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 large transactions—the recipient knows it will not bounce.

You need a cashier's check when someone will not take a personal check or when the amount is large enough that the recipient wants certainty. Common reasons include down payments on a house, security deposits, closing costs, or payment to a government agency. Some landlords and car dealers require them. A personal check carries the risk that your account lacks funds; a cashier's check removes that risk entirely.

Bank of America issues cashier's checks the same day you request one, provided you have an account with them and sufficient funds. The process takes minutes in a branch, though you can also order them by phone or online depending on your account type.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America cashier's checks cost between $10 and $15 per check, depending on your account type and whether you order in branch or remotely.
  • You can obtain a cashier's check in person at any Bank of America branch with your ID and account information, or by phone if you are an existing customer.
  • The bank will debit your account when ready when the check is issued, so you must have the full amount available in your account.
  • Cashier's checks do not require the recipient to have a bank account, and they clear within one to three business days at most institutions.

Getting a cashier's check in a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. They will ask you for the name of the payee (the person or business the check is made out to), the amount, and the date you want it issued. You can request it for today or a future date.

The teller will verify you have sufficient funds in your account and will when ready debit that amount. They will then issue the check, which you can use right away. The whole transaction takes about five minutes. If you are not sure of the exact amount, ask the payee first—cashier's checks cannot be altered once issued, so the amount must be exact.

If your branch is busy, you may wait longer, but the actual issuance is fast. Some branches have longer hours on certain days, so check the Bank of America website for your nearest location's schedule if you need to go outside normal business hours.

Ordering a cashier's check by phone or online

Bank of America customers can order cashier's checks over the phone by calling the number on the back of their debit card or by logging into their online banking portal. The process is the same: you provide the payee name, amount, and desired date. The bank will debit your account and mail the check to your address on file, or in some cases hold it for pickup at a branch.

Phone orders typically take one to two business days to process. Online orders through the banking portal may have similar timelines, though this varies. If you need the check urgently, a branch visit is faster because you walk out with it when ready. Ask the representative whether the check will be mailed or available for pickup when you place the order.

You will need to provide your account number and verify your identity with security questions or a PIN. If you have not used this service before, the bank may require you to visit a branch in person the first time.

Cost and account requirements

Bank of America charges between $10 and $15 per cashier's check. The exact fee depends on your account type—some premium accounts include a certain number of free cashier's checks per month, while others charge the full fee. Checking accounts with direct deposit or higher balances sometimes may have access to for fee waivers. Ask your teller or check your account agreement to see what applies to you.

You must be a Bank of America customer with an active checking or savings account. You cannot order a cashier's check if you do not have an account with them. The bank will not issue a check on behalf of someone who is not a customer, even if that person provides the funds.

What information you need to provide

Have the following ready before you go to the branch or call: the exact name of the payee (spelled correctly—this matters), the amount in dollars and cents, and the date you want the check issued. If the payee is a business, use the legal business name, not a nickname. If it is a person, include their full name as they would write it on a check.

You will also need your ID and your Bank of America account number or debit card. If you are ordering by phone, have your account number and a form of identification ready to answer security questions. Do not guess at the payee name or amount—call ahead if you are unsure, because the check cannot be changed once issued.

How long a cashier's check takes to clear

A Bank of America cashier's check clears within one to three business days at most banks. Some institutions clear them the same day, especially if the recipient banks at Bank of America. The recipient's bank determines the clearing time, not Bank of America, so there is some variation.

The funds are deducted from your account when ready when the check is issued, not when it clears. This means the money is gone from your balance right away, even though the recipient may not see it for a few days. This is why you must have the full amount available when you request the check.

What to do if you lose or need to cancel a cashier's check

If you lose a cashier's check or need to cancel it, contact Bank of America when ready. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which costs around $30 to $35. You will need to provide the check number, amount, payee name, and the date it was issued.

The bank will hold the stop payment for a set period, usually six months. If the check is not presented for payment during that time, the bank will return the funds to your account. If someone does try to cash it, the stop payment will prevent it. Keep your receipt from the cashier's check transaction so you have the check number if you need to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without going to a branch?

Yes, you can order by phone or through online banking if you are an existing Bank of America customer. However, the check will be mailed to you or held for pickup, which takes one to two business days. If you need it when ready, you must visit a branch in person.

What if I do not know the exact amount the payee needs?

Call or email the payee and ask for the exact dollar amount before you go to the bank. Cashier's checks cannot be changed once issued, so the amount must be precise. If the payee gives you a range, ask them to confirm the final number.

Can someone else pick up my cashier's check?

Bank of America typically requires the person whose name is on the account to pick up the check in person, though policies vary by branch. Call ahead and ask whether you can authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf, or whether you must be present.

Do I need the recipient's bank account information?

No. A cashier's check only requires the payee's name. The recipient does not need to have a bank account—they can deposit it at their own bank or cash it at a check-cashing service. This is one reason cashier's checks are useful for large transactions.

What if the bank made an error on the cashier's check?

Contact Bank of America when ready if the check has the wrong amount, payee name, or date. Do not try to use it. The bank can issue a replacement and place a stop payment on the incorrect one. Bring your receipt and explain the error to a teller or call customer service.