Which type of check guarantees that there are sufficient funds in your account?

A certified check is a type of check that provides a guarantee of sufficient funds. When a check is certified, the bank verifies that the account holder has the necessary funds available in their account at the time the check is issued. The bank then holds those funds and marks the check as certified, which indicates to the recipient that it is backed by the bank and will be honored when presented for payment.

This feature of certified checks makes them a reliable payment option, especially in transactions involving larger amounts of money or when dealing with unfamiliar parties. They are often used in real estate transactions, vehicle purchases, and other significant financial dealings where assurance of payment is critical.

In contrast, personal checks are not guaranteed; they depend on the account holder’s funds being available at the time of clearance. A cashier's check, while also a secure payment method issued by a bank, represents the bank's funds rather than those of the individual and is considered more secure than a personal check. An electronic funds transfer typically moves money directly from one account to another without the need for a physical check but doesn’t fit the question's criteria of being a type of check.