What is a Certified Check, and How Does it Work? A certified check is a type of payment instrument that guarantees the funds are available in your account when you issue the check.
This added security comes at a price: $15 to $20 per check, which can be a significant expense for large transactions. To obtain a certified check, you must physically visit a bank branch and request one from a teller.
Not all banks offer certified checks, so you may need to switch banks or use an alternative payment method. This process can be time consuming, especially if you live far from the nearest branch.