How to Get a Cashier's Check

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own money rather than on your account, so it can't bounce. You get one from a bank or credit union where you have an account, usually for $8–$15. Credit unions often charge less, and premium checking accounts often get them free.

Checked September 23, 2026.

Step by step

1. Get the details. You'll need the payee's exact name and the exact amount. A cashier's check can't be changed once it's printed.
2. Make sure the money is in your account. The bank takes the amount and the fee out straight away.
3. Visit a branch with photo ID. Or order online if your bank allows it (see below).
4. Keep the receipt. You'll need it if the check is lost.

What major banks charge

Bank of America doesn't issue cashier's checks to non-customers. Wells Fargo limits online orders to $2,000 a check and $6,000 a month per customer.

If you don't have a bank account

Most big banks won't issue a cashier's check to non-customers. Your options are:

• Money orders, for amounts up to $1,000 each. See where to get a money order.
• Joining a credit union, which often takes a day and a small deposit.
• Asking whether the payee accepts a wire or another guaranteed payment.

Cashier's check or wire?

For amounts over $10,000, or for a house closing, a wire transfer is often easier. Title companies usually require one. A cashier's check suits a car purchase or a rental deposit, where you hand it over in person.

If it's lost

Tell your bank at once. Most banks require you to wait, often 90 days for checks over $1,000, before they'll reissue it, unless you buy an indemnity bond. For more, see how to stop payment on a check.

Cashier's check scams

A cashier's check you receive can still be fake. A common scam overpays you with a fake cashier's check and asks you to send back the difference. Your bank may make the money available before it discovers the check is fake, then take it back. Call the issuing bank using a number you looked up yourself before handing over anything.

FAQ

Is a cashier's check the same as a certified check? No. A certified check is your own check, which the bank guarantees by setting the money aside. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds. Most payees who ask for one will accept the other, but check first.

How fast does a cashier's check clear? The first $6,725 is generally available the next business day. See how long a check takes to clear.