What a bank cashier's check is and why you might need one
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. The bank guarantees the funds are there because it has already taken the money from your account. This makes it safer than a personal check for large transactions — the recipient knows the payment will not bounce.
You need a cashier's check when the other party wants proof the money exists before they hand over what you are buying. Common reasons include down payments on a house, security deposits on rental property, car purchases, or paying a contractor upfront. Some courts also require them for legal settlements.
Key Takeaways
- You must have the funds in your account before the bank will issue a cashier's check, and the bank withdraws the money immediately.
- Most banks charge a fee between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee for customers with certain account types.
- You can get a cashier's check the same day you request it at most banks, either in person or sometimes by phone or online.
- The check itself is printed with the bank's name and routing number, and you cannot stop payment on it the way you can with a personal check.
- If you lose a cashier's check, the bank can issue a replacement, but it may take several weeks and require an indemnity bond.
How to order a cashier's check at your bank
Go to your bank in person with your account information and the exact amount you need. Tell the teller you want a cashier's check and provide the name of the person or business it should be made out to. You will need to show a photo ID.
The teller will verify you have enough money in your account, deduct the amount from your balance, and print the check. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks let you request a cashier's check by phone or through their website, but you will still need to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you.
Write down the check number before you leave the bank. You will need it if the check is lost or if you need to track whether it was cashed.
Fees and account requirements
Banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you have a premium checking account, maintain a minimum balance, or have direct deposit set up. A few banks charge nothing for any customer. Call your bank or check their fee schedule online to find out what they charge.
You must have the full amount in your account before the bank will issue the check. If you do not have enough, the bank will refuse. Some banks also require you to be an existing customer, though many will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay cash for the amount upfront.
Timing: same-day and next-day options
If you go to your bank in person during business hours, you can usually get a cashier's check the same day. Most banks print them on the spot. If you request one by phone or online, the bank may mail it to you, which takes three to five business days, or you may be able to pick it up the next business day.
Plan ahead if you need the check by a specific date. If your bank is closed or you need it outside business hours, you cannot get one until the next business day. Some banks have Saturday hours, so check before you assume you have to wait until Monday.
What happens if you lose the check or need to cancel it
If you lose a cashier's check before it is cashed, contact your bank immediately. The bank can issue a replacement, but the process is not instant. You will likely need to sign an indemnity bond, which is a legal document promising to repay the bank if the original check shows up and is cashed by someone else. The bond usually costs $15 to $30 and can take one to two weeks to process.
You cannot stop payment on a cashier's check the way you can with a personal check. Once the bank has issued it, the funds are committed. If you change your mind about a purchase, you will have to ask the recipient to return the check or deposit it back into your account.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
A cashier's check is safer than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds. It is also safer than a wire transfer because you can see the check and verify the amount before handing it over. Unlike a wire transfer, you can also stop and think — a wire transfer is final once it leaves your bank.
A cashier's check costs more than a personal check but less than a wire transfer, which can run $15 to $50. If you need to send money out of state or internationally, a wire transfer is faster. If you are paying someone in person or by mail locally, a cashier's check is usually the better choice.
Some people use certified checks instead, which are personal checks stamped by the bank to show the funds are there. Certified checks cost less than cashier's checks but are not quite as safe because they are still drawn on your personal account. The recipient has to trust that the bank's stamp means something.
What to do after you get the check
Keep the cashier's check in a safe place until you hand it over. Do not sign it until you are ready to give it to the recipient. Write the check number down separately in case you need to track it.
When you give the check to the recipient, ask them to sign a receipt or send you a confirmation that they received it. This protects you if there is a dispute later about whether the payment was made. If you are mailing the check, use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have an account at that bank?
Most banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay the full amount in cash. Some banks require you to be an account holder. Call ahead to ask — do not assume you can walk in and get one without an account.
What if the bank made a mistake on the cashier's check?
If the amount is wrong or the name is misspelled, go back to the bank immediately with the check. They will usually cancel it and issue a corrected one at no extra charge. Do this before you give the check to anyone else.
How long does a cashier's check stay valid?
Cashier's checks do not expire, but some states have laws that require banks to stop honoring them after a certain period — usually six months to a year. If a check is very old, the recipient may have trouble cashing it. Ask your bank how long their checks are valid.
Can I use a cashier's check to pay rent or a mortgage?
Yes, many landlords and mortgage servicers accept cashier's checks. Some prefer them because they are may provide. Call ahead to confirm they take them and to ask where to send it.
What if someone else cashes a cashier's check I lost?
The bank is responsible for verifying the signature on any check before cashing it. If someone forged your signature or the recipient's signature, the bank should not have cashed it. Report it to your bank and the police immediately.