How to Get a Certified Check

A certified check is drawn from your personal or business checking account, but your bank stamps or marks it to certify that sufficient funds exist and that your signature is genuine. The bank typically places a hold on the funds in your account at the time of certification, so the check is backed by a firm guarantee. This makes it considerably more trustworthy to a recipient than a standard personal check.

A certified check is different from a cashier's check. With a cashier's check, the bank draws the funds from its own reserves and issues the check in the bank's name — not yours. Both instruments provide strong payment guarantees, but recipients sometimes have a preference for one over the other, so confirm which is required before visiting your bank.

Certified checks are typically available at bank and credit union branches where you hold an account. Not every financial institution offers them, and most require you to be an existing account holder. Call your branch ahead of time to confirm they offer certified checks and to ask what identification you will need to bring.

You generally cannot obtain a certified check online or through an ATM — this transaction usually requires visiting a branch in person. Some banks may allow you to request one through telephone banking with pickup at a branch, but policies vary by institution. If you bank with Chase, you can also review their check ordering process for related options.

To obtain a certified check, follow these steps:

1. Verify your balance: Confirm your checking account has enough funds to cover the check amount plus any fee.
2. Visit your bank branch: Bring a government-issued photo ID and your account information.
3. Request certification: Ask a teller for a certified check and provide the payee name and exact dollar amount.
4. Pay the fee: Most banks charge a fee, typically ranging from $8 to $15 per check, though fees vary by institution.
5. Receive the certified check: The bank stamps or marks the check, deducts the funds from your account, and provides it to you for delivery to the recipient.

Certified checks are commonly used for large or high-stakes transactions where the recipient needs assurance that the payment will clear. Typical uses include security deposits on rental properties, real estate closings, legal settlements, vehicle purchases, and tuition payments. Some government agencies and courts may also require certified funds for fee payments.

For everyday purchases or transactions under a few hundred dollars, a standard personal check, debit card, or electronic transfer is usually more practical. Reserve certified checks for situations where the recipient specifically asks for guaranteed funds or where a bounced payment would have serious legal or financial consequences.

Both certified checks and cashier's checks provide payment guarantees, but they work differently. A certified check is written from your own account and certified by the bank, while a cashier's check is drawn from the bank's own funds and signed by a bank officer. Both are considered "guaranteed funds" and may be required in high-value transactions.

Money orders are another alternative for smaller guaranteed payments, often available at post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores for modest fees. Wire transfers offer guaranteed same-day or next-day electronic delivery for large sums but typically carry higher fees. Check with your recipient to determine which form of guaranteed payment they prefer before making a trip to your bank.

Certified check fraud is a real and well-documented risk — the FDIC warns consumers that scammers often send counterfeit certified checks and request that the recipient wire back a portion of the funds. If you receive an unexpected certified check from someone you do not know, treat it with caution. Banks may provisionally credit your account before the check fully clears, and if the check is fraudulent you will be responsible for any funds you withdrew.

If you have any doubt about a certified check you receive, ask your bank to verify it with the issuing bank directly before depositing or using those funds. Report suspected check fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also learn how to request a voided check for situations where a bank account verification method is required instead.