Most savings accounts don't come with checks, but you have options
Your savings account typically does not include a checkbook. Banks separate checking and savings accounts because they serve different purposes: checking accounts are built for frequent transactions, while savings accounts are designed to hold money and earn interest. If you need to write checks regularly, you'll need a checking account, a money market account with check-writing privileges, or you'll need to transfer money from savings to checking before writing the check.
Some banks offer money market accounts that combine savings features with limited check-writing ability. These accounts usually allow you to write a small number of checks per month (often three to six) while still earning interest on your balance. This can work if you write checks occasionally but want your money to grow.
Another option is to keep both a savings account and a checking account at the same bank. You can transfer money between them when ready through online banking, mobile apps, or at a branch. This way your primary balance stays in savings earning interest, and you move money to checking only when you need to write a check.
Key Takeaways
- Standard savings accounts do not come with checks because they are designed for holding money rather than frequent spending.
- Money market accounts offer a middle ground, allowing three to six checks per month while earning interest on your balance.
- Opening a checking account alongside your savings account lets you earn interest on most of your money while keeping checks available when you need them.
- Transferring money between your own savings and checking accounts is free and when ready at most banks.
- If you rarely write checks, you can transfer money to checking only when needed instead of keeping a separate account open.
Money market accounts: checks with interest
A money market account sits between a traditional savings account and a checking account. You earn interest on your balance—usually a higher rate than a standard savings account—but you can write a limited number of checks each month. The exact limit varies by bank, but three to six checks per month is common.
Money market accounts also typically come with a debit card, so you're not limited to checks alone. You can withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases with the card. The trade-off is that these accounts often require a higher minimum balance than regular savings accounts, sometimes $2,500 or more depending on the bank.
Money market accounts are useful if you write checks occasionally—to pay a contractor, send rent to a private landlord, or handle other irregular payments—but don't need the flexibility of a full checking account. If you write more than six checks a month, this option won't work for you.
Opening a checking account for frequent check writing
If you write checks regularly, a checking account is the straightforward solution. Most checking accounts don't earn interest (or earn very little), but they come with unlimited check-writing, a debit card, and online bill pay. You can keep your main savings in a separate savings account and transfer money to checking as needed.
Many banks let you open both accounts at the same time, and transfers between your own accounts are free and when ready. You can set up automatic transfers if you want a fixed amount to move to checking each week or month, or you can transfer manually whenever you need to write a check.
Some banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge a small monthly fee regardless. Compare what your current bank offers before opening a new account elsewhere.
Using online transfers instead of keeping checks active
If you write checks only occasionally—a few times a year—you don't need to keep a checking account open permanently. Instead, you can transfer money from savings to checking only when you need to write a check, then let the checking account sit dormant between uses.
This approach keeps your money earning interest in savings most of the time. When you need to write a check, log into your bank's app or website, transfer the amount you need to checking, write the check, and you're done. The transfer takes seconds and costs nothing.
The downside is that you need to plan ahead slightly—you can't write a check when ready if your checking account is empty. But if you're writing checks days or weeks in advance, this timing usually isn't a problem.
What happens if you try to write a check on savings
If you attempt to write a check directly from a savings account that doesn't support checks, the check will bounce. Your bank will return it unpaid and charge you a non-sufficient funds fee, usually $25 to $35. The person or business you wrote the check to will also be notified that it bounced, which can damage your credibility and may result in additional fees from them.
Some banks will honor a check written on a savings account and automatically transfer the funds from savings to cover it, but this is not standard practice. Don't count on it. If you're unsure whether your account supports checks, call your bank or log into your account online to confirm before writing a check.
Comparing your options
| Account Type | Check Writing | Interest Earned | Minimum Balance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savings Account | No | Yes | Often $0–$500 | Holding money long-term |
| Money Market Account | 3–6 per month | Yes | Often $2,500+ | Occasional check writing with interest |
| Checking Account | Unlimited | Rarely or none | Often $0–$1,500 | Frequent check writing |
| Savings + Checking (both open) | Unlimited | Yes (on savings) | Varies | Earning interest while keeping checks available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a check from my savings account if I transfer money to checking first?
Yes. Once you transfer money from savings to checking, that money is in your checking account and you can write checks against it. The transfer is free and when ready when both accounts are at the same bank. This is the standard way to use checks when your primary balance is in savings.
Do money market accounts earn more interest than savings accounts?
Usually, yes. Money market accounts typically offer a higher interest rate than standard savings accounts because they require a higher minimum balance and limit your withdrawals. The exact difference varies by bank and changes with interest rate conditions. Compare rates at your bank before opening a money market account.
What if I write a check from my savings account by mistake?
The check will bounce unless your bank has an automatic transfer policy (which is rare). You'll be charged a non-sufficient funds fee by your bank, and the recipient may charge you as well. Contact your bank when ready to explain the situation. Some banks will reverse the fee if you correct it quickly, but don't count on it.
Can I get checks printed for a money market account?
Yes. If your money market account includes check-writing privileges, you can order checks through your bank. The process is the same as ordering checks for a checking account. Ask your bank how to order and whether there's a fee for the first set of checks.
Is it better to have one account or two?
It depends on how often you write checks and how much you want to earn in interest. If you write checks frequently, a checking account plus a savings account gives you the most flexibility. If you write checks rarely, a single money market account or a savings account with occasional transfers to checking may be simpler and cheaper.