Bank of America issues cashier's checks in person at any branch, by phone, or online through their bill pay service

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours, which makes it as good as cash to the person receiving it. Bank of America will issue one for a fee (currently $10 for most customers, though this varies by account type and region). You need an active Bank of America account and funds available to cover the amount. The check is ready the same day you request it if you go to a branch in person, or within one to two business days if you order by phone or online.

The fastest route is walking into your local Bank of America branch with your ID and the payee information. If you cannot get to a branch, you can call 1-800-432-1000 and request one over the phone, or use the online bill pay feature if your account has it set up. Each method has different timing and requirements, which matter depending on when you need the check.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person requests at a Bank of America branch are issued the same day and require only your ID and the payee's name and address.
  • Phone requests through 1-800-432-1000 take one to two business days and require you to verify your account information.
  • Online bill pay can generate a cashier's check if your account has that feature enabled, though availability varies by account type.
  • The current fee is $10 per check for most accounts, and the funds are deducted from your account when ready when the check is issued.
  • You cannot request a cashier's check made out to yourself; the payee must be a third party or business.

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

Go to any Bank of America branch during business hours with your government-issued ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. Have ready the full name and mailing address of the person or business the check should be made out to, and the dollar amount. The teller will confirm the fee ($10 in most cases), deduct it from your account, and issue the check on the spot. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes.

If you do not know the exact payee name or address, ask the person or business you are paying before you go to the branch. Cashier's checks cannot be issued to "Cash" or to yourself, and the name must match exactly how the recipient's bank records show it. If you get the name wrong, the check may be rejected when the recipient tries to deposit it, and you will have to pay another $10 fee for a replacement.

Ordering a cashier's check by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you need a cashier's check. They will ask you to verify your account information (usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number or the phone number on file). Provide the payee's full name and mailing address and the amount. The representative will confirm the $10 fee and process the request.

The check will be mailed to the address on your account within one to two business days. If you need it faster, ask the representative whether your branch can hold it for pickup instead—some branches will do this, though it depends on the location. You will still pay the $10 fee either way. If you choose pickup, go to the branch with your ID within a few days of the call.

Using online bill pay to request a cashier's check

Log into your Bank of America online account and look for the bill pay section. Not all account types have the option to request a cashier's check through bill pay, so check whether it appears as an option in your account. If it does, select "Request Cashier's Check" or similar wording, enter the payee information and amount, and submit. The system will show you the $10 fee before you confirm.

The check will be mailed to your address on file within one to two business days. This method is slower than going to a branch but faster than calling if you need the check in a few days rather than the same day. If your account does not show this option, it means your account type does not support online cashier's check requests—use the phone or branch method instead.

What happens after you request the check

The $10 fee is deducted from your account when ready when the check is issued or requested. The funds for the check amount itself are also held or deducted at that time, so make sure you have the full amount plus the fee available in your account. If you request the check and then cancel it before it is issued, you may be able to get the fee refunded, but this depends on how far along the process is. Call your branch or customer service to ask about cancellation if you change your mind.

Once the check is in your hands, it is valid for six months from the date it was issued. After six months, the recipient's bank may refuse to deposit it. If the check is lost or stolen, contact Bank of America when ready and ask about a stop payment or replacement. You will likely have to pay another $10 fee for a replacement check.

Fees and account variations

The standard fee for a Bank of America cashier's check is $10, but some account types may have different fees or may waive the fee entirely. Premium accounts like Bank of America Preferred Rewards or certain business accounts sometimes include cashier's checks at no cost. Check your account terms or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm what you will be charged.

If you are a Bank of America customer outside the United States, cashier's check availability and fees may differ. International customers should contact their local branch or the international customer service line for details.

Alternatives if you cannot get to a branch

If you do not have a Bank of America account or cannot reach a branch, you can get a cashier's check from most other banks where you have an account. Credit unions also issue cashier's checks, often for a lower fee ($5 to $8). If you need the check the same day and cannot go in person, some banks offer mobile deposit or digital payment options that may work instead—ask the person or business you are paying whether they accept payment through Zelle, ACH transfer, or wire transfer before you pay for a cashier's check.

Another option is to use a money order from a post office or retail location like Walmart or CVS if the amount is under their limit (usually $1,000). Money orders cost less than cashier's checks but are not quite as find, since they can be cashed by anyone who has them. For large amounts or high-security situations, a cashier's check remains the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check made out to myself?

No. Bank of America will not issue a cashier's check payable to you. Cashier's checks are meant to be paid to a third party or business. If you need your own funds in a different form, ask your teller about a bank draft or straightforward withdraw cash instead.

What if I do not know the exact spelling of the payee's name?

Ask the person or business you are paying to confirm the exact spelling and their mailing address before you go to the branch or call. If the name on the check does not match their bank records exactly, the check may be rejected when they try to deposit it, and you will have to pay another $10 fee for a replacement.

How long is a cashier's check valid?

A cashier's check is valid for six months from the date it was issued. After six months, the recipient's bank may refuse to deposit it. If your check is older than six months, contact Bank of America about getting a replacement.

What if my cashier's check is lost or stolen?

Call Bank of America when ready and report it. You can request a stop payment on the original check and order a replacement, though you will likely pay another $10 fee. The bank will ask for the check number, amount, and payee name to process the stop payment.

Can I order a cashier's check for someone else?

No. You must be the account holder and present your ID to request a cashier's check. If someone else needs a cashier's check, they must go to the bank themselves or have their own account and request it.