{"slug":"how-to-get-a-cashiers-check","title":"How to Get a Cashier's Check","excerpt":"To get a cashier's check, visit your bank or credit union, tell the teller the amount and the payee's name, and pay with cash or funds from your account. The bank issues a check drawn on its own funds — guaranteed not to bounce. Fees typically run $5–$15. Here's everything you need to know.","content":"# How to Get a Cashier's Check\n\nA **cashier's check** is one of the safest forms of payment you can use for large transactions — real estate down payments, car purchases, security deposits, or any time a seller demands a guaranteed payment. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds and is virtually impossible to bounce.\n\nHere's exactly how to get one, where to go, what it costs, and common questions answered.\n\n## What Is a Cashier's Check?\n\nA cashier's check (also called an **official bank check** or **teller's check**) is a check issued by a bank or credit union, signed by a bank teller or officer, and drawn directly on the bank's own account — not your personal account.\n\nBecause the bank guarantees the funds, cashier's checks are accepted for transactions where personal checks are not, such as:\n\n- Real estate closings and down payments\n- Buying a used car from a private seller\n- Large security deposits\n- Court settlements\n- International wire alternatives\n\n## How to Get a Cashier's Check: Step-by-Step\n\n### Step 1 — Prepare the information you'll need\n\nBefore going to the bank, have ready:\n\n- **The payee's full legal name** (exactly as it should appear on the check — \"John Smith\" or \"John Smith LLC\")\n- **The exact dollar amount** (cashier's checks cannot be written for \"approximately\" — the amount is final once printed)\n- **A government-issued photo ID** (driver's license, passport, or state ID)\n- **Your account information** if you're paying from a bank account\n\n### Step 2 — Go to your bank or credit union\n\nVisit a branch of your bank or credit union in person. Most major banks issue cashier's checks at any teller window without an appointment.\n\n**Banks that issue cashier's checks:**\n- Chase Bank\n- Bank of America\n- Wells Fargo\n- Citibank\n- U.S. Bank\n- TD Bank\n- PNC Bank\n- Capital One (select branches)\n- Most credit unions\n\n> **Not a customer?** Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers if you pay in cash. Call ahead — policies vary by bank.\n\n### Step 3 — Ask the teller for a cashier's check\n\nTell the teller:\n- You'd like a cashier's check\n- The **payee's name** (who it's made out to)\n- The **exact amount**\n\nThe teller will withdraw the funds from your account (or accept cash) at that moment. The funds are immediately debited — you cannot stop payment on a cashier's check after it's issued.\n\n### Step 4 — Pay the fee and collect the check\n\nThe bank will charge a fee (see the table below) and print the check on the spot. The entire process takes 5–10 minutes.\n\nYou'll receive a receipt — keep it. If the check is lost or stolen, you'll need proof of purchase to request a replacement.\n\n## Cashier's Check Fees by Bank (2026)\n\n| Bank | Cashier's Check Fee | Free for Account Holders? |\n|------|--------------------|-----------------------------|\n| **Chase** | $8 | Free for Premier Plus Checking, Sapphire Banking, and Private Client accounts |\n| **Bank of America** | $15 | Free for Preferred Rewards Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Honors members |\n| **Wells Fargo** | $10 | Free for Portfolio Checking accounts |\n| **Citibank** | $10 | Free for Citigold, Citi Priority accounts |\n| **U.S. Bank** | $7 | Free with Platinum Checking |\n| **TD Bank** | $8 | Free with TD Beyond Checking |\n| **PNC Bank** | $10 | Free with Performance Select Checking |\n| **Most credit unions** | $0–$5 | Often free for members |\n\n> **Tip:** Credit unions typically charge the lowest fees — often $0–$3 — and some waive fees entirely for all members.\n\n## Can You Get a Cashier's Check Online?\n\nMost banks **do not** offer fully online cashier's checks — you typically need to visit a branch. However, a few options exist:\n\n- **Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo** allow you to order a cashier's check via online banking or their app, then mail it to you (allow 5–7 business days). This is slower but useful if you can't visit a branch.\n- **Some banks offer \"electronic cashier's checks\"** — digital equivalents sent via email that the recipient prints and deposits. Ask your bank if this is available.\n- **Money orders** are a close alternative you can buy online via USPS or at retailers — though they're capped at $1,000 per money order.\n\nIf you need a cashier's check quickly, a branch visit is always the fastest route.\n\n## How to Get a Cashier's Check Without a Bank Account\n\nIf you don't have a bank account, you have a few options:\n\n1. **Pay a non-customer fee at a bank** — Some banks (Wells Fargo, Chase) will issue a cashier's check to non-customers if you pay in cash plus a higher fee (often $10–$20). Call the branch first to confirm.\n2. **Open a basic bank account** — A free checking account at a credit union or online bank takes 5–10 minutes and immediately makes you eligible to purchase cashier's checks.\n3. **Use a money order instead** — For amounts under $1,000, a USPS money order ($2.35 fee) or Walmart money order ($1 fee) is nearly as accepted and doesn't require a bank account.\n4. **Use Western Union or MoneyGram** — Both services allow you to purchase a type of guaranteed payment instrument without a bank account.