Even in today’s world of mobile apps and instant transfers, checks still have their place. One common question people ask is: Can you write a check to yourself? The answer is yes you can. But depending on your goal, there may be faster and easier options.
This guide explains when writing yourself a check makes sense, how to do it correctly, and what alternatives you should consider.
What Does It Mean to Write a Check to Yourself?
Writing a check to yourself simply means making yourself the recipient of your own money. You might do this to:
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Move money between your own bank accounts
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Transfer funds from a business account to a personal account
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Withdraw cash without using an ATM
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Deposit money into a new bank account
For example, imagine you have $1,000 in your checking account at one bank, but you want to move it to a new online bank offering higher interest. Writing yourself a check and depositing it into the new account is one way to do that.
How to Write a Check to Yourself Step by Step
Filling out a check to yourself is almost the same as writing a check to anyone else.
Here’s what to do:
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Write your name on the “Pay to the order of” line.
This makes you the person authorized to deposit or cash the check. -
Enter the amount.
Write the amount in both numbers and words. -
Add the date.
This shows when the check was issued. -
Sign the check.
Use the same signature your bank has on file.
Avoid making the check payable to “Cash” unless absolutely necessary. If a check made out to “Cash” is lost or stolen, anyone who finds it could potentially use it.
How to Deposit a Check Written to Yourself
Once the check is written, you can deposit it in several convenient ways:
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Mobile deposit: Use your bank’s app to photograph the check
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ATM deposit: Insert the check into a deposit-enabled ATM
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In person: Visit your bank branch and deposit it with a teller
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Mail deposit: Some banks allow you to mail checks
Before depositing, sign the back of the check. For extra security, write “For deposit only” under your signature.
How to Cash a Check You Wrote to Yourself
If your goal is to get cash instead of transferring funds, you can cash the check at your bank.
Here’s how:
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Sign the back of the check
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Bring a valid photo ID
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Visit your bank and request cash from a teller
If the check is drawn from your own account at that same bank, you can usually receive the full amount immediately. If it’s from another bank, there may be delays or limits on how much you can access right away.
When Writing Yourself a Check Makes Sense
Writing yourself a check can be useful in certain situations, such as:
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Moving money between different banks
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Paying yourself from a business account
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Depositing funds into a new account
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Accessing cash when other methods aren’t available
However, it’s no longer the fastest method.
Checks typically take several business days to fully clear, meaning you may not be able to use the money immediately.
Faster and Easier Alternatives
Today, electronic transfers are often more convenient than writing checks.
1. Bank-to-Bank Transfers (ACH Transfers)
This is one of the simplest options. You link your accounts and move money electronically.
Benefits include:
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Usually free
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Secure
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No paper required
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Faster than checks in many cases
For example, you can transfer money from your checking account at one bank directly into your savings account at another.
2. Payment Apps and Online Services
Several popular apps allow you to move money easily, including:
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Zelle
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PayPal
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Cash App
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Venmo
These services let you transfer money between accounts, send money to yourself, or pay others. Many transfers are free, although instant transfers may have small fees.
3. ATM Withdrawals
If you simply need cash, using your debit card at an ATM is usually faster than writing a check.
4. Debit or Credit Card Payments
Instead of withdrawing cash, you can pay directly using your debit card. Credit cards can also provide extra benefits like fraud protection and credit building when used responsibly.
Important Warning: Make Sure You Have Enough Money
Writing a check doesn’t create money it only moves money that already exists in your account.
If you write a check without enough funds:
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The check may bounce
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Your bank may charge a fee
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Your account could face penalties or restrictions
For example, if you write yourself a check for $500 but only have $200 in your account, the bank will reject it.
Always confirm your balance before writing a check.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Sarah has two accounts:
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$2,000 in her checking account at Bank A
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A new savings account at Bank B
She wants to transfer $500.
She could:
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Write herself a check for $500 and deposit it into Bank B
OR -
Link the accounts online and transfer the money electronically
The electronic transfer is usually faster and more convenient but the check method still works.
Please take a look at this as well:
ATM Withdrawal Limits: What They Are, Why They Exist, and How to Get More Cash When You Need It
