A certified check is:

A certified check is a type of check where the bank verifies that the signature is genuine and that the account has sufficient funds to cover the amount written on the check. When a check is certified, the bank essentially guarantees that it will honor the check when presented for payment. This involves the bank holding the funds in reserve, ensuring that the payee can cash the check without the risk of it bouncing due to insufficient funds. The certification provides both the payee and the bank with added security regarding the payment.

The other options reference different forms of financial transactions or payments. Virtual currency, while a modern method to pay suppliers, does not relate directly to certified checks. Additionally, options regarding checks written from a bank to a party or payments made through apps do not describe certified checks accurately, as they involve different processes entirely.