When you write a certified check, the money is drawn directly against your personal checking account, and your name and account number appear on the check. In addition to your signature, a bank representative will also sign the check, and it will have the words "certified" or "accepted" printed somewhere on it.

Does a certified check clear immediately?

Contact your bank or credit union and make sure it offers certified checks. Make sure you have the funds needed to cover a certified check in your bank account. ... On average, a certified check will clear quickly, usually the next business day after the check is deposited by the recipient.

Can you be scammed with a certified check?

Although a certified check can help protect against fraud and bounced checks, if you're accepting the payment, know that scammers can create fake certified checks that look authentic. ... Ultimately, it's your responsibility to make the account whole even if it was an honest mistake and you thought the check was real.