From Jennifer Lai,
Your Guide to Apartment Living / Rental.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Definition:

A certified check is a type of check issued by your bank. It acts as a confirmation that there is enough in your bank account to remit the check.

To obtain a certified check, you must go to your bank. When the bank issues the certified check, the bank will set aside that amount of money. That way, when the recipient cashes the check, the money will be available.

Certified checks are frequently required by landlords to pay the first month's rent and security deposit of an apartment.

Also Known As: banker's check

Alternate Spellings: certified cheque