A certified check is a type of payment that guarantees the funds are available. When a bank certifies a check, it verifies that the account holder has enough money in their account to cover the amount written on the check. This process provides assurance to the recipient that the check will not bounce. Certified checks are often used for large transactions, such as buying a car or making a down payment on a house. They are considered safer than personal checks because the bank takes responsibility for the payment, making them a preferred option for many sellers and businesses.