbook is a set of printed checks that let you write instructions to your bank to send money directly to someone else. Banks almost never issue them for savings accounts because checks are meant for spending money regularly, and savings accounts are designed to hold money and earn interest, not to be your main spending tool.
If you need to write checks, you will need a checking account instead. A checking account is a different type of account — one built for frequent transactions. Some banks offer both a checking and a savings account together as a package, and you can move money between them whenever you need to.
The reason banks separate these accounts is practical: a checking account has no limit on how many transactions you can make, while a savings account often has a limit (usually six per month, though this varies by bank). Checks bypass that limit because they are not counted the same way as electronic transfers or withdrawals.
Key Takeaways
- Checkbooks are issued only for checking accounts, not savings accounts, because checks are meant for regular spending.
- If you want to write checks, you will need to open a checking account or ask your bank whether you can convert your savings account to a checking account.
- Many banks offer both account types together, and you can keep money in savings while using checks from your checking account.
- Some banks charge a fee for checkbooks, while others include them free with a checking account.
What happens if you try to write a check from a savings account
If you write a check against a savings account, the bank will likely reject it. The check will bounce, meaning it will not go through, and both you and the person you wrote it to will face consequences. You may be charged a fee for the bounced check, and the other person may also be charged a fee by their bank.
Some banks have systems that will catch this before the check is even presented. Others will only discover the problem when someone tries to cash or deposit the check you wrote. Either way, the check will not clear, and you will need to find another way to pay the person.
How to get checks if you have only a savings account
The simplest option is to open a checking account at your bank. You can do this in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or sometimes by phone. Once the checking account is open, the bank will issue you a checkbook, usually within one to two weeks. Some banks print checks when ready at the branch, while others mail them to you.
You do not have to close your savings account. Most people keep both accounts open at the same time — they use the checking account for bills and regular spending, and the savings account to set money aside. You can transfer money from savings to checking whenever you need it.
If you already have a savings account and want to avoid opening a second account, ask your bank whether they can convert your savings account to a checking account. Some banks will do this, though you may lose any interest rate benefit the savings account offered. This is usually not worth it — it is easier to keep both accounts.
Whether checks are the best way to pay bills
Checks are one way to pay, but they are not the only way, and for many people they are not the fastest. When you write a check, the other person has to receive it, deposit it, and wait for it to clear — a process that can take three to five business days. During that time, the money is still in your account.
Many bills can be paid faster through online bill pay, a feature most checking accounts offer. You log into your bank's website, enter the payee's information once, and the bank sends the payment electronically. This usually arrives within one to three business days and costs nothing.
For bills you pay the same amount every month — like rent or a loan — you can also set up automatic payments, where the bank sends the same amount on the same day each month without you having to do anything. This is faster and harder to forget than writing checks.
Checks are still useful for some situations: paying a contractor who does not take cards, sending money to someone without a bank account, or paying a bill to an organization that does not accept electronic payments. But for regular bills to utilities or credit card companies, electronic payment is usually faster and safer.
What to know about checkbook fees
Some banks include a free checkbook with a checking account. Others charge a fee — usually between $10 and $30 per box of 25 checks. A few banks charge per check. Ask your bank what their policy is before you open an account, because this can vary widely.
If you do not write many checks, you might not need a full checkbook. Some banks will print just a few checks at a time, or you can order checks from a third-party printer (not your bank) for less money. These work the same way as bank-printed checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write checks from my savings account if I have enough money in it?
No. Banks do not issue checkbooks for savings accounts, regardless of how much money you have. The account type, not the balance, determines whether checks can be written against it. You will need a checking account to write checks.
What is the difference between a checking account and a savings account?
A checking account is designed for frequent spending and comes with a checkbook and debit card. A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest, with limits on how many times you can withdraw per month. Many people use both at the same time.
If I open a checking account, do I have to close my savings account?
No. You can keep both accounts open at the same bank. Most people do this — they use checking for bills and daily spending, and savings to set money aside. You can move money between them whenever you need to.
How long does it take to get a checkbook after I open a checking account?
This varies by bank. Some banks print checks on the spot at the branch, and you can use them when ready. Others mail checks to you, which usually takes one to two weeks. Ask your bank what their timeline is when you open the account.
Are there alternatives to checks I should know about?
Yes. Online bill pay and automatic payments are faster and free with most checking accounts. A debit card lets you spend money directly from your account without writing a check. For most regular bills, these options are easier and quicker than checks.