Can earnest money be a personal check?

Often, yes. Many escrow and title companies accept a personal check for earnest money, though some ask for a wire, a cashier's check or an electronic transfer instead. Your purchase contract or the escrow holder's instructions say which forms they take, so check before you send anything.

Whatever you use, keep a paper trail. If you are getting a mortgage, the lender will want proof the deposit came from your own account, such as a copy of the canceled check or a bank statement showing the money leaving. Cash makes that hard, and many escrow holders will not take it.

Wires are fast but carry a fraud risk. Criminals send fake wiring instructions that look like they came from the title company. Call the company at a number you find yourself before wiring. More detail is in the guide on how to pay earnest money.