How Much Does Truist Charge For A Certified Check

People are currently reading this guide.

Getting a certified check is often a crucial step in significant financial transactions, providing an added layer of security and assurance. If you're a Truist customer, or even considering becoming one for this purpose, understanding their policies and fees is key.

Navigating Truist's Certified Check Services: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you need a certified check, and you're wondering, how much does Truist charge for a certified check? Let's break it down in detail, including the fee, how to obtain one, and important considerations.

Step 1: Are You a Truist Customer? (This is Important!)

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of fees, the very first thing to consider is your relationship with Truist. Are you an account holder with them, or are you looking to get a certified check as a non-customer? This distinction is paramount as it significantly impacts the cost and even the possibility of obtaining a certified check.

• For Truist Account Holders: If you have an active checking or savings account with Truist, you're in a much better position. The fees are generally lower, and in some cases, they might even be waived depending on your account type and relationship level.
• For Non-Customers: While some banks might issue cashier's checks (a similar but distinct instrument) to non-customers, it's generally quite difficult to obtain a certified check from a bank where you don't have an account. Banks prefer to issue these secure instruments to their own customers, as they are essentially guaranteeing funds from an account they manage.

Step 2: Understanding the Certified Check Fee at Truist

For Truist account holders, the standard fee for an official check (which includes certified checks and cashier's checks) is generally $10.

• Fee Waivers: Here's where it gets interesting! Truist offers fee waivers for certain account types and relationship levels. For instance, customers with Truist One Checking accounts at Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level Premier are often eligible for no charge on Official Checks and Money Orders. This means if you have one of these higher-tier checking accounts, you could potentially get your certified check for free! It's always a good idea to check your specific account's fee schedule or speak with a representative to confirm your eligibility for a waiver.

Step 3: Gathering Your Essentials Before You Go

To ensure a smooth process when obtaining your certified check, have these items ready:

• Sufficient Funds: This is non-negotiable. A certified check guarantees the funds, so the full amount of the check, plus any applicable fees, must be available in your Truist account. The bank will immediately debit this amount from your account.
• Truist Account Information: Your account number and perhaps your debit card or another form of identification linked to your account.
• Valid Photo ID: A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, state ID) is always required for security purposes.
• Payee Information: The exact legal name of the person or entity you are making the check payable to. Double-check the spelling!
• Exact Amount: Know the precise amount you need the certified check for.

Step 4: How to Get Your Certified Check from Truist

Certified checks typically require an in-person visit to a branch. This allows the bank to verify your identity and ensure the funds are properly secured.

• Visit a Truist Branch: This is the most common and recommended way to obtain a certified check.
  • Find a Branch: Use the Truist "Find Locations" tool on their website (truist.com/locations) to locate the nearest branch. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm their hours and if they handle certified check requests.
  • Speak to a Teller or Bank Representative: Inform them that you need a certified check. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork and verify your account and identity.
  • Confirm Details: Before the check is printed, carefully review all the details: the payee's name, the amount, and the date. Once issued, a certified check is difficult to alter.
• Online/Mobile Banking (Limited Availability for Certified Checks): While you can often order regular checks or even cashier's checks online with some banks, obtaining a certified check usually requires an in-person visit due to the nature of the bank guaranteeing the funds directly from your account. Truist's online banking generally focuses on services like ordering standard checks or managing accounts.

Step 5: Understanding the Distinction: Certified vs. Cashier's Checks

While often used interchangeably by the public, there's a subtle but important difference:

• Certified Check: This is your personal check, but the bank verifies that you have sufficient funds and essentially "certifies" that the funds are available. The bank then places a hold on those funds in your account. The check still draws from your account.
• Cashier's Check (Official Check at Truist): This check is drawn on the bank's own funds, not your personal account. When you request a cashier's check, you give the bank the money, and the bank then issues a check from its own funds, making it a very secure form of payment, as the bank itself is the payer. At Truist, what they call "Official Checks" generally refers to these.

