Most banks will not give you checks for a savings account, but some will if you ask

The short answer is: it depends on your bank and the type of savings account you have. Many banks do not print checks for savings accounts as a standard feature because savings accounts are meant for storing money, not for frequent spending. However, some banks will issue checks if you request them, and a few savings account types come with check-writing built in.

The reason banks usually skip checks for savings accounts is practical. Checks take time to clear, and banks want to discourage you from treating your savings like a checking account. If you write many checks against savings, you might accidentally overdraw or lose track of your balance. But if you need checks for occasional large payments—like paying a contractor or sending money to a family member—your bank may be willing to print them.

Key Takeaways

  • Most standard savings accounts do not come with checks, but you can ask your bank whether they will print them for you.
  • Money Market Accounts, a type of savings account, often include a limited number of checks as part of the account features.
  • If your bank will not print checks for your savings account, you can write a check from a linked checking account instead, or ask the bank for a cashier's check.
  • Some online banks and credit unions are more willing to print checks for savings accounts than large national banks.

When your savings account can have checks

A Money Market Account is the most common savings product that includes checks. These accounts sit between a regular savings account and a checking account—they earn interest like savings accounts do, but they let you write a limited number of checks per month (often three to six). If you want check-writing ability and interest earnings, ask your bank whether they offer a Money Market Account.

Some banks and credit unions will also print checks for a regular savings account if you ask, though they may charge a fee. Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly: "Can I get checks printed for my savings account?" The answer varies by institution. Smaller banks and credit unions tend to be more flexible about this than large national chains.

Online banks are less likely to offer checks for any account type, because they do not have physical branches to process them. If you bank online and need checks, you may need to use a different method to move money.

Why banks limit checks on savings accounts

Federal law once capped the number of withdrawals you could make from a savings account each month—originally six, though this rule has been relaxed. Banks built their systems around the idea that savings accounts should have fewer transactions than checking accounts. Checks are one type of withdrawal, so limiting them made sense under the old rules.

Even though the withdrawal limits have changed, banks still treat savings and checking differently. A checking account is designed for frequent payments. A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest. Checks encourage spending, so banks discourage them on savings accounts to help you keep the money there.

Your alternatives if checks are not available

If your bank will not print checks for your savings account, you have several other ways to pay someone a large amount. The simplest is to transfer money from your savings account to a linked checking account, then write a check from the checking account. This takes one or two business days but costs nothing.

You can also ask your bank for a cashier's check. This is a check the bank itself writes, using its own funds, and it guarantees the money is there. Cashier's checks cost a few dollars (usually $5 to $15) but are safer than personal checks for large payments because the recipient knows the bank stands behind them. You can order a cashier's check from your savings account without needing a checking account.

A third option is an ACH transfer or wire transfer. These move money directly from your bank account to someone else's, with no check involved. ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster (often same-day) but cost $15 to $30. Both work from a savings account.

How to ask your bank for checks

Contact your bank's customer service—by phone, in person, or through their website—and ask whether they can print checks for your savings account. Be specific: tell them your account type and ask whether there is a fee. Some banks will print them at no cost; others charge $10 to $25 per box.

If your bank says no, ask whether they offer a Money Market Account instead. If they do, you can move your money to that account and get check-writing as part of it. If they do not, or if you want to stay in your current account, use one of the alternatives above: transfer to checking, order a cashier's check, or use an ACH or wire transfer.

Keep in mind that even if your bank prints checks for your savings account, you should use them sparingly. Writing many checks can trigger the bank's fraud detection systems or cause confusion about your balance. Savings accounts work best when you leave the money alone.

Checking account versus Money Market Account

If you find yourself needing checks often, it may be time to reconsider your account structure. A checking account is free at most banks and lets you write unlimited checks. A Money Market Account earns interest but limits your checks. A savings account earns interest but normally has no checks at all.

Many people keep both: a checking account for daily spending and bills, and a savings account for money they want to set aside and grow. If you need checks for occasional large payments, a Money Market Account can bridge the gap. Talk to your bank about which combination makes sense for how you actually use your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write checks directly from my savings account?

Most banks do not print checks for standard savings accounts. Some will if you ask, and some charge a fee. Money Market Accounts, a type of savings account, usually come with a limited number of checks included. Call your bank to find out what they offer.

What is a Money Market Account?

A Money Market Account is a savings product that earns interest and includes a small number of checks per month—usually three to six. It sits between a regular savings account and a checking account. Interest rates are often higher than regular savings accounts, but you cannot write unlimited checks.

Is a cashier's check the same as a personal check?

No. A cashier's check is written by the bank itself and guarantees the money is there, making it safer for large payments. A personal check is written by you and depends on your account having enough money. Cashier's checks cost a few dollars but are worth it for big transactions.

Can I transfer money from savings to checking to write a check?

Yes. You can move money from your savings account to a checking account (if you have one) and then write a check from checking. This is free and takes one or two business days. It is the simplest option if you already have both accounts.

What if I need to send money but do not have a checking account?

Ask your bank for a cashier's check, use an ACH transfer, or request a wire transfer. All three work from a savings account alone. ACH transfers are free and take a few business days. Wire transfers are faster but cost $15 to $30.