Yes, you can get a cashier's check from your savings account
A cashier's check is a check written by the bank itself, not by you. The bank guarantees the money is there because it pulls the funds from your account at the moment you request it. You can order one from a savings account just as easily as from a checking account — the bank doesn't care which account the money comes from.
The process is straightforward: you go to your bank (in person or sometimes online), tell them the amount and who the check should be made out to, and they print it. The bank then deducts that amount from your savings account. You walk out with a check that the recipient can deposit or cash with confidence, because it has the bank's name and may provide on it.
Key Takeaways
- Cashier's checks drawn from savings accounts work exactly the same way as those drawn from checking accounts — the bank pulls the funds from whichever account you specify.
- You must go to your bank in person or use their online banking system to request a cashier's check; you cannot write one yourself.
- The bank charges a fee for this service, usually between $5 and $15, though some banks waive it for certain account types.
- The check is ready when ready if you go in person, or within one to two business days if you order online.
- Cashier's checks are useful when the recipient needs proof the money is real — for large purchases, security deposits, or situations where a personal check might not be trusted.
Why someone might want a cashier's check instead of a personal check
A personal check is a promise from you to pay. A cashier's check is a promise from the bank. That difference matters when you are sending money to someone who does not know you or when the amount is large enough that the recipient wants certainty.
A landlord asking for a security deposit, a car seller, a closing attorney handling a real estate purchase — these people often ask for a cashier's check because they know the money is already set aside and cannot bounce. If you send a personal check and your account does not have enough money when they try to deposit it, the check fails. A cashier's check cannot fail that way.
How to order a cashier's check from your savings account
The easiest route is to visit your bank branch in person. Bring your ID and tell the teller you need a cashier's check. They will ask you for the amount, the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and which of your accounts to draw the money from. You specify your savings account. They print it on the spot, you pay the fee, and you leave with the check.
Many banks also let you order cashier's checks through their online banking system or mobile app. You log in, find the option to request a cashier's check, fill in the same information, and the bank mails it to you or holds it for pickup. This usually takes one to two business days. Some banks charge the same fee; others charge slightly more for mail delivery.
A few banks will issue a cashier's check over the phone, but this is less common. Call your bank's customer service line and ask whether they offer this option.
What the bank needs from you
The bank needs to know four things: the amount of the check, who it should be made out to, which account to pull the money from (your savings account), and proof of your identity. Bring your driver's license or state ID. If you are ordering online, you will log in with your username and password, which serves as your identification.
The recipient's name must be spelled correctly on the check. If you are unsure how to spell a business name or if someone goes by a nickname, ask them before you order. A check made out to "Jon Smith" cannot be deposited by "John Smith" without extra steps.
Fees and timing
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain balance or have a premium account type. Ask your bank what they charge before you order.
If you order in person at a branch, the check is ready when ready — you walk out with it the same day. If you order online or by phone, expect one to two business days. If you need the check urgently and your bank does not have a branch near you, going in person is your fastest option.
What happens after you get the check
Once you have the cashier's check, treat it like cash. If you lose it, the bank can issue a replacement, but the process takes time and may require you to sign an affidavit swearing the original is lost. Do not sign the back of the check until the person who is receiving it is ready to deposit or cash it.
The recipient deposits or cashes it at their own bank. Because it is a bank check, not a personal check, most banks process it the same day or next business day. The money appears in their account quickly, which is why recipients prefer cashier's checks for large or important transactions.
Alternatives if you cannot get to a branch
If your bank does not have a branch nearby or you cannot visit in person, ordering online through your bank's website or app is the next best option. The check arrives by mail in one to two business days.
If you need the money to reach someone faster, ask whether they will accept a bank transfer or wire transfer instead. These move money directly from your account to theirs in hours, not days, and do not require a physical check. Your bank can walk you through how to set this up.
If the recipient absolutely needs a cashier's check and you cannot get one, some banks will issue a certified check instead. This is a personal check from your account that the bank has stamped and verified as good. It is not quite as strong a may provide as a cashier's check, but it is close, and some recipients will accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have enough money in my savings account?
No. The bank will only issue a cashier's check if the full amount is in your account at the time you request it. If you do not have enough, you can transfer money from another account first, wait for a deposit to clear, or ask the bank about a different payment method.
What if I make a mistake on the cashier's check?
Once the bank prints a cashier's check, it cannot be changed. If you notice an error before you hand it over, go back to the bank and explain the problem. They may be able to void it and issue a new one, though they might charge you another fee. If the recipient has already received it, contact them and ask them to return it so you can get a corrected version.
Do I need a checking account to get a cashier's check?
No. You can order a cashier's check from a savings account, money market account, or any account that holds your money. The bank does not care which account you draw from — they just need to know you have the funds available.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear once someone deposits it?
Most banks process a cashier's check the same day or next business day because it is a bank check, not a personal check. The recipient's bank may hold it for a day or two if they are being cautious, but it usually clears faster than a personal check would.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I have ordered it?
If you have not given the check to anyone yet, go back to the bank and ask them to void it. They will refund your fee and return the funds to your account. If the check has already been cashed or deposited, you cannot cancel it — the money is gone.