What a cashier's check is and when you 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 the person receiving it — they know it will not bounce.
You need a cashier's check when the other party does not trust a personal check. Common situations include buying a car, making a down payment on a house, paying a contractor a large sum upfront, or sending money to someone you do not know well. Some landlords require one for a security deposit. The recipient knows the bank stands behind it.
A cashier's check is different from a money order, which you can buy at many stores and does not require a bank account. It is also different from a certified check, which is your personal check that the bank stamps as verified — the bank does not may provide it the same way.
Key Takeaways
- You order a cashier's check from your bank by providing the amount, the recipient's name, and proof of funds in your account.
- The bank withdraws the full amount from your account immediately and issues a check may provide by the bank itself.
- Most banks charge a fee between $5 and $15 per cashier's check, though some waive it for account holders who meet balance or deposit requirements.
- You can usually get a cashier's check the same day at a branch, though some banks offer next-business-day delivery by mail.
- The recipient deposits or cashes it like any other check, but they have the bank's may provide that the funds are real.
How to order a cashier's check at your bank
Go to your bank branch in person or call and ask to order one. You will need to tell the bank the exact amount, the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and provide a reason (optional, but some banks ask). Bring your ID and your debit card or account information.
The bank will verify you have enough money in your account to cover the amount. They will then withdraw that money from your account immediately — it is gone as soon as you receive the check. You will receive the cashier's check on the spot at most branches, though some offer mailed delivery if you cannot come in.
Do not ask the bank to make the check out to "cash" or leave the payee line blank. Most banks will refuse. The check must have a specific recipient's name on it. If you do not know the exact name, ask the person or business for it in writing before you go to the bank.
Fees and account requirements
Banks typically charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks charge nothing if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or meet other account requirements. A few banks waive the fee for customers with premium accounts. Call your bank to ask what they charge and whether you may have access to for a waiver.
If you do not have a bank account, you cannot order a cashier's check. You would need to use a money order instead, which you can buy at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices for $1 to $5 depending on the amount.
How long it takes and what to do if you lose it
Most banks issue a cashier's check on the same day you request it if you go to a branch during business hours. Some banks can mail one to you, which usually takes three to five business days. A few banks offer next-business-day delivery. Ask your bank what options they have.
If you lose a cashier's check before the recipient cashes it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will usually have to wait 90 days to make sure no one tries to cash the lost check, then the bank will issue you a replacement. Some banks charge a fee for this service, typically $15 to $30.
Keep the receipt the bank gives you when you order the check. It has the check number and amount on it. If there is a dispute later about whether the check was received or cashed, you will need this receipt to prove you ordered it.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
| Payment Method | Who Guarantees It | Cost | How Long to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier's check | The bank | $5–$15 | Same day at branch |
| Certified check | The bank (verifies your account) | $5–$15 | Same day at branch |
| Money order | The issuer (post office, store) | $1–$5 | Immediate |
| Personal check | No one (your word only) | Free | Immediate |
| Wire transfer | The bank | $15–$50 | Same day or next day |
A certified check is your personal check that the bank stamps to confirm the money is there. It costs about the same as a cashier's check but is slightly less secure because it is still drawn on your account — if something goes wrong with your account, the check could still fail. Most people prefer a cashier's check for large transactions.
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's bank account. It is faster and more secure than a check, but it costs more and cannot be reversed once it is sent. Use a wire transfer if the recipient is in a hurry or if they do not want to wait for a check to clear.
What the recipient needs to know
The person or business receiving a cashier's check can deposit it into their bank account or cash it at a bank, just like any other check. They do not need to do anything special. The bank's may provide means they do not have to worry about it bouncing.
A cashier's check usually clears within one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank. Some banks clear them faster. The recipient should not assume the money is available until their bank confirms it.
If the recipient loses the check before depositing it, they should contact you immediately so you can place a stop payment. After 90 days, you can request a replacement from your bank.
Scams involving cashier's checks
Scammers sometimes send fake cashier's checks to people who are selling something online or who have won a contest. The scammer asks you to deposit the check, then wire back part of the money or buy gift cards. By the time the bank discovers the check is fake (which can take weeks), you have already sent your own money out and cannot get it back.
If someone you do not know well sends you a cashier's check, do not deposit it or send them money in return. Legitimate buyers and businesses do not work this way. If you are selling something online, ask for payment through a platform like PayPal or Venmo that protects both sides, or meet in person and accept cash.
If you have already deposited a fake cashier's check and sent money to the scammer, contact your bank and the police immediately. The bank may be able to reverse the wire transfer if you act quickly, though this is not always possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?
No. You need a bank account and funds in it to order a cashier's check. If you do not have a bank account, use a money order instead. You can buy one at a post office, grocery store, or pharmacy without an account.
What if I make a mistake on the payee name?
Contact your bank immediately and ask to cancel the check. Most banks will issue a replacement with the correct name at no extra charge if you catch the error right away. If the check has already been cashed, you cannot get it back.
How do I know if a cashier's check is real?
Real cashier's checks have security features like watermarks, special paper, and a bank routing number. If you are unsure, call the bank that issued it and give them the check number. Do not deposit it until you have verified it with the bank.
Can the recipient refuse a cashier's check?
Yes. A cashier's check is not legal tender in the same way cash is. If someone refuses it, you can offer a different payment method or ask why they do not want it. Most businesses and individuals accept cashier's checks without issue.
Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?
They are safe in different ways. A cashier's check can be stopped if lost, but a wire transfer cannot be reversed once sent. For large amounts, ask the recipient which method they prefer. Wire transfers are faster but more final.