We’ve compiled all the information you need to learn how to turn a personal check into a certified check. Read on to know what a certified check is and how to get one.
What is a certified check?
A certified check is a personal check that the payer’s bank has certified to be legitimate and has earmarked the funds for the check. It’s a type of “official” payment. People often confuse certified checks with cashier’s checks. So, what’s the difference between a certified check and a cashier’s check?
A certified check is a personal check that the bank has certified and it’s drawn on personal funds. The certification process physically marks the check indicating it is now a certified check and earmarks the funds for that check. Most banks won’t release those funds for any other reason.
A cashier’s check is a check backed by the bank. The bank takes the funds from the person requesting the cashier’s check and holds it in escrow, a special account specifically used to cover the check amount. Then, the bank prints a check against the funds they are holding. Both certified checks and cashier’s checks are “official” checks and considered “guaranteed” funds.
Benefits of Using a Certified Check
A certified check is useful when purchasing pricey items. If someone is buying an expensive appliance or paying for home improvements, it’s impractical and dangerous to carry that amount of cash on you. It’s more practical and safer to write a check, but the payee may want more protections than what’s provided by a normal personal check. With a certified check, the recipient knows that the bank has verified the check, signature, and availability of funds. It’s a source of guaranteed funds.
The process of certifying a check verifies:
- The person writing the check has the authority to write checks on that account.
- The check, itself, is legitimate and hasn’t been washed or chemically treated.
- The signature is a legitimate signature.
- The account is active and in good standing.
- The funds are available and will be earmarked for that check for a certain amount of time.
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Even if you are expecting to receive a certified check, you should be on the lookout for fakes. Legitimate certified checks are guaranteed funds, but if a scam artist has created a fraudulent check, forged the signature, and forged the certification marks, then it is a forged or bad check. If you suspect that a check is fake you shouldn’t attempt to cash or deposit it.
How & Where to Get a Certified Check
To get a certified check, inquire at your bank. Some banks offer cashier’s checks and some offer certified checks. It’s rare that a bank will offer both types and more banks are switching to cashier’s checks.
How to get a certified check:
- Verify that your bank offers certified checks.
- Visit the local branch of your bank.
- Inform the teller that you want a certified check and ask for any specific instructions.
- Write the check in front of the teller.
- Show your ID to the teller.
- Wait as the teller verifies the funds and stamps or marks your check as certified.
- Pay any fee that your bank charges for this service.
- Keep your receipt until the check clears your account.
At this time, Huntington only offers cashier's checks and does not offer certified checks. Learn more about how to order checks online, by phone, or at a branch. Contact your local Huntington branchto learn more about services offered near you.
Fees for a Certified Check
There are fees associated with certified checks. Like other types of fees, the fee can vary widely from bank to bank. You can find this information in the bank’s fee schedule or ask a customer service agent.
FAQs
A certified check is a personal check that the payer's bank has certified to be legitimate and has earmarked the funds for the check. It's a type of “official” payment. People often confuse certified checks with cashier's checks.
How do you fill out a certified bank check? ›
To get started, you'll need to provide the check amount, name of the recipient and any note you want to include on the check. You'll then have to verify your identity and prove to the bank or credit union employee that you have the funds available in your account. Banks may require a photo I.D. for verification.
Can any bank verify a certified check? ›
Avoiding Fraud With Cashier's and Certified Checks
If you do decide to accept a cashier's or certified check as payment, call the bank that issued the check to verify whether it's genuine. Look up the bank's phone number online, rather than dialing the number printed on the check (which could be fake).
Can I get a certified check from any bank? ›
Get a certified check from any bank branch that offers certified checks through a teller or other designated bank employee. It's preferable to get a certified check from your own bank if they offer certified checks, although some other banks with a physical presence may provide check certification.
What is one drawback of a certified check? ›
Since certified checks are also a type of official check, they're more secure than accepting a personal check from a stranger. Yet they have drawbacks, including availability and privacy.
What is considered a certified bank check? ›
A certified check is a personal check that the bank has certified and it's drawn on personal funds. The certification process physically marks the check indicating it is now a certified check and earmarks the funds for that check.
Do certified checks clear immediately? ›
If your deposit is a certified check, a check from another account at your bank or credit union, or a check from the government, you can withdraw or use the full amount on the next business day if you make the deposit in person to a bank employee.
Is there any risk with a certified check? ›
Although a certified check can help protect against fraud and bounced checks, if you're accepting the payment, know that scammers can create fake certified checks that look authentic.
Do banks issue certified checks anymore? ›
Not all banks offer certified checks, but those that do often charge a small fee to cover the costs of the certification process. These fees might run between $15 and $20, although that could differ depending on the bank.
How much does it cost to get a certified bank check? ›
While personal checks typically cost a few cents each, you can expect to pay $15 to $20 for a certified check. Not only are certified checks more expensive, but it is also difficult to find a bank that offers them. Many banks sell cashier's checks and money orders, but not certified checks.
Money orders can usually be purchased at a check cashing store, post office, grocery store, and many other places, are typically limited to less than $1,000, and have lower fees than cashier's checks.
Can you trust a certified bank check? ›
Cashier's checks are signed by the bank, while certified checks are signed by the consumer. Cashier's checks and certified checks are both official checks issued by a bank. Both are easy to get, relatively inexpensive and considered more secure and less susceptible to fraud than personal checks.
Can a certified bank check bounce? ›
While rare, a certified check could still bounce if the check writer's account somehow falls short. This won't occur with a cashier's check since the bank has already written it against its account. This makes it a guaranteed check.
How to verify a certified check? ›
Call or visit the branch of the financial institution on which the check is drawn on. The financial institution should be able to help you determine whether or not the check issued is genuine. Don't trust the phone number for the financial institution listed on the check, it might be fraudulent.
Is there a limit on certified checks? ›
Using a cashier's check is typically a personal choice, but they're particularly useful for larger dollar amounts, especially because there is no upper limit.
What information goes on a cashier's check? ›
For a cashier's check, you'll need to supply the account information for the account that the cashier's check's funds will come from, as well as the exact information to be included on the check, including: The amount of the check. Recipient's name (or “payee”) Any memo line information.
Who is the payee on a cashier's check? ›
Cashier's checks provide a number of advantages. The payee—the person receiving the funds—knows that the check won't bounce, as it's being drawn from the bank's account.
Who signs the endorse line on a cashier's check? ›
Who Endorses a Check? The person receiving the check is the one that needs to endorse the check. For instance, if the front of the check on the "Pay to the Order of" line says, "Jane Doe" then Jane Doe is the one who should be endorsing the check.