\n\n## Cashier's Check vs. Personal Check vs. Money Order\n\n| Feature | Cashier's Check | Personal Check | Money Order |\n|---------|----------------|----------------|-------------|\n| **Guaranteed funds** | ✓ Yes (bank-backed) | ✗ No (can bounce) | ✓ Yes |\n| **Maximum amount** | Unlimited | Unlimited | $1,000/order |\n| **Where to get it** | Bank/credit union | Your checkbook | Bank, post office, Walmart, CVS |\n| **Typical fee** | $5–$15 | Free | $1–$2.35 |\n| **Accepted for real estate** | ✓ Yes | Rarely | Rarely |\n| **Can be cancelled** | Very difficult | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |\n| **Requires ID** | ✓ Yes | No | ✓ Yes |\n\nFor large transactions, a **cashier's check is almost always preferred over a personal check**, and it's accepted in situations where money orders aren't practical due to the dollar limit.\n\n## What to Do If a Cashier's Check Is Lost or Stolen\n\nA lost or stolen cashier's check is a serious problem. Here's the process:\n\n1. **Contact your bank immediately** and report it lost or stolen.\n2. **Submit a written loss affidavit** — the bank will require you to sign a declaration stating you did not cash or transfer the check.\n3. **Wait for the bank's indemnity period** — most banks require waiting 90 days (some up to 12 months) before issuing a replacement, to ensure the original isn't cashed.\n4. **Request a replacement or refund** — once the waiting period passes, the bank will reissue the check or refund the amount.\n\n> **Warning:** Never send a \"replacement\" cashier's check to someone who claims your original was lost — this is a common scam.\n\n## FAQ\n\n**How long does it take to get a cashier's check?**\nIn-person at a bank branch, the process takes 5–10 minutes. If you order one online for mail delivery, expect 5–7 business days.\n\n**Can I get a cashier's check for any amount?**\nYes. Unlike money orders (capped at $1,000), there's no standard maximum on cashier's checks. Banks may require additional documentation for very large amounts (e.g., over $10,000), as required by federal anti-money-laundering rules.\n\n**Do cashier's checks expire?**\nTechnically, cashier's checks don't expire, but banks may require additional verification or charge a \"stale check\" fee on checks older than 90–180 days. Use the check promptly after receiving it.\n\n**Can I cancel a cashier's check?**\nIt's very difficult. Once issued and funds are withdrawn, you must file an affidavit, wait 90+ days, and the bank decides whether to reissue. Only buy a cashier's check when you're certain you want to complete the transaction.\n\n**What's the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?**\nA **certified check** is drawn on your personal account but certified by the bank (which earmarks the funds so they can't be spent elsewhere). A **cashier's check** is drawn on the bank's own account. Both are guaranteed, but cashier's checks are more widely accepted and more secure.\n\n**Is a cashier's check the same as a bank draft?**\nIn the U.S., they're essentially the same thing. \"Bank draft\" is a more common term in some international contexts.\n\n**Can someone fake a cashier's check?**\nUnfortunately, yes — cashier's check fraud is common. To verify a cashier's check, call the issuing bank directly (not the number printed on the check) and verify the check number and amount before releasing any goods or property.\n\n## Bottom Line\n\nGetting a cashier's check is straightforward: visit your bank or credit union with a photo ID, the payee's name, and the exact amount. The teller will withdraw the funds and print a check backed by the bank's own guarantee. Expect to pay a $5–$15 fee unless you have a premium account. For most large transactions — real estate, car sales, court settlements — a cashier's check is the gold standard for guaranteed payment.\n\n### Related Comparisons\n- [Chase vs Bank of America: Which Is Better?](/compare/chase-vs-bank-of-america)\n- [Wells Fargo vs Chase: Full Banking Comparison](/compare/wells-fargo-vs-chase)\n","category":"finance","tags":["cashier's check","bank check","certified check","guaranteed check","banking","personal finance"],"url":"https://www.aversusb.net/blog/how-to-get-a-cashiers-check","publishedAt":"2026-07-10T08:48:57.020Z","updatedAt":"2026-07-10T08:48:58.312Z","articleSchema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/blog/how-to-get-a-cashiers-check#article","headline":"How to Get a Cashier's Check","description":"To get a cashier's check, visit your bank or credit union, tell the teller the amount and the payee's name, and pay with cash or funds from your account. The bank issues a check drawn on its own funds — guaranteed not to bounce. Fees typically run $5–$15. Here's everything you need to know.","abstract":"To get a cashier's check, visit your bank or credit union, tell the teller the amount and the payee's name, and pay with cash or funds from your account. The bank issues a check drawn on its own funds — guaranteed not to bounce. Fees typically run $5–$15. Here's everything you need to know.","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/blog/how-to-get-a-cashiers-check","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/blog/how-to-get-a-cashiers-check#primaryImage","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/og?title=How%20to%20Get%20a%20Cashier's%20Check&type=blog","contentUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/og?title=How%20to%20Get%20a%20Cashier's%20Check&type=blog","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"How to Get a Cashier's Check"},"thumbnailUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/og?title=How%20to%20Get%20a%20Cashier's%20Check&type=blog","contentReferenceTime":"2026-07-10T08:48:58.312Z","datePublished":"2026-07-10T08:48:57.020Z","dateCreated":"2026-07-10T08:48:57.020Z","dateModified":"2026-07-10T08:48:58.312Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#organization","name":"A Versus B"},"inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.aversusb.net/#website"},"keywords":"cashier's check, bank check, certified check, guaranteed check, banking, personal finance","articleSection":"finance","wordCount":1564,"license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["h1",".article-excerpt",".article-intro","#article-summary"]},"accessMode":["textual"],"accessModeSufficient":[{"@type":"ItemList","itemListElement":["textual"]}],"isAccessibleForFree":true}}