Certification Check: Definition, Usage, Cost

A certified check is a personal check that has been verified and guaranteed by a bank, and is funded specifically for payment. Unlike regular personal checks, certification checks assure recipients that money is available and that the signature is authentic.

Whether you’re buying a car, making a down payment at home, or doing business with people you don’t know, understanding certification checks will help you navigate large-scale financial transactions safely and efficiently.

What is a certified check?

A certification check is a personal check that the account holder’s bank has been supported by sufficient funds and has a legitimate signature. Upon requesting certification, the bank will immediately set aside the check amount from the account and essentially freeze those funds until the check is cashed out.

The bank stamps or marks the check to indicate it is certified and makes it a “official check” that the recipient can trust. This verification process eliminates the risk of insufficient funding present in regular personal checks.

Key features of certification checks:

• Funds are guaranteed and allocated for specific payments
• Banks verify signatures and account position
• Checks will receive official bank markings or stamps
• You cannot bounce back due to insufficient funds

When to use certification checks

Certification checks are most valuable in situations where payments require security and verification. The most common scenarios are:

• Large purchases: Buying a car, selling a boat, or expensive equipment
• Real estate transactions: Down payment, serious money, or closing costs
• Unfamiliar party deals: Buy online marketplaces or business deals with new vendors
• Legal settlement: Court Order Payment or Settlement of a Litigation
• Security deposit: Large rental deposit or contractor payments
• Business Transactions: Business payments that are not accepted for personal checks

Certification checks provide more security than personal checks, but may not be necessary for small, everyday transactions where additional costs are not justified.

Certified checks are more expensive than other payment options. Normally, individual checks cost a few cents each, but you can expect to pay between $15 and $20 for a certified check.

What is the cost of certification checks?

Certified check fees usually range from $10 to $20, but vary depending on the type of bank and account. Here are some current examples:

• Chase Bank: $10 per certified check
• Bank of America: $15 per certified check
• Wells Fargo: $10 per certified check
• Citibank: $10 per certified check
• PNC Bank:$10 to $20, depending on your account type:$10 or $20

However, the amount you pay for your certified check will vary depending on your account type, your relationship with the bank, or the amount of the check. Please note that not all banks offer certification checks. Many agencies have moved to cashier checks and mail orders as alternatives, so call first to check availability.

How to get a certification check

To get a certified check, you will need to visit the bank in person as most banks do not offer this service online or over the phone. The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. 1. Please contact the bank Make sure you provide certified checks and current fees
2. 2. Collect the necessary documents: Valid ID, account information, and recipient details
3. 3. Please visit the branch location Opening hours
4. 4. Request Authentication From a Terror or Banker
5. 5. Provide payment information: Check the amount and recipient name
6. 6. Pay the certification fee (Usually $10 to $20)
7. 7. Check the details of the confirmation Before leaving the bank

The process usually takes 10-15 minutes and you will receive a certification check immediately.

Certified Check vs Casher Check: What’s the difference?

Both are considered “official checks,” but certified checks and cashier checks work differently.

Which is safer? Cash register checks are usually considered slightly safer as they are drawn into bank funds rather than personal accounts. However, both offer significant security improvements over personal checks.

What cost does it cost? The cost is similar, but certification checks can be slightly more expensive for some banks.

Learn more about the differences between certification checks and cashier checks →

How to protect yourself from fraud

Certification checks are safer than personal checks, but scams are still possible. Official checks for counterfeiting can be refined, so it is important to verify reliability before accepting payments.

Scammers may create fake certification checks using bank stamps and routing numbers that look real. These counterfeit items may seem justifiable at first, but are ultimately rejected by the banking system. Here’s how to check the certification check:

• Please contact the issuing bank directly Use a phone number you can find independently (not printed on a check).
• Please ask to confirm the check number and amount There are bank records.
• Wait for the funds to be completely cleared Before you can provide the product or service (this may take several business days).
• Beware of overpayment scenarios Someone sends more than a request and asks for changes.
• Trust your instincts If you are suspicious about a transaction.

Conclusion

Certification Checks provide a reliable intermediate foundation between personal checks and cashier checks for secure transactions. They are more than regular checks and not offered by all banks, but provide valuable payment security for large purchases and unfamiliar party transactions.

Before you need it, make sure your bank provides certified checks and understands the fee structure. To get the most out of your security, consider whether your cashier check is suitable for your particular situation.

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Certification Check FAQ