Bank of America offers cashier's checks at most branches, 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 request a cashier's check. If you have a checking or savings account with them, the teller will verify your identity, confirm you have funds available, and issue the check on the spot. The fee is typically $10, though this varies by account type and your relationship with the bank — some premium accounts waive it.

If you don't have a Bank of America account, you can still get a cashier's check there, but you'll need to bring cash or a debit card from another bank. The teller will take your payment, issue the check, and charge the fee. You won't need an appointment for most requests, but calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $10 for a cashier's check, though some account holders may have the fee waived depending on their account type.
  • You need a valid ID and the exact payee name and amount before you go to the branch — the teller cannot issue a check without these details.
  • The check is drawn on Bank of America's account, not yours, which is why the recipient trusts it more than a personal check.
  • If you need the check same-day, go to a branch during business hours; Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks by mail or online.
  • Bring proof of funds if you don't have a Bank of America account — cash, a debit card, or a statement showing the money is available.

What you need to bring to the branch

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will not issue a cashier's check without it, even if you have an account there.

You also need to know the exact name of the payee (the person or business receiving the money) and the amount. Write these down before you go, or tell the teller and they will fill in the check. Do not leave the payee line blank — a blank cashier's check is as risky as cash and cannot be replaced if it's lost or stolen.

If you don't have a Bank of America account, bring proof that you have the funds. Cash works. A debit card from another bank works. A recent bank statement showing the balance also works. The teller needs to see that the money exists before they hand over the check.

How the fee works and when it's waived

Bank of America charges $10 per cashier's check as a standard fee. However, some account types waive this fee. Preferred Rewards members at certain tiers, accounts with direct deposit set up, and some business accounts may not pay the fee — it depends on your specific account and your relationship with the bank.

The best way to know if your fee will be waived is to call your branch before you go or ask the teller when you arrive. If you're considering opening an account partly to avoid fees on cashier's checks, ask about this during the account-opening conversation. Some banks offer free cashier's checks as part of their account benefits, so it's worth comparing if you plan to use them regularly.

Why a Bank of America cashier's check is different from a personal check

A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, not your personal account. This means the recipient knows the money is may provide — Bank of America has already set aside the funds when the check is issued. A personal check is only as good as your account balance, so recipients often treat them with suspicion or hold them longer to clear.

This is why landlords, car sellers, and title companies often demand a cashier's check instead of a personal check. The recipient can deposit it with confidence that it will not bounce. The bank's name and routing number appear on the check, not yours, which is why it carries more weight.

What happens if you lose the check or need to cancel it

If you lose a cashier's check or need to cancel it, contact Bank of America immediately. You will need to provide the check number, the amount, the payee name, and the date it was issued. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it.

Bank of America typically charges a stop payment fee (usually around $30 to $35) and may require you to sign an affidavit stating the check was lost or not used. The process takes a few business days. Once the stop payment is in place and enough time has passed (usually 90 days), you can request a replacement check or a refund of the original amount.

This is why it's important to keep the receipt the teller gives you. Write down the check number and keep it in a safe place until the check has been deposited and cleared.

Alternatives if you need a cashier's check quickly

If your nearest Bank of America branch has long wait times or limited hours, you can visit any other Bank of America location — the process is the same at every branch. You do not need to go to the branch where your account is held.

If you need a cashier's check outside of business hours, Bank of America does not offer online or mobile options. You must go to a physical branch. If you're in a time crunch, call ahead to confirm the branch is open and has staff available, especially on weekends or holidays when hours are shorter.

Other banks and credit unions also issue cashier's checks, usually for a similar fee. If you have an account elsewhere or prefer to use a different institution, the process is nearly identical — bring your ID, know the payee and amount, and pay the fee.

Common reasons cashier's checks are rejected or delayed

A cashier's check can be rejected if the payee name is misspelled or incomplete. If you wrote "John Smith" but the check says "Jon Smith," the recipient may refuse it or ask you to get a replacement. Always confirm the exact legal name of the payee before the teller issues the check.

Some recipients hold cashier's checks longer than personal checks because they want to verify it's genuine. This is rare but can happen if the check is very large or if the recipient has had problems with fraudulent checks in the past. The hold is usually lifted within a few business days once the bank confirms the check is valid.

If the check is damaged, torn, or written on incorrectly, the recipient may reject it. If this happens, contact Bank of America and request a replacement. Bring the damaged check and your receipt, and the bank will issue a new one, usually without an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from Bank of America without an account?

Yes. Bring a valid ID, the exact payee name and amount, and proof of funds (cash, a debit card, or a bank statement). The teller will process it the same way as for account holders, and you'll pay the $10 fee.

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

Usually 10 to 15 minutes if the branch is not busy. The teller verifies your identity, confirms funds, and issues the check. During peak hours, you may wait longer, so arriving early in the day or mid-week can be faster.

Can I order a cashier's check online or by phone?

No. Bank of America requires you to visit a branch in person. You cannot order one online, by phone, or by mail. You must go to a physical location with your ID and payment method.

What if I made a mistake on the payee name?

Tell the teller before you leave the branch. They can void the check and issue a new one, usually without charging an additional fee. Once you leave, getting a replacement is more complicated and may cost extra.

Is a Bank of America cashier's check accepted everywhere?

Yes. Cashier's checks from any major bank, including Bank of America, are accepted by landlords, title companies, car dealers, and most businesses. Some very small businesses or individuals may be unfamiliar with them, but they are a standard form of payment.