Yes, you can order a cashier's check drawn from your savings account
A cashier's check is a check issued by the bank itself, not by you. The bank pulls the money from your account, guarantees the funds are there, and signs the check in its own name. Most banks will issue one from a savings account the same way they would from a checking account — the account type does not matter, only that you have the funds available.
You walk into a branch, give the teller the payee name and amount, and the bank prints and signs the check on the spot. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks also issue them by phone or online, though in-person remains the standard.
Because the bank itself guarantees the money, cashier's checks carry far less fraud risk than personal checks. That is why they are required for large purchases like down payments, security deposits, or closing costs — the recipient knows the funds are real and already set aside.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a cashier's check from a savings account at any bank branch where you hold the account.
- The bank will deduct the check amount plus any fee (typically $5 to $15) from your savings balance immediately.
- Most banks issue cashier's checks in person within minutes, though some offer phone or online ordering with pickup or mail delivery.
- The payee name must be exact — you cannot leave it blank or change it after the bank issues the check.
- Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may refuse to honor very old ones (typically older than six months to a year).
What happens to your savings account when you order one
The bank deducts the full check amount from your savings account balance the moment it issues the check. If you request a $5,000 cashier's check and your savings balance is $6,000, your account drops to $1,000 immediately — the bank does not wait for the check to clear or be deposited elsewhere.
You will also pay a fee, which varies by bank. Most charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account type. Ask your bank what it charges before you request one.
If your savings account does not have enough money to cover both the check amount and the fee, the bank will refuse to issue it. You cannot overdraft a cashier's check order the way you might overdraft a debit card purchase at some banks.
Where to order a cashier's check and how long it takes
The fastest way is to visit a branch in person. Bring your ID, your account number or debit card, and the exact name of the payee. Tell the teller the amount and who the check should be made out to. The teller will confirm your account has the funds, print the check, and have you sign it or verify your signature. You walk out with the check in hand, usually within 10 to 15 minutes.
Some banks allow you to order cashier's checks by phone. Call the number on the back of your debit card or your account statement. The bank will verify your identity, confirm the payee name and amount, and either mail the check to you or have you pick it up at a branch. Mail delivery typically takes three to five business days.
A few banks offer online ordering through their website or mobile app. You enter the payee name, amount, and delivery method. The bank may mail it to you, let you pick it up at a branch, or in rare cases issue it instantly for pickup. Check your bank's website to see whether this option is available.
Getting a cashier's check if you do not have a branch nearby
If your bank has no branches near you — common with online-only banks — you have limited options. Some online banks partner with other banks' branch networks and can issue cashier's checks through those locations. Call your bank's customer service line and ask whether they offer this service and which branches participate.
If your bank cannot issue a cashier's check through another network, you can transfer money to a traditional bank that has branches, then order the check from there. This takes an extra day or two because the transfer itself takes time. A wire transfer is faster than an ACH transfer, but it costs more — typically $15 to $30 instead of free.
Another option is to ask the recipient whether they will accept a different form of may provide payment. A bank money order, available at most banks and many retailers, works similarly to a cashier's check but costs less (usually $1 to $5). Some recipients will also accept a wire transfer directly to their account, which eliminates the need for a physical check altogether.
What to do if you need to cancel or replace a cashier's check
If you lose a cashier's check or decide you no longer need it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone from cashing it. You will usually pay a stop payment fee of $15 to $30.
If the check was lost or stolen, the bank may require you to sign an indemnity agreement — a legal document stating that you will repay the bank if someone else cashes the check. This protects the bank if the original check surfaces later. Once the bank is satisfied that enough time has passed and the check will not be cashed, it will refund the check amount to your account.
If you made an error on the check — wrote the wrong payee name or amount — you cannot fix it. The bank will not alter a check it has already issued. You must cancel it, pay the stop payment fee, and order a new one with the correct information.
Cashier's checks versus other ways to send may provide money
A bank money order is similar to a cashier's check but smaller in scale. Banks and retailers issue them for amounts up to $1,000 or sometimes $2,500. They cost less (usually $1 to $5) and are faster to obtain, but some recipients do not accept them for large transactions like real estate closings. Money orders are drawn on the issuer's account, just like cashier's checks, so the funds are may provide.
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to the recipient's account. It is faster than a check (usually same-day or next-day) and carries no fraud risk because no physical check exists. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 and require the recipient's bank account number and routing number. Once sent, a wire cannot be reversed, so you must be certain of the recipient's details.
A certified check is a personal check that your bank certifies — it stamps the check and sets aside the funds to may provide they are there. Certified checks cost less than cashier's checks (often $5 to $10) but take longer to obtain because the bank must verify your signature and account. Some recipients do not accept them because they carry slightly more fraud risk than cashier's checks.
| Payment Method | Cost | Time to Obtain | Fraud Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier's Check | $5–$15 | 10–15 minutes (in person) | Very low | Large purchases, real estate, security deposits |
| Bank Money Order | $1–$5 | 5–10 minutes | Very low | Smaller amounts, rent, bills |
| Wire Transfer | $15–$30 | Same-day or next-day | Very low (no physical check) | Fast transfers, direct account-to-account |
| Certified Check | $5–$10 | 1–2 business days | Low | When cashier's check is not required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check for less than $100?
Yes. Banks issue cashier's checks for any amount, from $1 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, for small amounts under $500, a bank money order is usually cheaper and faster. Ask your bank whether it charges the same fee for small checks or offers a lower rate.
What if the payee name is a business or has special characters?
Spell the payee name exactly as they want it to appear. If it is a business, use the legal business name, not a nickname. If the name includes special characters or punctuation, tell the teller and they will print it correctly. The check must match the name on the recipient's account or ID, or they may not be able to deposit it.
Do I need to be present to order a cashier's check?
For in-person ordering, yes — you need to show ID and verify you own the account. For phone or online ordering, the bank will verify your identity through security questions or other methods. You do not need to be physically present, but you do need to prove you are the account holder.
How long is a cashier's check good for?
Cashier's checks do not expire legally, but banks may refuse to honor very old ones — typically those older than six months to a year. If your check is more than a year old and the recipient cannot deposit it, contact your bank and ask for a replacement. The bank will usually issue a new one at no charge if the original has not been cashed.
Can someone else cash a cashier's check made out to me?
No. A cashier's check made out to a specific person can only be cashed or deposited by that person or someone they authorize in writing. The recipient must endorse the back of the check (sign it) and may need to show ID. You cannot simply hand a cashier's check to someone else and have them cash it.