Bank of America offers cashier's checks at any branch, and the process takes about 10 minutes if you have an account there

You can walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the payment amount, and a teller will issue a cashier's check on the spot. If you have a Bank of America account, the bank deducts the funds immediately and charges a fee — typically $10, though this varies by account type and branch location. If you don't have an account, Bank of America will still issue one, but the fee may be higher and you'll need to bring a government-issued ID plus the exact cash or a debit card to cover the amount.

The check itself is drawn on Bank of America's own account, not yours, which is why the recipient treats it as may provide funds. Bank of America holds your money the moment you request the check, so there's no risk of it bouncing. The teller will give you a receipt showing the check number, amount, and payee — keep this in case you need to stop payment or trace the check later.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges a fee (usually around $10) to issue a cashier's check, and the amount varies by account type and location.
  • You can get a cashier's check same-day at any Bank of America branch if you have an account or bring cash and a government ID.
  • The bank deducts funds from your account immediately when you request the check, so the money is no longer available to you.
  • Keep your receipt showing the check number and amount in case you need to stop payment or verify the check was received.

What you need to bring to a Bank of America branch

If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, bring your debit card or ID and know the exact amount you need. The teller will pull up your account, confirm you have sufficient funds, and issue the check. You don't need to bring anything else — the bank already has your information on file.

If you don't have a Bank of America account, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and either cash or a debit card to cover the amount plus the fee. Some branches may ask for additional identification or may not issue checks to non-customers, so calling ahead is worth the time. Ask specifically whether they issue cashier's checks to non-account holders and what their fee is.

How the fee works and what affects the cost

Bank of America's standard cashier's check fee is around $10, but the exact amount depends on your account type and the branch. Premium accounts (like Preferred Rewards) may have the fee waived entirely. Some branches charge slightly different amounts, so if you're concerned about cost, call your local branch before you go.

The fee is separate from the amount you're paying — if you need a $5,000 check, you'll pay $5,000 plus the fee. For account holders, the fee comes out of your account balance. For non-account holders paying in cash, you'll need to bring the full amount plus the fee in cash or on a debit card.

Getting a cashier's check without visiting a branch

Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks online or by mail. You must go to a physical branch. However, if you have a Bank of America account and cannot visit in person, you can call your branch and ask whether they can mail one to you — some branches will do this, but it's not a standard service and takes several business days.

If you need a cashier's check urgently and cannot reach a branch, consider using a money order from a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office instead. A money order is not the same as a cashier's check (it's not drawn on a bank account), but many recipients accept it for smaller amounts. For large payments or situations where the recipient specifically requires a cashier's check, you'll need to visit the branch in person.

Stopping payment or replacing a lost check

If you issued a cashier's check and need to stop payment, contact your Bank of America branch or call the customer service number on your account statement. You'll need the check number, amount, and payee name. Bank of America can stop payment on a cashier's check, but the process takes time and may require a written request. There is usually a fee for stopping payment, similar to the fee for issuing the check.

If your cashier's check is lost or stolen, report it to Bank of America immediately with your receipt. The bank can place a stop on it and issue a replacement, though this process typically takes 30 to 90 days. During that time, the original check remains valid if someone else finds it and cashes it, which is why reporting it quickly matters. Keep your receipt in a safe place so you have proof of the check number and amount.

Cashier's check vs. other payment methods at Bank of America

A cashier's check is may provide by the bank itself, so recipients see it as safe money. A personal check is only as good as your account balance, and it can bounce. A money order is similar to a cashier's check but is issued by the post office or a retailer, not a bank, and has lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000 per check). A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another and is faster but costs more and requires the recipient's banking details.

For large payments, formal transactions, or situations where the recipient won't accept personal checks, a cashier's check is the standard choice. For everyday payments to people you know, a personal check or ACH transfer (if available through your account) is usually cheaper. If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, a money order or prepaid card may work better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Bank of America cashier's check if I don't have an account?

Yes, but you'll need a government-issued photo ID and cash or a debit card to cover the amount plus the fee. Some branches may decline to issue checks to non-account holders, so call ahead. The fee for non-customers is often higher than for account holders.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check at Bank of America?

If you visit a branch in person with an account, it takes about 10 minutes. The teller verifies your funds, prints the check, and hands it to you. If you call and ask for one to be mailed, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days.

What if the recipient says they didn't receive my cashier's check?

Contact your Bank of America branch with your receipt showing the check number and amount. The bank can research whether the check was cashed and by whom. If it was never cashed, you can request a stop payment and a replacement, though this process takes time.

Is there a limit on how much a Bank of America cashier's check can be for?

Bank of America does not publish a specific limit, but most branches will issue checks for any amount you have in your account. For very large amounts (over $10,000), the bank may require additional verification or may ask you to call ahead. Contact your branch to confirm they can handle the amount you need.

Can I request a cashier's check over the phone?

No, Bank of America requires you to visit a branch in person or, in some cases, mail a request to your branch. You cannot order one online or over the phone. If you cannot visit in person, call your branch and ask whether they can mail one to you, though this is not may provide and takes longer.