Do Checks Come Out of Checking or Savings?

Checks serve as a written instruction to a bank, directing it to transfer a specified sum of money from one account to another. This traditional payment method allows individuals to make payments without using physical cash. Understanding which type of bank account these instructions draw from is important for managing personal finances.

Checks and Checking Accounts

Checks are almost exclusively drawn from checking accounts, which are specifically designed for frequent transactions and daily financial management. These accounts facilitate activities such as paying bills, making purchases with a debit card, and withdrawing cash. Financial institutions provide features that support a high volume of deposits and withdrawals, making them suitable for everyday spending.

Each check includes a routing number and an account number printed along the bottom. The routing number, a nine-digit code, identifies the specific financial institution, while the account number uniquely identifies your checking account within that institution. When a check is presented for payment, these numbers direct the funds from your checking account to the recipient.

Checks and Savings Accounts

Savings accounts are generally not used for writing checks. Their primary purpose is to hold money for future goals and earn interest, such as for an emergency fund or a large purchase. Financial institutions typically do not issue checkbooks or debit cards directly linked to savings accounts.

While federal regulations no longer strictly limit withdrawals from savings accounts, many banks still impose their own transaction limits. Consequently, attempting to write a check directly from a savings account is usually not possible.

Identifying Your Check’s Account

To confirm which account your checks are linked to, examine the series of numbers printed at the bottom of any personal check. The routing number is typically the first set of nine digits on the far left. Immediately following it, you will find your specific account number.

This account number is unique to your checking account and is the identifier that the bank uses to withdraw funds. The check number is usually the shortest set of numbers, found on the far right at the bottom and also in the upper right corner of the check. These identifiers link the check to your active checking account for financial transactions.