What is the difference between a crossed check, a certified check or a bank check?
Verified 17 November 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Check Type | Definition | Usage | Warranty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Check crossed out in advance | Conventional bank check, not payable at the counter | Cannot be passed on to a third party (it is said non-endorsable, except for the benefit of a bank). To cash the check, you have to sign it on the back and hand it over to the bank. The issuer's account must be sufficiently funded to cash the check. | If the issuer's account does not contain the corresponding amount, the check will be without provision. The money will not be credited to the beneficiary's account. | Free |
Check not crossed | Payable at the cash counter. Can be passed on to a third party (endorsable). | Can be cashed with the bank, who will pay it in cash. May also be transferred to another beneficiary. You must then write on the back of the check: | Requires a prior request to your bank. | Tax stamp duty of €1.50 |
Covered check | Prepaid check that the bank mentions Amount available on the account at a particular date and time | Not all banks offer covered checks | The existence of the provision is guaranteed only for the day and time of its issue | According to the account agreement |
Certified Check | Stamped check on which the bank adds the mention blocked provision for 8 days | Not all banks offer certified checks | The amount recorded is deducted from the account at the time of issue. Payment is guaranteed if the check is cashed before the end of the 8 days following the date of issue. | According to the account agreement |
Bank check | Check issued by a bank | Check used for transactions of a large amount between individuals | The amount recorded is deducted from the account at the time of issue. It is important to check with the issuing bank that it is a real check before accepting it. The provision is blocked during the period of validity of the check, that is 1 year and 8 days. Payment is guaranteed if the check is cashed before the end of this period. | According to the account agreement |
A check that is crossed out in advance is a regular bank check, not payable at the counter.
Usage
You can not pass it on to a third party (it is said non-endorsable, except for the benefit of a bank).
If you are the beneficiary of the check, you must sign it on the back and hand it to the bank to cash it.
If you are the issuer, your account must be sufficiently funded for the check to be cashed.
Warranty
If you are the payee of the check, you can only cash it if you have a bank account.
If you are the issuer of the check and your account does not contain the corresponding amount, the check will be nil. The money will not be credited to the beneficiary's account.
Cost
The check is free of charge.
An uncrossed check is a check payable at the cash counter.
Usage
You can transfer it to another (endorsable) beneficiary.
The following information must be entered on the back of the check:
- Mention endorsed to the order of tracking the name and contact information of the new beneficiary
- Date of transmission.
Warranty
In order to receive a check that is not crossed out, you must apply to your bank.
Cost
You must pay a tax stamp duty of €1.50 by uncrossed check.
It is a check that is crossed out and the bank says that it is amount available on the account at a particular date and time.
Usage
Not all banks offer covered checks.
Warranty
The existence of the sum is guaranteed only for the day and time of its issue.
Cost
Its cost varies depending on your account agreement.
It is a covered check on which the bank adds the words provision blocked for 8 days.
Usage
Not all banks offer certified checks.
Warranty
The amount entered is deducted from your account at the time of issue.
Payment is guaranteed if the check is cashed before the end of the 8 days following the date of issue.
Cost
Its cost varies depending on your account agreement.
This is a check issued by your bank at your request.
Usage
The bank check is used for transactions of a large amount between individuals.
Warranty
The amount recorded is deducted from the account at the time of issue.
It is important to check with the issuing bank that it is a real check before accepting it.
The provision is blocked during the period of validity of the check, either 1 year and 8 days. Payment is guaranteed if the check is cashed before the end of this period.
Cost
Its cost varies depending on your account agreement.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
To find out
Insurance Bank Savings Info Service
Stamp duty
Creation and form of the check
Presentation and payment
Check crossed out
Certified Check
Financial fragility of the client
National Institute of Consumer Affairs (INC)