For most high-value transactions requiring guaranteed funds (like a down payment on a house or a car purchase), a cashier's check (or "Official Check" at Truist) is the more common and often preferred option due to its higher level of security and the bank's direct guarantee. The fee for both a certified check and an official/cashier's check at Truist is typically the same, so it's good to know the difference and clarify which one you need.

Step 6: Safeguarding Your Certified Check

Once you have your certified check, treat it like cash!

• Keep it Secure: Store it in a safe place until you need to use it.
• Record Information: Make a copy of the check for your records, noting the check number, amount, payee, and date.
• Delivery: When delivering the check, consider using a secure method, especially for large sums (e.g., in person, certified mail with return receipt).

---

10 Related FAQ Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about certified checks at Truist, designed to start with "How to" for quick answers:

1. How to know if my Truist account waives the certified check fee?

   • Quick Answer: Check your personal deposit account fee schedule on the Truist website (truist.com/personaldepositsfeeschedule) or log into your online banking and review your account details. You can also call Truist customer service or visit a branch and ask a representative to look up your specific account's benefits. Many Truist One Checking accounts offer fee waivers for Official Checks/Money Orders.

2. How to get a certified check if I don't have a Truist account?

   • Quick Answer: It's generally very difficult or impossible to get a certified check from a bank where you are not an account holder. Banks are essentially guaranteeing funds from an account they manage. Your best bet is to obtain a certified check (or cashier's check) from your own bank or credit union.

3. How to fill out a certified check request form at Truist?

   • Quick Answer: A Truist teller or representative will provide you with the necessary form. You'll typically need to provide your account number, the exact amount of the check, and the full legal name of the payee (the person or entity you're paying). They will guide you through each field.

4. How to verify a certified check issued by Truist?

   • Quick Answer: If you receive a certified check from Truist, the most secure way to verify its authenticity is to contact Truist directly. Do not use a phone number printed on the check itself, as this could be part of a scam. Find the official Truist customer service number on their website (844-4TRUIST or 844-487-8478) and provide them with the check details for verification.

5. How to cancel a certified check from Truist?

   • Quick Answer: Cancelling a certified check can be complicated because the funds are already guaranteed. You will need to contact Truist immediately, often requiring you to visit a branch with the physical check (if you still have it) and provide identification. There may be a stop payment fee, and the process can take time.

6. How to tell the difference between a certified check and a cashier's check from Truist?

   • Quick Answer: While both are "official checks" from Truist, a certified check is your personal check with the bank's guarantee of funds, while a cashier's check is drawn directly on Truist's own funds. For most purposes, a Truist "Official Check" functions as a cashier's check and is generally preferred for its security.

7. How to know the daily limit for certified checks at Truist?

   • Quick Answer: There generally isn't a strict "limit" on the amount of a certified check, as long as you have sufficient funds in your account. However, for very large sums, banks may have internal procedures or require advance notice. It's always best to call your branch ahead of time if you need a certified check for an exceptionally large amount.

8. How to find a Truist branch that issues certified checks?

   • Quick Answer: All full-service Truist branches should be able to issue certified checks. Use the "Find Locations" tool on the Truist website (truist.com/locations) and enter your address or zip code to find a branch near you. You can filter by "Branch" to ensure it's a full-service location.

9. How to get a certified check quickly from Truist?

   • Quick Answer: The fastest way to get a certified check from Truist is to visit a branch in person during business hours. Ensure you have all the necessary information (ID, account details, payee name, exact amount) to avoid delays. Calling ahead to confirm branch hours and potentially alert them to your request can also expedite the process.

10. How to avoid fees when getting a certified check from Truist?

    • Quick Answer: The primary way to avoid fees for certified (or official) checks at Truist is to have a qualifying checking account, such as certain tiers of the Truist One Checking account, which offer no charge for these services. Maintaining a higher balance or meeting specific direct deposit requirements for your account might also waive various fees. Always consult your account's specific fee schedule.

2893240627134139482