A certified check is a type of payment that guarantees the funds are available. When a bank issues a certified check, it verifies that the account holder has enough money in their account to cover the amount of the check. This check is then marked as "certified," which assures the recipient that the payment is secure and will not bounce. Unlike a personal check, a certified check is drawn directly from the bank's funds once it is issued. This makes it a safer option for large transactions, such as purchasing a car or making a down payment on a house. Many people prefer using a certified check for these types of payments to avoid the risk of insufficient funds.