Why You May Need Certified Checks And How To Get Them 

“A certified check is a type of check for which the issuing bank guarantees that there will be enough cash available in the holder’s account when the recipient decides to use the check. A certified check also verifies that the account holder’s signature on the check is genuine.”

• Investopedia 

 

If you need to add extra security when receiving or making a payment via check, then you may want to consider using a Certified Check. 

 

Certified Checks 

Certified Checks are a more secure way to pay. 

 

Checks may be less common than they used to be, but that does not mean that Check fraud no longer happens. In fact, because checks are used so infrequently now, people are becoming less concerned about trading safely with them. 

 

Imagine selling someone your car and having them pay with a check, only to find out a few days later that the check had bounced or it was fake. 

 

There is a better option, that guarantees that the payee has enough money when the check is written. This option is Certified Checks. 

 

What Is A Certified Check? 

A Certified Check is a check that you can have your credit provider or bank issue that proves to the person you are paying that you have enough money in your personal account to complete the transaction. 

 

You are unable to take out a Certified Check worth more money than there is in your personal account. 

 

The money will stay in your account until the check has been cashed. The one danger of this is that it would be possible to spend the money set aside for the check before it is cashed. Doing this can incur a fine. 

 

What Is A Cashier’s Check? 

In many ways, Cashier Checks are similar to Certified Checks – they can be used in all the same situations, and in most cases, which type of check you will end up using will depend on the personal preference of the person receiving the money. 

 

Cashier’s Checks are taken out in the same way as Certified Checks. The only differences are that a Cashier’s Check is backed by the bank rather than an individual. They are harder to get approved. And once the check has been written, the money is taken out of your account and held by the bank. 

 

This makes sure that the money is not spent after the check has been written but before the receiver has cashed the check. 

 

When Would You Need To Use A Certified Check? 

There are a few different situations in which you may be asked to provide a Certified Check or want someone to provide you with one: 

 

• When putting a down payment on a house 
• When making bill or mortgage payments 
• When making a large purchase – like a piece of furniture or large appliances 
• When making a loan repayment 
• When making a payment to a government agency that doesn’t accept electronic payments 
• When paying travel expenses 
• As an alternative to cash gifts 

 

You do not always need to provide a reason for why you want a Certified Check from your credit union. 

Where Can I Get A Certified Check? 

If you are wondering, where can I get certified checks, then look no further? 

 

There are two places you can get a Certified Check from – your bank or your credit union. You need to get the Check from a regulated financial institution. 

 

You can request a Certified Check by getting in contact with your local branch. 

 

Is There A Dollar Limit On Certified Checks? 

One of the main benefits of Cashier and Certified Checks is that there is no dollar limit on the size of payments you can make with them. 

 

This is why lottery winners are typically handed their winnings in check form. 

 

When you are making a really large payment, using a Certified Check can actually reduce the amount of inter-bank anti-fraud checks that have to be made. This can speed up the buying process – this is particularly helpful when you are trying to buy a house and you are stuck in a chain. 

 

A Short History of Checks 

The first issue pre-printed checks were printed by the Bank of England in 1717. 

 

However, many countries used a check-like system for thousands of years before this. One of the earliest examples we have of this system in use comes from Ancient Rome. But it is believed that many civilizations before Ancient Rome also used this system. 

 

The check grew in popularity after the end of World War 2 in the 1950s. Particularly after check approval and printing became automated. However, after the invention of credit cards and electronic bank payments – checks have become less and less common. 

 

Many shops no longer accept checks. Most types of checks, outside of the Certified Checks, are being phased out by American Banks. 

Certified Checks And Fees 

The only real downside to being asked to pay with a Certified Check is that it takes time to get in touch with your bank and have the check printed. And that many banks charge a small fee to approve, produce, and print a Certified Check. 

 

However, many people find that the guarantee of payment that comes with the Certified Check makes the effort and fines worth it. 

 

Summary 

If you need to make a loan repayment, put a down payment on a house, or make a large purchase with a check – the person you are paying might ask you to give them a Certified Check. 

 

A Certified Check is provided by the bank and shows the person you are paying that you have enough money in your account to pay their bill. 

 

A Certified Check will not bounce, so it is a good way for people to make sure they are getting their money securely. Many people are wary of taking payment with normal checks because they can be faked or bounced.