What a cashier's check is and why you might need one

A cashier's check is a check that the bank itself writes and guarantees, rather than you writing it from your personal account. The bank takes the money from your account right away and prints a check in its own name, promising the recipient that the funds are real and will not bounce. Because the bank's reputation stands behind it, cashier's checks are accepted in situations where a personal check would not be — large real estate transactions, security deposits, court payments, and situations where the recipient needs absolute certainty the money exists.

Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any of its branches during business hours. You will need to bring your account information, a valid ID, and the exact amount you want the check for. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the bank charges a fee, which varies by your account type and location.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a cashier's check at any Bank of America branch by bringing your ID, account information, and the exact dollar amount you need.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for cashier's checks; the amount depends on your account type and may be waived if you have certain premium accounts.
  • The bank will deduct the full amount from your account when ready, so you need sufficient funds available before you request the check.
  • Cashier's checks typically arrive the same day, though some situations may require a one-business-day delay.
  • If you cannot visit a branch, you can request a cashier's check by phone or through online banking, though you will still need to pick it up in person or have it mailed.

Steps to request a cashier's check at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and tell a teller you need a cashier's check. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Bank of America debit card or account number. Tell the teller the exact dollar amount and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to.

The teller will confirm you have enough money in your account to cover the amount plus the fee. They will then deduct the full amount from your account and print the cashier's check. You will receive the check when ready, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the teller for a receipt showing the transaction.

What the fee costs and when it might be waived

Bank of America charges between $10 and $15 per cashier's check at most branches, though the exact amount can vary by location and account type. Some Bank of America accounts waive this fee entirely — typically premium checking accounts like Preferred Rewards or certain business accounts. Before you go to the branch, log into your Bank of America account online or call your branch to confirm whether your account includes fee waivers.

If you do not have an account that waives the fee, you will pay it at the time you request the check. The fee is deducted from your account along with the check amount.

Getting a cashier's check without visiting a branch

If you cannot visit a branch in person, you can request a cashier's check through Bank of America's online banking platform or by calling 1-800-432-1000. When you request it this way, you will still need to pick the check up at a branch or have the bank mail it to you. Mailing takes an additional 3 to 5 business days, so this option is slower if you need the check quickly.

To request online, log into your Bank of America account, navigate to the transfers or payments section, and look for the cashier's check option. You will enter the amount and the payee name. The bank will hold the funds in your account and notify you when the check is ready for pickup or mailing.

What information you need to provide

Before you go to the branch or make your request, gather the following: the exact dollar amount you need the check for (to the penny), the full legal name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and your Bank of America account number or debit card. If the check is for a business, ask whether they need the check made out to a specific department or contact person.

If you are unsure of the exact amount — for example, if a real estate closing might adjust the final number — ask the recipient whether you can get the check for a round amount slightly higher than the estimate. Some recipients will accept a cashier's check for more than the exact amount and refund the difference, though this is not may provide.

How long a cashier's check takes and when you will have it

If you request the check in person at a branch, you will have it the same day, usually within 15 minutes. If you request it online or by phone for branch pickup, the check is typically ready within one business day. If you ask for the check to be mailed, add 3 to 5 business days for delivery.

Plan ahead if you have a important date. If you need a cashier's check for a closing or payment due on a specific date, request it at least one business day before you need it. If your important date is tomorrow and you have not yet requested the check, visit a branch in person — that is the only way to get it the same day.

What happens if you lose or damage the cashier's check

If you lose a cashier's check or it is damaged before you can deposit it, contact Bank of America when ready. The bank can issue a replacement, but the process takes time — usually 30 to 90 days — because the bank must wait to confirm that the original check was never cashed. During this waiting period, your money is held by the bank and you cannot use it.

To avoid this situation, treat a cashier's check like cash. Do not leave it lying around, and deliver it to the recipient or deposit it as soon as possible. If you must mail it, use a tracked delivery method so you have proof it arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America only issues cashier's checks to its own account holders. If you do not have an account, you can open one at any branch — it takes about 10 minutes — and then request the check. You will need a government ID and an initial deposit.

What if I do not know the exact amount the check should be for?

Contact the recipient and ask for the exact figure to the penny. If the amount might change (for example, at a real estate closing), ask whether you can get a check for a slightly higher amount and receive a refund for the difference. Some recipients will do this; others will not.

Can Bank of America mail a cashier's check to someone other than me?

No. The bank will mail it to you or to the address on file for your account. You will then need to deliver it to the recipient yourself. Some recipients may accept a check mailed directly if you provide written authorization, but this is not standard practice.

Is there a limit to how much a cashier's check can be for?

Bank of America does not publish a public limit, but very large checks (typically over $100,000) may require additional verification or a longer processing time. Call your branch or your account representative if you need a check for a very large amount.

What if the recipient says they did not receive the cashier's check I mailed?

If you mailed it without tracking, contact Bank of America and the recipient when ready. The bank can place a stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement, but you will need to prove the first check was not cashed. Always use tracked mail for cashier's checks.