What are checks that are treated like purchases when written?

Access checks are a specific type of check that functions similarly to a purchase transaction when they are written. They are often linked to a line of credit or a checking account, allowing the payee to access funds directly and treat the transaction as a purchase, rather than a loan or an advance. The main characteristic of access checks is that they can be used in the same way as a debit card or a credit card, offering flexibility for the user in terms of payment methods while simultaneously drawing on available credit or debit balances.

Personal checks, cashier's checks, and certified checks have distinct purposes and functionalities that do not align as closely with being treated as purchases. Each of these other check types serves different financial needs, such as personal transaction security, guaranteed funds, or bank verification, rather than the purchase-like transaction mode that access checks provide.